Dr. Alexander Blandford, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults. He is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmologic care to individuals 65 years and older at his clinic in Vero Beach, FL. As a partner in their health journey, Dr. Blandford is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (772) 299-1404 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Blandford's practice is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique needs of seniors. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist with a focus in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery, having completed a rigorous fellowship at the renowned Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. His expertise extends beyond the latest techniques; his compassionate approach prioritizes patient comfort and collaboration. With over 10 years of dedicated experience in ophthalmologic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, completed an internship, and residency training in ophthalmology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of 65 years and older. Further specializing in his field, he pursued fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Blandford provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Alexander Blandford is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Blandford is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive ophthalmologic care with a compassionate and personalized touch. He expertly manages complex eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, collaborating seamlessly with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure the best possible vision and overall well-being. His approach prioritizes understanding your individual needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for optimal comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Alexander Blandford can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Managed Choice (Open Access) 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
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Alexander Blandford 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:
- Trichiasis: Trichiasis, a bothersome condition where eyelashes grow inward, can be effectively managed with simple procedures, improving comfort and preserving your vision.
- Eyelid Disorders: Whether it's a simple irritation or a more complex issue, eyelid disorders can impact vision and self-esteem; seeking professional help can lead to effective treatment and improved quality of life.
- Entropion: If you have entropion, your eyelid's edge turns inward, potentially scratching your cornea and causing discomfort; treatment can alleviate this irritation and protect your eye.
- Endophthalmitis: Endophthalmitis is a rare but severe infection within the eye that can lead to blindness if not treated promptly; treatment usually involves antibiotics or surgery, focusing on preserving vision and quality of life.
- Lagophthalmos: Lagophthalmos is a condition where your eyelids don't close completely, leaving your eyes dry and vulnerable, but treatments like lubricating eye drops or surgery can help keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.
- Pars Planitis: If you have pars planitis, an inflammation in the back of your eye, your doctor may recommend medication or other treatments to reduce inflammation and help you keep your sight sharp.
- Vitreous Hemorrhage: Experiencing blurry or diminished vision? A vitreous hemorrhage, or bleeding inside the eye, might be the cause, but with appropriate medical attention and sometimes simple treatment, your vision can often improve significantly.
- Herpetic Keratitis: Herpes simplex virus can sometimes cause herpetic keratitis, an infection of the cornea that affects vision. Fortunately, treatment with antiviral drugs and potentially corticosteroids can often control the infection and improve your vision, helping you stay independent.
- Blepharitis: If you have swollen, irritated eyelids, it might be blepharitis. This condition responds well to regular eyelid hygiene, and treatment can significantly reduce discomfort and improve your overall eye health.
- Photokeratitis: Photokeratitis, or 'welder's flash,' is a temporary eye condition from excessive UV light exposure, leading to symptoms like scratchy eyes and light sensitivity; it usually resolves on its own, but eye drops may offer comfort.
- Retinal Cysts: While retinal cysts are fairly common, it's important to have them checked by an ophthalmologist. They'll determine if any treatment is necessary to protect your sight and your ability to enjoy daily activities.
- Visual Field Defects: Don't let visual field defects limit your activities. With a thorough eye exam and appropriate management, whether it involves medication or assistive devices, we can help you regain confidence and maintain your quality of life.
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. Alexander Blandford offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Repair of Entropion or Ectropion: This procedure alleviates symptoms like dry eyes, corneal abrasion, and blurry vision caused by eyelid deformities, enhancing a senior's quality of life.
- Repair of Brow Ptosis and Blepharoptosis: Repair of brow ptosis and blepharoptosis helps lift sagging eyebrows and eyelids, improving vision and appearance for a more confident and comfortable life.
- Eye Surgery: For seniors experiencing vision problems, eye surgery offers a targeted treatment option, improving quality of life by restoring vision and independence.
- Blepharoplasty: Addressing eyelid issues through blepharoplasty is a key step in comprehensive eye care for seniors, reducing vision impairment and improving quality of life.
- Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery: Reconstructive eyelid surgery helps repair damaged or drooping eyelids, improving vision and appearance for seniors.
- Excision or Destruction of Lesion of Cornea: This procedure targets a corneal lesion, improving vision and reducing discomfort for seniors.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: This service ensures seniors with vision impairments receive properly fitted contact lenses, supporting their overall eye health and reducing discomfort.
- Paracentesis of Anterior Eye: For seniors experiencing eye pressure or fluid-related problems, a paracentesis, a minimally invasive procedure, assists doctors in reaching a correct diagnosis and determining the most effective treatment strategy.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal prevents potential vision loss and corneal damage in seniors by addressing the problem swiftly and effectively.
- Eyelid Surgery: Eyelid surgery can improve vision by correcting droopy eyelids that obstruct the field of vision.
- Dacryocystorhinostomy: Dacryocystorhinostomy is a treatment option for seniors who experience persistent tearing, eye infections, or pressure around the eyes due to a blocked tear duct.
- Pterygium Surgery: Pterygium surgery is a procedure that can improve the overall comfort and visual clarity of your eyes.
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. Alexander Blandford 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:
- A senior woman, previously bothered by irritated eyes, found relief from trichiasis. With the condition effectively managed, she could finally enjoy reading her favorite novels without discomfort.
- With improved eyelid management, a senior woman regained her confidence in looking at herself in the mirror, and could once again easily apply her makeup for her weekly bridge club meetings.
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
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Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. Alexander Blandford:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists (ODs) provide primary vision care, such as eye exams and prescribing glasses, but are not medical doctors and cannot 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. Blandford 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 with aging, but a sudden increase, especially with flashes of light, could signal a serious problem and requires immediate attention. Please call Dr. Blandford's office immediately if you experience this.
- 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. Blandford, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, and laser procedures and surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
- 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 that can be addressed. Dr. Alexander Blandford, an oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restoring full vision and improving appearance; this procedure is often covered by insurance.
- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition in older adults that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. There are two types: dry AMD, which is more common and progresses slowly, and wet AMD, which is less common but can cause rapid vision loss. While there's no cure for dry AMD, vitamins can help slow its progression. For wet AMD, injections directly into the eye are a highly effective treatment to preserve vision.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures today. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one, a quick outpatient procedure that can dramatically improve vision.
- What is dry eye, and how is it treated in seniors?
- Dry eye is a very common and uncomfortable condition for older adults, often caused by the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but Dr. Blandford can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
3500 US Highway 1
Vero Beach FL 32960
Phone: (772) 299-1404
Dr. Alexander Blandford, 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): 1699031948
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. Alexander Blandford 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.