Dr. Darby Miller, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in comprehensive eye care for older adults. He practices at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care for seniors aged 65 and older. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, Dr. Miller practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He is a valued partner in senior health, understanding the unique needs of this population and striving to provide the best possible vision outcomes.
General ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye care for seniors, expertly managing complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Miller works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your best possible vision and overall health. He is affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida, earned his medical degree from University Of Kansas, Main Campus, and is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. His approach to care prioritizes a collaborative, evidence-based methodology, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (904) 953-2000 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Darby Miller provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Darby Miller is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Darby Miller is a compassionate ophthalmologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized eye care for seniors. He expertly manages a wide range of conditions, from cataracts to macular degeneration, working closely with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to develop a tailored treatment plan that prioritizes both visual health and overall well-being. His approach emphasizes proactive care, ensuring seniors maintain the highest possible quality of life and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Darby Miller can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Plus POS
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Darby Miller 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:
- 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.
- Foveal and Macular Hypoplasia: Foveal and macular hypoplasia is an underdeveloped spot in the retina that affects central vision; though it can't be reversed, strategies like adaptive equipment and visual rehabilitation can help seniors compensate and remain independent.
- Tear Duct Disorders: If your eyes are constantly watering or producing mucus, it might be due to a tear duct blockage, but don't worryyour ophthalmologist can help determine the best course of treatment, whether it's medication or a minor surgical procedure, to alleviate your symptoms.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): DME, or diabetic macular edema, is swelling in the retina's central area due to diabetes, leading to blurry vision; thankfully, early detection and treatments such as injections or laser therapy can help slow or prevent further vision loss.
- Conjunctiva Degeneration Deposit: Conjunctival deposits are common with age and usually don't affect vision significantly; however, if they cause irritation, eye drops or other simple treatments can often provide relief.
- Blind Hypotensive Eye: A blind hypotensive eye is one that has lost sight and has abnormally low pressure; while it might not directly impact the other eye, monitoring its health is crucial.
- Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: While wet AMD can cause significant vision impairment, treatments like injections can help prevent further damage and preserve your ability to read, watch TV, and enjoy your hobbies.
- Serous Detachment Retina: Serous retinal detachment is a condition where fluid builds up under the retina, causing it to separate slightly from the underlying tissue, often affecting vision, but with timely treatment, you can often preserve your sight and maintain your independence.
- Purulent Endophthalmitis: Purulent endophthalmitis is a serious eye infection that can cause vision loss if not treated quickly, but with prompt medical attention, including antibiotics and potentially surgery, it's possible to preserve sight and maintain your independence.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition that gradually damages the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye, and can lead to vision loss if left untreated, but with regular eye exams and treatment, you can protect your sight and maintain your independence.
- Disorder of Choroid: Maintaining healthy blood flow to the choroid is essential for good vision; various treatments help address issues and prevent vision loss.
- Eyelid Spasm: While eyelid spasms might be alarming, they can often be resolved with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter eye drops for relief of any discomfort. Consulting a doctor can ease any worries about long-term effects and assure you of appropriate management.
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. Darby Miller offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Repair of Eye Laceration: Repairing an eye laceration is a key element in a senior's comprehensive care plan, providing immediate treatment to prevent serious eye problems and preserve vision.
- Tear Duct Surgery: Addressing tear duct problems through surgery can be a crucial part of a comprehensive eye care plan for seniors, enhancing overall eye health.
- B-Scan Ultrasound: A B-scan ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the eye's interior, helping doctors diagnose problems like retinal detachments and tumors that may affect your vision.
- Pterygium Surgery: As part of your eye care plan, pterygium surgery can correct vision problems caused by this common eye growth.
- Conjunctivoplasty: For seniors experiencing significant discomfort or vision impairment due to conjunctival issues, conjunctivoplasty offers a surgical solution to restore proper function.
- Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK): ALK is a precise surgical technique used to treat particular corneal issues in elderly patients, improving their visual acuity and offering a better alternative to other more invasive options.
- Paracentesis of Anterior Eye: As part of your eye care, a paracentesis may be used to remove fluid from the front of your eye, allowing for better diagnosis and management of conditions impacting your vision.
- Cornea Surgery: To effectively manage certain eye diseases and improve vision, corneal surgery might be recommended as a part of a senior's overall eye health strategy.
- Eyelid Surgery: Eyelid surgery helps manage conditions like ptosis (drooping eyelids) that can impair vision and quality of life.
- Cornea Transplant: A cornea transplant replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue, restoring clear vision and improving quality of life for seniors.
- Ocular Surface Reconstruction: Ocular surface reconstruction helps repair and restore the health of the eye's surface, improving comfort and vision for seniors with dry eye or other surface disorders.
- Iridectomy: If you have elevated intraocular pressure, an iridectomy might be part of your comprehensive eye care strategy, making it easier to manage the pressure and preserving your sight.
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. Darby Miller 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 entropion treatment, a senior woman regained comfortable vision and was able to enjoy reading her favorite novels again without discomfort.
- With the guidance of a specialist, a senior was able to utilize adaptive technology and visual rehabilitation, enabling them to continue enjoying familiar hobbies, like reading and playing cards, without feeling frustrated by their vision.
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
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Ophthalmology (Ophthalmology)
- Differences in characteristics of Medicare patients treated by ophthalmologists and optometrists, 2020-09-14
Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. Darby Miller:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Darby Miller's practice is staffed by ophthalmologists, who are 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 prescribing glasses, but are not medical doctors and do not perform surgery. Often, ophthalmologists and optometrists work together for 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. Darby Miller 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 indicate a serious issue and requires immediate contact with Dr. Darby Miller's office.
- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition affecting the macula, the part of the eye 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. 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. This allows Dr. Darby Miller to treat serious retinal conditions like retinal detachments, macular holes, and severe diabetic retinopathy, aiming to save or improve vision.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is a very safe and successful procedure. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one, often as a quick outpatient procedure, dramatically improving vision.
- 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. Darby Miller, an oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid and improve vision and 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. Darby Miller, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, and laser procedures and surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000
Dr. Darby Miller, 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): 1235364274
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. Darby Miller 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.