Dr. Theodore Gillette, OD

Dr. Theodore Gillette, OD is an Optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Largo, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends beyond vision correction; he recognizes 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.

Dr. Theodore OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, understanding that maintaining optimal eye health is crucial at every life stage. He is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His approach emphasizes early detection and proactive strategies to prevent future eye problems, making your eye health a priority for him. To confirm if Dr. Theodore OD is currently accepting new patients, please call (727) 489-0500.

Dr. Theodore Gillette, OD is an optometrist in Largo, FL, and provides consultations primarily in English. He understands the importance of accessible and comprehensive care, making himself available to discuss your eye health needs. His commitment to preventive care sets him apart as a trusted partner in maintaining your vision and well-being.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Theodore 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. Theodore 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. Theodore 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:

• Macular Hole: Macular holes, small tears in the central part of your retina, can be detected early with regular eye checkups, helping to prevent irreversible vision damage.
• Hollenhorst Plaque: Regular comprehensive eye exams are important because they can detect Hollenhorst plaques, tiny cholesterol deposits that may indicate a higher risk of stroke or heart attack.
• Macular Dystrophy, Concentric Annular: Concentric annular macular dystrophy is a rare inherited eye condition that can affect your central vision, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to prevent vision loss.
• Misaligned Eyes: Addressing misaligned eyes early can prevent the development of double vision, eye strain, and other vision complications, emphasizing proactive eye care.
• Retinal Macoaneurysm: Early detection of a retinal macroaneurysm, a swollen blood vessel in the back of your eye, is key to preventing vision loss; regular eye exams are crucial for identifying this condition.
• Macular Corneal Dystrophy, Type I: Don't let macular corneal dystrophy type I, an inherited condition affecting the cornea, steal your sight. Preventative care, including routine eye exams, is key to early diagnosis and slowing its advancement.
• Visual Hallucinations: Protecting your eyesight involves being aware of unusual visual experiences like hallucinations. Regular check-ups with your eye doctor can aid in early diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious eye disease or vision impairment.

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. Theodore 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: Protect your eyesight and slow the progression of dry macular degeneration with our specialized program, offering tailored treatment and monitoring to optimize your visual health.
• Cornea Surgery (Co-management): Taking a proactive role in your eye care journey, cornea surgery co-management allows for careful monitoring and helps detect any problems early, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
• Macular Degeneration Genetic Testing: Take a proactive step towards protecting your vision by undergoing macular degeneration genetic testing, which identifies your risk for this leading cause of vision loss.
• Avastin® Injection (Co-management): Protecting your vision through timely intervention, co-management of Avastin® injections helps prevent serious complications and preserve your eyesight.
• Monovision: By exploring monovision, you're taking charge of your eye health, correcting your vision for near and far vision tasks, potentially preventing the need for bifocals or reading glasses.
• Cornea Transplant (Co-management): Protecting your investment in vision restoration, cornea co-management offers collaborative care to maximize the success of your corneal transplant.
• Orbit Evisceration (Co-management): Protecting your vision after complex eye surgery is crucial; co-management with your eye surgeon helps provide comprehensive care, facilitating a smoother recovery and preventing potential issues.

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. Theodore 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 scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified and managed the early signs of macular hole formation, preserving their valuable vision. This proactive approach gave the patient peace of mind and confidence in their future visual health.
• A patient, by scheduling regular eye exams, detected Hollenhorst plaques early, allowing for proactive management of potential cardiovascular risks and providing peace of mind. This early detection enabled personalized strategies to reduce the risk of future complications.

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. Theodore OD:

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

An optometrist (OD) is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages many eye diseases. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors specializing in eye surgery.

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

A comprehensive eye exam, even if you see well, is crucial for early detection of silent vision-threatening diseases. We recommend a comprehensive exam every one to two years for most adults as a preventative measure. These exams can identify potential problems like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy before they cause noticeable symptoms.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of systemic diseases. The eye is unique in offering direct visualization of blood vessels, allowing doctors to identify potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

Dr. Theodore OD will diagnose your cataract, determine when surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Following surgery, we will provide all essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

What is glaucoma and why is it called the 'silent thief of sight'?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. It's called the "silent thief" because it typically has no symptoms in its early stages, causing irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect it early and prevent blindness.

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

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, called diabetic retinopathy. This is a leading cause of blindness, but often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. An annual dilated eye exam allows Dr. Theodore 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 a very common condition. Dr. Theodore can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures to improve comfort and prevent damage.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to preserve sight.

11650 131st St
Largo FL 33774
Phone: (727) 489-0500

Dr. Theodore Gillette, 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): 1851392666

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. Theodore 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.