Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam, MD, Ophthalmology

Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam, MD

Ophthalmology in Port St. Joe, FL

(9 reviews)

Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in comprehensive eye care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Ophthalmologic care for individuals 65... Read More Below

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Professional Details

Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in comprehensive eye care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Ophthalmologic care for individuals 65 years and older. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care and adherence to regulations. General ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye care for seniors, expertly managing complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your best possible vision and overall health.

Dr. Zeglam is an ophthalmologist in Gainesville, FL, affiliated with UF Health Shands Hospital. He earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam provides consultations primarily in English. Prospective patients should call (352) 331-7811 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.

Dr. Zeglam is a dedicated partner in your senior's eye health journey, offering comprehensive ophthalmologic care. He expertly manages complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, prioritizing a collaborative approach with primary care physicians and specialists to ensure the best possible vision and overall well-being for each patient.

By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.

Also Accepts These Carriers

  • APCN Choice POS II
  • Aetna
  • AvMed
  • Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • BlueCard PPO
  • BlueCare HMO
  • BlueOptions
  • BlueSelect
  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Choice
  • Choice Care Network PPO
  • Choice Care PPO
  • Choice Large Group POS
  • Choice POS
  • Choice Plus POS
  • Choice Plus POS II
  • Cigna
  • Cigna PPO
  • Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
  • Florida Blue
  • HMO Premier HMO
  • HealthyBlue Advantage
  • Humana
  • Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
  • National POS
  • Navigate HMO
  • Navigate Plus POS
  • Nexus Open Access
  • Open Access Plus
  • Open Choice PPO
  • Options PPO
  • Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
  • Seamless HMO
  • Select HMO
  • SimplyBlue
  • Small Group Elect HMO
  • UnitedHealthCare
  • myBlue

Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:

  • Retinal Detachment and Retinal Tear: Imagine the back of your eye as a delicate wallpaper; a retinal tear or detachment is like that wallpaper peeling away, blurring your vision. Surgery can carefully reattach it, helping you maintain your independence.
  • Entropion: Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing your eyelashes to rub against your eye, which can be uncomfortable and lead to irritation.
  • Foreign Body in Eye: Don't rub your eye if something's in it! Seeing an eye doctor quickly will allow them to remove the foreign object, preserving your eye health and restoring clear vision.
  • Blocked Tear Duct: If your eyes are constantly watering, it could be from a blocked tear duct, a treatable condition that prevents proper tear drainage and can significantly affect your comfort.
  • Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): If you have diabetes, diabetic macular edema (DME) is a potential complication affecting the central part of your eye, blurring your vision; however, regular eye exams and treatments can help prevent vision loss and maintain your independence.
  • Conjunctival Hemorrhage: A conjunctival hemorrhage is a common, non-threatening condition where a blood vessel in the white part of your eye breaks, creating a bright red area. It usually resolves without medical intervention, allowing you to maintain your independence and enjoy your usual routine.
  • Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: As we age, some experience dry AMD, a condition affecting the macula (the central part of the retina) that can cause blurry or distorted vision; while there's no cure, regular eye exams and treatments can help manage it and preserve your sight as much as possible.
  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a condition where fluid leaks under the retina, causing blurry vision, usually affecting one eye, and often improving without treatment over time.
  • Contusion of the Eyeball: If someone experiences a blunt trauma to the eye, resulting in a contusion, it's important to seek immediate medical help to assess the extent of the damage and prevent potential vision loss.
  • Corneal Diseases: Corneal diseases, affecting the cornea's clarity, can cause significant vision problems, making everyday tasks challenging. Fortunately, a range of treatments, from eye drops to corneal transplants, can effectively manage these conditions and help you remain independent.
  • Lagophthalmos: Lagophthalmos means your eyes don't fully close, which can lead to dryness and damage. Thankfully, there are effective treatments available, ranging from regular moisturizing eye drops to eyelid surgery, to improve your eye health and vision.
  • Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis): A drooping eyelid, while sometimes a minor inconvenience, can significantly impact your vision and daily life; however, various treatments exist to lift the eyelid and restore your field of vision.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.

To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:

  • Iridectomy: To help maintain your eye health, your ophthalmologist may perform an iridectomy to improve the drainage of fluid in your eye, lowering pressure and protecting your vision.
  • Farnsworth Lantern Test: The Farnsworth Lantern Test helps your doctor assess your color vision, an important factor in driving safety and overall vision health as you age.
  • Vitreoretinal Surgery: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, vitreoreticular surgery can help remove scar tissue, repair retinal tears or detachments, and restore clearer vision for seniors experiencing vision loss.
  • Pterygium Surgery: As part of your eye care plan, pterygium surgery can correct vision problems caused by this common eye growth.
  • Vitreous Surgery: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, vitreous surgery can address issues like floaters or flashes, improving visual clarity and overall eye health for seniors.
  • Cataract Removal Surgery: Cataract surgery helps manage vision loss in seniors, enabling them to safely participate in activities and maintain independence.
  • Excision or Destruction of Lesion of Cornea: Removing a problematic area on the cornea helps maintain clear vision and prevent further complications.
  • Eyelid Surgery: Eyelid surgery can improve vision by correcting droopy eyelids that obstruct the field of vision.
  • Repair of Eye Laceration: This procedure is vital for treating injuries to the eye, improving visual acuity and quality of life after trauma.
  • Excision of Chalazion: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan for seniors, chalazion excision addresses a common eyelid problem, restoring clear vision and improving eyelid aesthetics.
  • Vision Screening: Vision screening helps ensure your glasses prescription is accurate, improving your comfort and quality of life, and catching potential problems early.
  • B-Scan Ultrasound: To ensure the best possible outcome for your eye surgery or treatment, a B-scan ultrasound may be used to thoroughly evaluate the structures inside your eye.

Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.

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

Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:

  • Following careful surgical repair of a retinal tear, a grandmother could once again enjoy vibrant colors in her beloved flower garden, a source of joy and connection for her and her family.
  • With the ophthalmologist's guidance, a senior was able to resume reading her favorite books without the constant irritation and discomfort caused by entropion. The family felt a sense of relief knowing their loved one could enjoy their hobbies again.

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

  • Primary Location:
    Practice
    3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
    Phone: (850) 229-5752
    View on Map
Education History
  • HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Board Certifications
  • American Board of Ophthalmology (Ophthalmology)

Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam:

What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is an MD or DO who specializes in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists (ODs) provide primary vision care, like eye exams and prescribing glasses, but are not medical doctors and do not perform surgery. Ophthalmologists and optometrists often work together to provide comprehensive eye care.
What are cataracts, and when should I have surgery?
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's natural lens, a common part of aging. They can cause blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night. Dr. Zeglam typically recommends surgery when cataracts begin to affect daily activities like driving, reading, or watching TV.
What are 'floaters,' and are they dangerous?
Floaters are small specks or clouds that move in your field of vision. A gradual increase in floaters is common as we age. However, a sudden increase, especially with flashes of light, could signal a serious issue and needs immediate attention; please call Dr. Zeglam's office right away.
What is dry eye, and how is it treated in seniors?
Dry eye is a very common and often uncomfortable condition in older adults, frequently caused by the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but for persistent cases, Dr. Zeglam can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for significant relief.
What is a vitrectomy?
A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. This allows Dr. Zeglam to treat serious retinal conditions like retinal detachments, macular holes, and severe diabetic retinopathy, aiming to save or improve vision.
My eyelids are drooping and making it hard to see. What can be done?
Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, are common in seniors. If the drooping interferes with your vision, it's a medical issue. Dr. Zeglam, an oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restore vision, and improve appearance. This procedure is often covered by insurance.
What is glaucoma, and how is it treated?
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. It can cause gradual peripheral vision loss without early symptoms, making regular eye exams critical. Treatment, managed by Dr. Zeglam, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, and laser procedures or surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one, a quick outpatient procedure that can dramatically restore clear vision.

6717 NW 11th Pl Ste A
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 331-7811

Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam, MD 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): 1518386762

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

The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Ophthalmologies like Dr. Ahmaida Zeglam are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.

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