Dr. Valerie Croteau, OD

Dr. Valerie Croteau, OD is a optometrist practicing at her clinic in Lake Mary, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the crucial role of early disease detection and personalized health plans in maintaining optimal vision and overall wellness. 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. Valerie OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to providing personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. Dr. Valerie Croteau, OD is an optometrist in Lake Mary, FL, and patients should call (407) 333-5111 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Valerie OD offers consultations in French.

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

• Refractive Error: Untreated refractive errors can lead to eye strain and discomfort, impacting your quality of life; proactive care through routine eye exams helps prevent these issues.
• Scotoma: Preventive eye care is vital as scotomas, or areas of vision loss, may be early symptoms of conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration, highlighting the importance of routine checkups.
• Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy: While rare, APMPPE can lead to vision problems, emphasizing the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams as a preventative measure for identifying and addressing such conditions.
• Cytomegaloviral Retinitis: If you have a weakened immune system, you're at higher risk for cytomegalovirus retinitis, making regular eye check-ups essential for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe vision complications.
• Corneal Scar: Corneal scars, while sometimes unavoidable, often result from untreated eye conditions. Proactive eye care significantly reduces the risk of developing these vision-impairing marks.
• Retinal Degeneration: Regular eye check-ups are vital for preventing severe vision problems from retinal degeneration, as early diagnosis helps manage the condition and maintain as much sight as possible.
• Chorioretinitis: Protecting your vision from chorioretinitis involves proactive eye health checks, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.

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

• Laser Cataract Surgery (Co-management): Ensure the best possible results from your laser cataract surgery by choosing co-management, allowing for close monitoring and proactive care.
• Punctal Plug Insertion: If you suffer from dry eyes, punctal plug insertion might be a solution; it's a procedure that helps your eyes retain moisture, preventing discomfort and potential vision problems.
• Vitrectomy (Co-management): This collaborative approach to vitrectomy allows for early detection and management of potential issues, contributing to better visual recovery.
• Interpretation of Pharmacologic Stress Tests: This test helps your doctor detect medication-induced changes in your eye health, helping to prevent vision loss and maintain your eye's wellbeing.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses offer a comfortable and convenient way to correct your vision, improving your daily life and reducing eye strain.
• Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Don't wait for vision problems to emerge: seeking uveitis treatment addresses inflammation promptly, helping to prevent sight-threatening complications.
• Peripheral Angiograms: Take a proactive step towards preserving your eyesight with a peripheral angiogram—a valuable tool for detecting subtle changes in the blood vessels of your eyes, allowing for prompt management of potential vision-threatening conditions.

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. Valerie 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 potential refractive error concerns, ensuring continued comfort and clear vision for years to come. This proactive approach gave the patient peace of mind and confidence in their eye health.
• By attending regular eye exams, a patient detected potential vision issues early, reducing the risk of vision loss and gaining peace of mind about their eye health. This proactive approach allowed them to focus on enjoying their life without worry.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Valerie OD:

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

An optometrist (OD) is your primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and diagnose and manage 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 are vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for timely intervention and helps preserve your vision.

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 our doctors to identify potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Valerie OD 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.

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 us to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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

Yes, absolutely. For issues like eye infections, corneal scratches, or something in your 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 'low vision' and how can you help?

Low vision is vision impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Valerie OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help patients maintain independence.

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.

1070 Greenwood Blvd
Lake Mary FL 32746
Phone: (407) 333-5111

Dr. Valerie Croteau, 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): 1164771432

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. Valerie 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.