Dr. Terry Van Der Heyden, OD

Dr. Terry Van Der Heyden, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Naples, FL. As a valued partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Terry OD understands that your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health, providing preventive care, vision correction, early disease detection, personalized health plans, and coordinating screenings to ensure your best possible vision and overall wellness. He serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with you on your health journey.

Your optometrist is your trusted advisor for proactive eye health management. Dr. Terry Van Der Heyden, OD, an optometrist in Naples, FL, brings extensive experience and a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine to each patient interaction. He graduated from the University of Houston / College of Optometry in 1972, and has a proven track record of fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He understands the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proactively managing eye health throughout life. Please call (239) 261-5915 to confirm if Dr. Terry OD is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Terry OD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Terry OD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Terry OD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Terry OD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Protecting your eyes from Acanthamoeba keratitis involves careful contact lens care to prevent this potentially blinding infection, emphasizing early detection for better treatment outcomes.
• Optic Atrophy - Ophthalmoplegia - Ptosis - Deafness - Myopathy: A combination of symptoms like ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and hearing loss could indicate a serious underlying condition like optic atrophy. Early diagnosis through preventive eye care is vital to manage the condition effectively and improve quality of life.
• Macular Hole: While sometimes requiring surgery, a macular hole's impact can be minimized through proactive eye care and prompt treatment after early detection during routine eye exams.
• Eye Pain: Persistent eye pain shouldn't be dismissed. Addressing it promptly with a visit to your eye doctor helps ensure your eye health and prevent future problems.
• Stye: A stye is a painful infection of an eyelid gland, and catching it early with regular eye exams can help prevent it from spreading or causing more serious complications.
• Mucocutaneous and Ocular Herpes, Neonatal: Neonatal herpes, affecting the eyes and skin, highlights the importance of prenatal care and vigilant newborn monitoring to prevent serious complications.
• Cone Dystrophy: Because cone dystrophy is a hereditary condition that worsens over time, preventative care through consistent eye examinations is crucial for early identification and potential interventions to improve quality of life.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Terry OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Dry Macular Degeneration Management: Early detection and management of dry macular degeneration are key to slowing disease progression and maintaining your independence. Our program offers the support you need to protect your sight.
• Eye Test: An eye test is a proactive step to detect potential vision problems and eye diseases early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing vision loss.
• Implantable Contact Lens (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards lifelong clear vision by exploring implantable contact lenses, a procedure we co-manage to ensure optimal vision correction and early detection of potential complications.
• Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) (Co-management): To enhance the success of your ALK procedure and prevent potential complications, co-management offers comprehensive monitoring and support from your eye care professional.
• Hemodynamic Monitoring: Regular eye exams may include assessments of your eye's blood circulation, aiding in the early detection of diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
• Scleral Contact Lens Treatment: Protecting your vision starts with identifying and addressing underlying eye conditions; scleral lenses may provide a solution for better vision and comfort.
• Astigmatic Keratotomy (Co-management): Astigmatic keratotomy co-management helps ensure your vision correction surgery is successful and your eyes heal properly, preventing potential complications.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Optometry Services in Florida.

Dr. Terry OD is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By meticulously following the optometrist's guidance on contact lens hygiene, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing Acanthamoeba keratitis, ensuring continued clear vision and peace of mind.
• A family was relieved to learn that regular eye exams, recommended by an eye care professional, allowed for early detection of potential symptoms, empowering them to proactively manage the condition and maintain a positive quality of life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Optometric care with Dr. Terry OD:

What is an Optometrist, and how are they different from an Ophthalmologist?

An Optometrist (OD) is the primary eye care provider, performing comprehensive exams, prescribing eyewear, and managing many eye conditions. They differ from Ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors specializing in eye surgery.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

Even if your vision is good, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. These exams look beyond your eyesight, helping detect silent diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss if not caught early. It's a vital preventive measure.

Can an eye exam detect other health problems in my body?

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, and a dilated eye exam can reveal early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For issues like eye infections, corneal scratches, or foreign objects, an optometrist is the ideal first point of contact. We are equipped to diagnose and treat these urgent issues, often preventing a long and costly visit to the emergency room.

What is the role of an optometrist in managing cataract surgery?

Dr. Terry OD plays a crucial role in managing your cataract journey. We will diagnose the cataract, determine when surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Then, we'll provide all necessary post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

It is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Terry OD is essential to ensure they fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, preventing serious infections and vision loss.

I have diabetes. Why do I need a special dilated eye exam every year?

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This is a leading cause of blindness, but often has no symptoms in its early stages. An annual dilated exam allows Dr. Terry to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

My eyes often feel dry and gritty. What can I do?

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Terry can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, possibly including prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, to improve comfort and prevent damage, beyond just artificial tears.

4060 Tamiami Trl N Ste 4
Naples FL 34103
Phone: (239) 261-5915

Dr. Terry Van Der Heyden, OD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1932191756

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Optometry Services like Dr. Terry OD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your optometry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.