Dr. Thomas Underhill, OD

Dr. Thomas Underhill, OD is a licensed Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Thomas OD is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. 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.

Dr. Thomas Underhill, OD is an optometrist in Fort Myers, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He understands the importance of preventative care and works closely with patients to develop personalized strategies to maintain optimal vision and well-being. Patients should call (239) 482-0355 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Thomas OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Eye Paresis: Eye paresis can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and treatment, often preventing the need for more extensive intervention later.
• Chalazion: Preventing a chalazion from becoming infected or causing vision problems starts with recognizing the symptoms—a small, firm lump on your eyelid—and seeking timely treatment.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition affecting people with diabetes, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Meibomitis: Meibomitis, an inflammation of the eyelid's oil glands, can significantly affect your eye health, making regular check-ups with your eye doctor essential for early intervention and preventing long-term vision problems.
• Conjunctival Disorders: Protecting your eyes from irritants and practicing good hygiene can significantly reduce your risk of developing conjunctival disorders, safeguarding your vision.
• Gonococcal Conjunctivitis: Gonococcal conjunctivitis, a bacterial infection, underscores the need for good hygiene practices to reduce your risk of developing this potentially blinding condition.
• Difficulty Seeing at Night: Struggling to see in low light conditions could be a warning sign that requires attention. Early detection through routine eye exams helps prevent serious vision issues.

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. Thomas OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Humphrey Visual Field Test for Glaucoma: Invest in your eye health by scheduling a Humphrey Visual Field Test; this simple test can be instrumental in the early detection of glaucoma, allowing for timely intervention and preventing blindness.
• Glaucoma Surgery (Co-management): Protecting your vision long-term: This service supports your glaucoma surgery, enabling closer monitoring and timely intervention to prevent vision loss and improve your eye health outcomes.
• Vision Therapy (Orthoptics Therapy): Vision therapy helps improve eye coordination and focusing skills, preventing future vision problems and maximizing your visual potential.
• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): A Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) test is a painless way to check how your brain responds to visual signals, helping detect problems early before they affect your sight.
• Eye Test: Schedule an eye test to ensure your vision is healthy and sharp, catching any issues like glaucoma or cataracts before they significantly impact your life.
• Eye Print Prosthetic Contact Lens Treatment: Enhance your vision and prevent future complications by utilizing an eye print prosthetic contact lens, a method that enables precise evaluation and customized care.
• Phakic Refractive Lens Implantation (Co-management): Enhance your quality of life with clearer vision; our co-management of phakic IOL implantation offers a safe and effective way to address refractive errors.

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. Thomas 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 attending regular eye exams and following a proactive eye health plan, a patient avoided potential complications from eye paresis, ensuring continued clear vision and quality of life.
• Recognizing a small, firm lump on her eyelid early, a patient sought prompt optometry care, preventing a chalazion from becoming infected and ensuring continued clear vision.

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. Thomas 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 contacts, and diagnoses and manages many eye conditions. They differ from ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors and eye surgeons.

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

Even if you see well, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial. These exams are vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, before symptoms appear. They're a key preventive measure for maintaining healthy vision long-term.

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 the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing us to spot potential problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal these early warning signs.

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of cataracts include blurry or dim vision, increased glare from lights, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Thomas can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure your eye health.

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 glaucoma early and prevent blindness.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Thomas OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is essential for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Thomas can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, beyond just artificial tears, 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. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to preserve sight.

5995 S Pointe Blvd Ste 111
Fort Myers FL 33919
Phone: (239) 482-0355

Dr. Thomas Underhill, 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): 1477079598

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. Thomas 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.