Dr. Amanda Matthews, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in compassionate, comprehensive eye care for older adults. She is dedicated to providing exceptional care for her patients at her clinic in Tallahassee, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She understands the unique needs of individuals 65 years and older, expertly managing complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. 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. Matthews is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, creating a supportive environment for patients and their families.
Dr. Amanda Matthews, MD is an ophthalmologist in Tallahassee, FL, affiliated with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. She is accepting new patients and has a deep understanding of senior eye health, having completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions. She completed an internship at Augusta University Medical College Of Georgia (graduated 2009), followed by residency training in Ophthalmologies at Wills Eye Institute (graduated 2012), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of individuals 65 years and older. Dr. Matthews is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. She is committed to providing the highest quality care, ensuring her patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Patients seeking her expertise can schedule an appointment by calling (850) 877-7337. Dr. Amanda Matthews provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Amanda Matthews is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Amanda Matthews is a compassionate ophthalmologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized eye care for seniors. She expertly manages complex eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, while fostering strong partnerships with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure the best possible vision and overall well-being for each patient. Dr. Matthews prioritizes understanding each senior's unique needs and goals, creating a supportive and collaborative environment where she acts as a trusted guide on their health journey.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Amanda Matthews can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueOptions
- Capital Health
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Florida Blue
- Full Medical CVS Limited
- 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
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Amanda Matthews 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:
- Xanthelasma of Eyelid: These yellowish bumps on your eyelids, called xanthelasma, are sometimes linked to high cholesterol, but they're usually harmless, and in some cases might be treated with simple measures to enhance your appearance.
- Conjunctiva Degeneration Deposit: A buildup of deposits on the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of your eye, may cause mild redness or irritation. Your ophthalmologist can assess the deposits and recommend the best course of action to maintain your comfort and vision.
- Pinguecula: A pinguecula is a yellowish, harmless bump that can develop on the white part of your eye, often due to sun exposure, and usually requires no treatment unless it becomes inflamed or bothersome.
- 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.
- Chorioretinal Scars: The formation of chorioretinal scars is often a consequence of previous eye disease; your doctor will primarily focus on managing any ongoing issues that could create additional scarring.
- Scleral Ectasia: A weakening and bulging of the eye's white part (sclera) is known as scleral ectasia, often impacting vision; fortunately, many people find relief and improved vision through treatments like customized contact lenses or surgical interventions.
- Trichiasis: Trichiasis, a bothersome condition where eyelashes grow inward, can be effectively managed with simple procedures, improving comfort and preserving your vision.
- Retinal Dystrophy: Retinal dystrophy affects the light-sensing part of the eye, causing blurry or distorted vision, night blindness, and eventually significant vision impairment. While there's no cure, managing the condition can slow progression and help you maintain your independence.
- Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Sudden vision loss, especially in one eye, may signal anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION). While there's no cure, medical care can help manage related health concerns which helps control the disease's progression and can preserve the remaining vision.
- Keratoconus: If you're experiencing increasingly blurry or distorted vision, it might be keratoconus, a condition affecting the cornea's shape. Fortunately, various treatment options, like special contact lenses or corneal transplants, can help maintain vision and quality of life.
- Drusen: The presence of drusen in your eye doesn't automatically mean you'll develop vision problems, but it's important to have your eyes checked regularly to catch any changes early.
- Eyelid Disorders: Problems with your eyelids, like swelling, drooping, or irritation, are common and treatable; managing these issues can improve your comfort and daily activities.
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. Amanda Matthews offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Conjunctivoplasty: Conjunctivoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps repair damage or deformities of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the inside of the eyelids and covering the sclera (white part of the eye).
- Farnsworth Lantern Test: This quick and simple test assists your eye doctor in evaluating your ability to distinguish colors, which is crucial for managing certain eye conditions.
- Repair of Eye Laceration: Repair of an eye laceration helps restore vision and protect the eye from further damage after an injury, ensuring your overall eye health.
- Excision of Chalazion: This simple surgical procedure helps remove a chalazion, a common eyelid issue in seniors, enhancing their overall quality of life and reducing inflammation.
- Cataract Removal Surgery: As part of a senior's comprehensive eye care plan, cataract surgery helps restore clear vision and alleviate the symptoms of blurry or clouded vision caused by cataracts.
- Tear Duct Surgery: Tear duct surgery can help prevent more serious complications associated with blocked tear ducts, such as infections or corneal damage, allowing seniors to maintain healthy eyes.
- Scleral Reinforcement Surgery: Scleral reinforcement surgery strengthens the weakened sclera (the white part of your eye), helping to manage conditions like severe myopia or previous eye injuries and improve vision.
- Cornea Surgery: For seniors with corneal diseases affecting their vision, cornea surgery offers a potential treatment option to improve sight and daily functioning.
- Vision Screening: A comprehensive vision screening provides a baseline for your eye health, enabling proactive management and preventing future vision complications.
- Iridotomy: As part of your eye care plan, an iridotomy might be recommended to treat a narrow angle in your eye which could otherwise lead to glaucoma and vision problems.
- Removal of Intraocular Foreign Body: Removing a foreign object from your eye is a crucial step in protecting your vision and preventing further complications.
- Orbital Decompression and Orbitotomy: Orbitotomy allows surgeons to access the eye socket for diagnosis and treatment of tumors, cysts, or other abnormalities impacting a senior's vision.
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. Amanda Matthews 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:
- With the ophthalmologist's guidance, the senior felt more confident and comfortable in social situations, no longer self-conscious about the yellowish bumps on their eyelids. They were able to enjoy outings and gatherings without feeling embarrassed.
- Following careful assessment and treatment recommendations, the senior was able to resume reading comfortably without the irritating eye redness associated with the conjunctiva degeneration deposit. The family felt relieved knowing their loved one could enjoy their favorite activities again.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Ophthalmology (Ophthalmology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. Amanda Matthews:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Amanda Matthews and her team are ophthalmologists, medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) specializing in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists (ODs) provide primary vision care, such as eye exams and glasses prescriptions, but are not medical doctors and do not perform surgery. Often, ophthalmologists and optometrists 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. Amanda Matthews typically recommends surgery when cataracts begin to interfere with 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. The gradual appearance of a few floaters is a common part of aging. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light, could signal a serious issue and requires immediate contact with Dr. Amanda Matthews' office.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery with Dr. Matthews is one of the safest and most successful procedures today. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one, often as a quick, outpatient procedure that dramatically improves vision.
- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition in seniors that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. It comes in two forms: 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 into the eye are a highly effective treatment to preserve vision.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. Dr. Matthews performs this procedure to treat serious retinal conditions such as retinal detachments, macular holes, and severe diabetic retinopathy, aiming to save or improve vision.
- 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. Amanda Matthews, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, but laser procedures and surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
- 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 Dr. Amanda Matthews can also prescribe eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
2535 Capital Medical Blvd
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 877-7337
Dr. Amanda Matthews, 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): 1982866638
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. Amanda Matthews 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.