Dr. David Shoemaker, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in the comprehensive medical care of seniors. He is a dedicated partner in the health journey of individuals 65 years and older, practicing at his clinic in Sarasota, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Shoemaker is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmologic care. He expertly manages complex conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure the best possible vision and overall health outcomes. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (941) 488-2020 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Shoemaker's extensive experience and commitment to senior care are rooted in his over 40 years of dedicated practice. A Florida native, he earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1980 and completed his residency in Ophthalmology at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans in 1983. He is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His specialization in cataract surgery, coupled with his extensive experience, makes him a trusted resource for advanced lens replacement procedures. Dr. Shoemaker's practice, centered on providing exceptional results, has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a Top Doctor by U.S. News and World Report, and inclusion on the Premier Surgeon 300. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. David Shoemaker is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Shoemaker is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive ophthalmologic care with a compassionate touch. He expertly manages complex eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, while prioritizing the individual needs and goals of each patient. His collaborative approach, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists, ensures the best possible vision and overall well-being for seniors.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. David Shoemaker can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
HealthyBlue Advantage
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Anthem
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- FL Medical Providers
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- 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
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. David Shoemaker 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:
- Hordeolum: A hordeolum, or stye, is a painful, localized infection of an oil gland in your eyelid that often clears up with warm compresses and good hygiene.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cataract: As we age, the lens of the eye can become cloudy, leading to cataracts; this condition can significantly affect daily tasks like reading or driving, but surgery is often an effective solution.
- Benign Neoplasm of Eye: Many eye growths are harmless, but a doctor will track them to ensure they remain non-threatening and don't impact your sight or daily life.
- Optic Neuritis: Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, can cause vision problems like blurred vision or loss of color, but with the right care, many individuals regain much of their vision.
- Disorder of Choroid: Damage to the choroid, the eye's middle layer, can lead to vision changes; treatments aim to minimize further damage and preserve your sight.
- Keratoconus: For seniors, maintaining independence is crucial, and keratoconus, affecting corneal shape and vision, can be managed with modern treatments like special contact lenses or surgery, helping to preserve your ability to see and live life fully.
- Keratitis: Keratitis, a corneal infection or inflammation, can be uncomfortable, but treatments such as antibiotic eye drops or ointments can quickly relieve symptoms and prevent vision loss, preserving your independence and quality of life.
- Lacrimal Gland Disorder: Lacrimal gland disorders affect how your eyes produce tears, causing discomfort. Various treatments are available to alleviate symptoms and improve your ability to see clearly, participate in your hobbies, and maintain your independence.
- Tear Duct Disorders: Blocked tear ducts in older adults can cause excessive tearing and sometimes infections; thankfully, simple procedures can often resolve these issues and prevent further complications, allowing you to see clearly and comfortably.
- Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): Experiencing eye redness, itching, and discharge? It might be conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye. Treating this eye infection can help prevent vision impairment and ensure your continued independence.
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. David Shoemaker offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- B-Scan Ultrasound: As part of your comprehensive eye care plan, a B-scan ultrasound can help your doctor assess the health of your eye's internal structures and detect any abnormalities early on.
- Cataract Removal Surgery: This surgery is a key treatment option for seniors experiencing vision impairment due to cataracts, significantly improving their ability to perform daily activities.
- Eye Surgery: As part of your comprehensive eye care plan, surgery might be recommended to manage glaucoma and lower your risk of vision loss.
- Eye Test: An eye test is a crucial step in identifying potential vision problems like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
- Farnsworth Lantern Test: This test is a valuable tool for detecting color vision deficiencies, helping your ophthalmologist create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Removing a foreign body from the eye is a crucial step in a complete eye exam, helping ophthalmologists rule out more serious eye conditions and create a personalized care plan.
- Laser Cataract Surgery: Laser cataract surgery helps manage vision impairment caused by cataracts, allowing you to participate more fully in daily activities and enjoy your independence.
- Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: Removing a foreign object from the eye helps ensure comfort and prevents potential infection or vision problems, supporting your overall eye health.
- Tear Duct Surgery: This procedure helps to unclog blocked tear ducts, restoring proper drainage and reducing the risk of infection.
- Vision Screening: Regular vision screenings are crucial for seniors as they can identify conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration before they significantly impact daily life.
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. David Shoemaker 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 citizen, plagued by a painful stye, found relief with warm compresses and improved hygiene, allowing them to resume their cherished hobby of knitting without discomfort.
- Regular eye exams, guided by the ophthalmologist's expertise, allowed a senior to maintain clear vision and continue enjoying their beloved hobby of birdwatching from their backyard.
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)
- Top Doctor
Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. David Shoemaker:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Shoemaker's practice is for comprehensive eye care. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in all aspects of eye health, including surgery. An optometrist provides primary vision care, including eye exams and prescribing glasses, but is not a medical doctor and does not perform surgery. They often work together to best meet your needs.
- 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. Shoemaker typically recommends surgery when cataracts begin to impact 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 indicate a serious eye issue and needs immediate attention; please call Dr. Shoemaker'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 Dr. Shoemaker can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
- 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. Shoemaker, 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 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 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, timely injections into the eye are highly effective at preserving 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. Shoemaker uses this procedure 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?
- Eyelid drooping, or ptosis, is common in older adults. If the drooping eyelid affects your vision, it's a medical issue that Dr. Shoemaker can address. A functional blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure to lift the eyelid, can restore full vision and improve appearance, and is often covered by insurance.
2601 S Tamiami Trl
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 488-2020
Dr. David Shoemaker, 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): 1336258433
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. David Shoemaker 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.