Dr. Christopher Channon, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in comprehensive eye care for seniors. He practices at his clinic in Fort Pierce, FL, and is a dedicated partner in the health journeys of individuals 65 years and older. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Channon's commitment to compassionate care is evident in his approach to managing complex eye conditions. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages inquiries to schedule an appointment at (772) 461-5660. Dr. Channon is a highly experienced ophthalmologist who has dedicated his career to providing exceptional care, having served patients at St Lucie Eye since 1981. He holds board certification in Ophthalmology from the American Board of Ophthalmology, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
General ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye care for seniors, expertly managing complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Channon works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your best possible vision and overall health. His approach to patient care is rooted in over 45 years of experience, offering a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate understanding. He earned his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1976, following which he completed internships and residencies, culminating in his ophthalmology specialty. These experiences, coupled with his continued commitment to providing quality care, make him a trusted resource for comprehensive ophthalmologic care. Dr. Channon offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Christopher Channon is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Christopher Channon is a dedicated partner in your senior eye health journey, providing comprehensive ophthalmologic care with a compassionate focus on your well-being. He expertly manages conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to create a personalized plan that prioritizes your best possible vision and overall health. His approach emphasizes understanding your individual needs and goals, ensuring a comfortable and supportive experience throughout your care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christopher Channon can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Small Group Elect HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christopher Channon 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:
- Hypotropia: A downward turn of the eye, known as hypotropia, may not always require treatment, but if it impacts vision or causes discomfort, your ophthalmologist can discuss options like surgery or special glasses to improve your sight and reduce double vision.
- Tear Duct Disorders: Experiencing persistent watering eyes may be a sign of a tear duct problem, a common condition affecting seniors that can be managed effectively through medication, minimally invasive procedures, or even simple lifestyle adjustments to improve your daily life.
- Hypertropia: Hypertropia is a type of eye misalignment where one eye turns upward, which can be corrected with glasses, eye exercises, or surgery to improve vision and reduce double vision.
- Corneal Erosion: Think of corneal erosion as a small abrasion on the surface of your eye, causing considerable discomfort and affecting your vision; treatment is usually uncomplicated and aims to soothe the irritation and promote rapid healing, leading to improved comfort and clearer vision.
- Macular Hole: A macular hole is a small tear in the retina that can blur central vision, but with timely surgery, you can regain clear vision for tasks like reading or recognizing faces.
- Cataract: Cataracts involve a gradual clouding of the eye's lens, resulting in decreased visual acuity and potentially affecting daily living; surgery to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial one is a common and successful treatment.
- Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: If you're diagnosed with wet AMD, regular monitoring and prompt treatment with injections can significantly improve your sight and your ability to perform daily activities.
- Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis): Ptosis, or a heavy, drooping eyelid, is a common condition, particularly among seniors, but thankfully it can often be corrected through surgical procedures, improving your vision and overall quality of life.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration: If you're experiencing blurry or distorted central vision, you may have AMD, but don't worrythis condition can be managed with regular checkups and treatments, preserving your sight and enhancing your daily life.
- Corneal Abrasion or Laceration: A corneal abrasion or laceration is a scratch or tear on the surface of your eye, often causing pain, blurry vision, and light sensitivity, but thankfully treatable with eye drops and careful monitoring to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Trichiasis: If your eyelashes are growing into your eye (trichiasis), it can lead to significant irritation and blurry vision, but simple procedures often provide quick and effective relief.
- Blocked Tear Duct: A blocked tear duct happens when the tube draining tears from your eye becomes clogged, leading to watery eyes and sometimes discomfort.
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. Christopher Channon offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Pterygium Surgery: Pterygium surgery helps remove a fleshy growth on the eye's surface, improving vision and preventing further irritation.
- Eye Procedure: Regular eye exams and procedures are vital for detecting and treating eye diseases early, helping prevent more serious problems down the line.
- Excision or Destruction of Lesion of Cornea: This procedure is a key part of diagnosing and managing certain corneal conditions, supporting comprehensive eye health for seniors.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: Proper contact lens fitting helps manage conditions like presbyopia (age-related near vision loss) or astigmatism by providing comfortable, customized vision correction.
- Eye Surgery: For seniors experiencing vision problems, eye surgery offers a targeted treatment option, improving quality of life by restoring vision and independence.
- 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.
- Farnsworth Lantern Test: As part of a comprehensive eye exam, the Farnsworth Lantern Test can help identify subtle color vision problems that might affect your daily life.
- Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that can improve your eyesight by removing excess skin and fat from your eyelids, improving your vision and appearance.
- Eye Examination: Regular eye exams help detect early signs of age-related eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
- Cataract Removal Surgery: Cataract removal surgery is a procedure to improve vision by replacing a cloudy lens with a clear artificial one, enhancing a senior's quality of life.
- Intraocular Lens Implant Surgery: As part of cataract surgery, an intraocular lens implant is inserted to restore clear vision, enhancing your independence and quality of life.
- Eyelid Surgery: As part of a comprehensive senior care plan, eyelid surgery can address cosmetic concerns and improve self-esteem.
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. Christopher Channon 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, a senior was able to resume reading her favorite books without the frustrating double vision caused by hypotropia, improving her enjoyment of a cherished activity.
- After experiencing persistent eye watering, a senior felt significantly less discomfort and regained confidence in their ability to safely navigate their home after receiving professional guidance for their tear duct disorder.
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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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Ophthalmology (Ophthalmology)
- AOA National Medical Honor Society
Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. Christopher Channon:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Channon and his team are ophthalmologists, medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who specialize in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists (ODs) provide primary vision care, like 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. Channon 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. A gradual increase in floaters is a common part of aging. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light, could signal a serious issue and requires immediate attention; please call Dr. Channon's office right away.
- My eyelids are drooping and making it hard to see. What can be done?
- Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, are common in older adults. If the drooping eyelid affects your vision, it's a medical issue that can be addressed. Dr. Channon, an oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restoring vision and improving appearance. This procedure is often covered by insurance.
- 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 due to the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but for persistent cases, Dr. Channon can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies to provide significant relief.
- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition in older adults that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for 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 may help slow its progression, and for wet AMD, injections in 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. Channon uses this procedure to treat serious retinal conditions like 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. Channon, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, and laser procedures and surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
2201 S 10th St
Fort Pierce FL 34950
Phone: (772) 461-5660
Dr. Christopher Channon, 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): 1730193285
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. Christopher Channon 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.