Dr. James Roberts, MD is an Ophthalmology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care for older adults at his clinic in Largo, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. Dr. Roberts understands the unique needs of seniors, focusing on the expert management of complex eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. As a partner in senior health, he works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your best possible vision and overall health. He is committed to serving individuals 65 years and older.
Dr. James A. Roberts, MD, grew up in St. Petersburg, FL. He earned his medical degree from East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College Of Medicine in 1984 and completed his internship and ophthalmology residency, gaining invaluable experience at Methodist Hospital and University of Tennessee Medical Center. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in ophthalmologic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and proud to be part of The Eye Institute of West Florida, where he practices at their Largo, FL clinic. This commitment to excellence in ophthalmology is evident in the institute's focus on utilizing cutting-edge innovations and advanced medicines to achieve exceptional patient outcomes in a welcoming environment. Dr. Roberts is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (727) 581-8767 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Roberts provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. James Roberts is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. James Roberts is a compassionate ophthalmologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized eye care for seniors. He expertly manages a wide range of conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, always prioritizing the unique needs and goals of each patient. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to senior eye health, ultimately maximizing vision and overall well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. James Roberts can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. James Roberts 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:
- Endophthalmitis: This infection inside the eye, called endophthalmitis, requires prompt treatment with antibiotics or surgery to avoid severe complications.
- Dry Eyes: As we age, our eyes may produce fewer tears, leading to dry eyes a condition characterized by dryness, burning, and irritation. Fortunately, simple strategies and medical treatments can significantly reduce discomfort and maintain eye health.
- Chalazion: A chalazion is a small, usually painless lump that forms on the eyelid due to a blocked meibomian gland; it typically resolves with home care, improving vision and eyelid function.
- Choroidal Neovascular Membranes (CNVM): CNVM is a condition where new, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, leading to vision problems. Early detection and treatment options, such as medication injections, are available to help prevent further vision loss and improve your quality of life.
- Episcleritis Periodica Fugax: This condition, episcleritis periodica fugax, involves temporary eye irritation with redness and minor discomfort, usually needing only simple observation and occasional over-the-counter pain relief to manage symptoms and preserve your 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.
- Chorioretinal Scars: Depending on their size and location, chorioretinal scars may not impact your vision at all, making regular monitoring with your ophthalmologist the key to managing this condition.
- Exotropia: If you're dealing with exotropia, where your eyes turn outward, know that you're not alone. Treatment options, including vision therapy and in some cases surgery, aim to improve your eye alignment and reduce the strain on your eyes, allowing you to enjoy clearer vision.
- Chronic Endophthalmitis: Managing chronic endophthalmitis involves regular eye exams and medication to control the infection and protect your eyesight, preserving your independence.
- Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a condition where fluid leaks under the retina, causing blurry vision, usually affecting one eye, and often improving without treatment over time.
- Squamous Blepharitis: Squamous blepharitis is an eyelid inflammation that may cause blurry vision or discomfort. Regular eye cleaning and prescribed medications can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Corneal Ulcer: If you experience eye pain, blurry vision, or increased sensitivity to light, it could be a corneal ulcer, and seeking immediate medical care is crucial for effective treatment and preventing vision impairment.
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. James Roberts offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Vision Screening: Vision screening is a simple test that helps detect potential eye problems early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing vision loss.
- Vitrectomy: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, a vitrectomy may be recommended to address issues within the vitreous humor that are impacting vision quality.
- Iridotomy: To help prevent vision loss from a specific type of glaucoma, an iridotomy may be performed to create a new pathway for fluid to leave the eye and reduce pressure.
- Anterior Vitrectomy: To address vision problems related to vitreous problems, anterior vitrectomy helps clear the area in front of the retina allowing for better visualization of the retina for diagnosis and treatment.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal from the eye safely extracts particles like dust or debris, ensuring comfort and preventing potential vision complications for seniors.
- Goniotomy: Goniotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that helps open the drainage channels in your eye to improve fluid flow and lower eye pressure, a crucial step in managing glaucoma and protecting your vision.
- 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.
- Cornea Surgery: Corneal surgery is a procedure that may be necessary to treat specific corneal conditions, helping seniors avoid vision loss and maintain independence.
- Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, removing a foreign body from the eye helps maintain clear vision and protects against long-term eye damage.
- Eye Test: Eye tests are vital for detecting early signs of eye diseases, which can often be successfully managed or treated with early diagnosis.
- Ocular Prosthetics: Following an eye injury or removal, ocular prosthetics are fitted to restore a natural appearance and help seniors feel more comfortable and confident.
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. James Roberts 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:
- Following prompt treatment for endophthalmitis, a senior was able to resume reading her favorite books, a cherished pastime, without discomfort. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one was recovering and could enjoy everyday activities again.
- With improved tear production, a senior woman could once again comfortably read her favorite novels without the stinging discomfort of dry eyes. The relief allowed her to enjoy her evenings more fully.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. James Roberts:
- 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 glasses prescriptions, but are not medical doctors and do not 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. Roberts 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. 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. Roberts' office.
- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition in seniors 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 dry AMD has no cure, vitamins may help slow its progression, and for wet AMD, injections in the eye are a highly effective treatment to preserve vision.
- 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. James Roberts can also prescribe 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. James Roberts, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, but laser procedures and surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures today. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one, a quick outpatient procedure that can dramatically 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 is affecting your vision, it's considered a medical issue. Dr. James Roberts, an oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restore vision, and improve appearance. This procedure is often covered by insurance.
1301 2nd Ave SW
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 581-8767
Dr. James Roberts, 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): 1568490407
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. James Roberts 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.