Dr. Timothy Underhill, OD

Dr. Timothy Underhill, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, Dr. Timothy 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Your eye health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being, and Dr. Timothy Underhill, OD is uniquely positioned to support you. He is an optometrist in Fort Myers, FL, having earned his medical degree from Southern College Of Optometry in 1982. Dr. Timothy OD's approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to providing personalized care, and while consultations are primarily offered in English, Dr. Timothy OD is dedicated to ensuring each patient receives the highest quality of care. To schedule an appointment, please call (239) 482-0355.

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

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Regular eye exams help detect and manage allergic conjunctivitis, reducing the risk of long-term eye problems like corneal damage.
• Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common vision problem that causes blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea, and early detection through regular eye exams can help ensure you receive the appropriate correction to prevent eye strain and headaches.
• Cataract: While cataracts are a natural part of aging, proactive eye care through regular exams helps us catch them early, potentially slowing progression and preserving your eyesight.
• Corneal Abrasion: Early detection of corneal abrasions is key to rapid healing and preventing serious complications like corneal ulcers; regular comprehensive eye exams are essential.
• Diabetic Eye Disease: Diabetic eye disease is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness, but regular eye exams can help detect and manage it early, preventing vision loss.
• 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.
• Dry Eyes: Managing dry eyes effectively minimizes irritation and protects your eyes from potential infections and vision impairment associated with chronic dryness.
• Eye Injuries: Many eye injuries can be avoided with proper safety precautions, but if one does occur, immediate medical attention is key to preventing further complications.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Preventing vision impairment starts with addressing eyelid inflammation early; timely treatment can help manage discomfort and reduce the risk of more serious eye issues.
• Foreign Body in Eye: Protecting your eyes from foreign bodies is crucial preventive care; immediate removal prevents potential scratches, infections, and lasting vision problems.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a gradual eye disease, often without early symptoms, highlighting the importance of preventative eye exams to detect and manage it before irreversible damage occurs.
• Presbyopia: Preventive eye care is essential for managing presbyopia, a gradual decline in near vision that occurs with age; early detection through regular exams allows for timely correction and reduces eye fatigue.

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

• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): For comprehensive eye care, a VEP test is a valuable tool that helps diagnose issues in the visual pathways of your brain, allowing for early treatment and prevention of vision loss.
• B-Scan Ultrasound: For comprehensive eye care, a B-Scan ultrasound helps create a detailed map of your eye's structures, assisting in the early detection and treatment of potentially blinding conditions.
• Implantable Contact Lens (Co-management): Protect your eyesight and improve your vision with implantable contact lenses; our co-management services ensure a smooth and safe procedure while monitoring your long-term eye health.
• Laser Eye Surgery (Co-management): Prioritize your eye health and the success of your laser eye surgery by utilizing co-management services, helping detect and manage potential problems early.
• Prism Lenses: As part of your comprehensive eye exam, prism lenses may be recommended to correct binocular vision problems, ensuring proper eye coordination and preventing future vision complications.
• Ultrasound, Eye: An ultrasound of your eye is a painless test that can help detect problems like tumors or detachments, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing vision loss.
• Ptosis (Eyelids) Surgery (Co-management): Proactively manage your eyelid surgery with our co-management services, ensuring optimal outcomes and a faster recovery.

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. Timothy 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 managed allergic conjunctivitis, significantly reducing the risk of future eye complications and enjoying clearer vision.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed potential astigmatism, ensuring clear vision and preventing future eye strain. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a sharper, more comfortable lifestyle.

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. Timothy 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 conditions. 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 every one to two years is crucial for most adults, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about vision; they're vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective.

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 identify potential problems 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 in the eye, 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. Timothy OD will diagnose your cataract, determine if surgery is necessary, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Following surgery, Dr. Timothy OD will provide all essential post-operative care and vision correction follow-up.

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. Timothy OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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 help preserve sight.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

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

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

Dr. Timothy 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): 1629074067

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. Timothy 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.