Dr. Julie Carter, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at her clinic in Naples, FL. She is dedicated to providing exceptional ophthalmologic care to those 65 years and older, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Carter brings over 20 years of dedicated experience, specializing in glaucoma and cataract surgery, to Center for Sight Naples. She joins us from private practice in Bradenton, where she further honed her skills in the care of older adults. She earned her medical degree from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in 2003 and completed residency training in Ophthalmology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, followed by a fellowship in glaucoma at the same institution. She is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Carter is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (239) 261-8383 to schedule an appointment. She offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Julie Carter is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Julie Carter is a compassionate ophthalmologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered senior eye care. She expertly manages a wide range of conditions, from cataracts and glaucoma to macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, always prioritizing the best possible vision outcomes and overall well-being for each patient. Dr. Carter collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to care, emphasizing patient understanding, family involvement, and a plan for maintaining independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Julie Carter can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
American Republic
Coventry Health Care
Medico
POMCO Group
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna HMO
- Anthem
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueDental Choice
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Dental
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- FL Medical Providers
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- PHCS Network PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Julie Carter 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:
- Senile Cataracts: Experiencing blurry or cloudy vision? Senile cataracts, a common age-related change, often respond very well to a straightforward surgical procedure that can restore clear sight and enhance your quality of life.
- 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.
- Hypertensive Retinopathy: Hypertensive retinopathy is an eye condition resulting from uncontrolled high blood pressure; regular checkups and blood pressure management are crucial for maintaining good 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.
- Corneal Ulcer: Think of a corneal ulcer as a wound on the clear front part of your eye; treatment with eye drops and sometimes surgery helps it heal and preserve your sight.
- Conjunctival Hemorrhage: If you notice a sudden red patch in the white part of your eye, it might be a conjunctival hemorrhage. While it looks alarming, it's generally harmless and heals spontaneously, ensuring minimal impact on your vision or daily activities.
- Posterior Uveitis: Inflammation in the back part of your eye, called posterior uveitis, can sometimes cause blurry vision or eye pain, but treatments like eye drops or other medications can help manage symptoms and preserve sight.
- 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.
- Esotropia: Esotropia is a type of strabismus where one or both eyes turn inward, often correctable with glasses, eye exercises, or surgery to improve vision and appearance.
- Iridocyclitis: If you have iridocyclitis, it means the iris and ciliary body in your eye are inflamed, leading to eye discomfort. Your doctor can recommend a treatment plan, typically involving medication, to control the inflammation and help you maintain your independence by managing your vision.
- Hordeolum: Don't worry if you develop a stye (hordeolum); it's usually not serious and often resolves quickly with regular warm compresses, helping you maintain your daily activities.
- Convergence Insufficiency: Convergence insufficiency makes it difficult for the eyes to cooperate when focusing on close objects, causing blurry vision, headaches, and eye strain. Fortunately, many people find relief through vision therapy, improving their quality of life.
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. Julie Carter offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Contact Lens Treatment: As part of a comprehensive eye exam, contact lens fitting helps assess corneal health and refine treatment plans for conditions like dry eye.
- 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.
- Excision of Chalazion: Excision of a chalazion is a safe and effective way to treat a persistent eyelid bump in older adults, ensuring comfortable and clear vision.
- Vision Screening: As part of your overall health plan, vision screening helps your doctor assess your eye health and adjust your care plan to address any issues.
- Ocular Surface Reconstruction: Ocular surface reconstruction is a valuable tool in managing and treating various conditions affecting the front of the eye in seniors, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive eye care plan.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy: Following cataract surgery, a YAG laser capsulotomy can help restore clear vision by addressing a common complication, ensuring the best possible outcome.
- 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.
- Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: Foreign body removal is a quick procedure that addresses immediate eye irritation and discomfort, allowing seniors to resume their daily activities.
- 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.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: This service ensures seniors with vision impairments receive properly fitted contact lenses, supporting their overall eye health and reducing discomfort.
- Tear Duct Surgery: For seniors experiencing persistent watery eyes due to tear duct issues, surgery offers a potential solution to improve vision and reduce discomfort.
- Scleral Reinforcement Surgery: If you have a weakened sclera impacting your vision, scleral reinforcement surgery may be a vital component of your treatment plan, improving comfort and preventing further complications.
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. Julie Carter 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 improved vision thanks to a straightforward surgical procedure, a senior was thrilled to reconnect with her grandchildren, easily reading their drawings and enjoying family gatherings.
- A senior felt much better after professional treatment for pinkeye, regaining the ability to comfortably read her favorite books without discomfort. The family was relieved to see their loved one's eye irritation subside, allowing them to enjoy their usual evening activities together.
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. Julie Carter:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Carter is an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists, on the other hand, provide primary vision care, such as exams and glasses, 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. Carter 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 common as we age. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light, could indicate a serious eye problem and requires immediate attention; please call Dr. Julie Carter's office immediately.
- 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 may help slow its progression. For wet AMD, injections into 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 decreased tear production. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but Dr. Carter can also offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgery performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. This procedure allows Dr. Carter to treat serious retinal conditions like retinal detachments, macular holes, and severe diabetic retinopathy, with the goal of saving or improving 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. Julie Carter, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, and laser procedures and surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
- 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 important to seek care. Dr. Julie Carter, an oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restoring your vision and appearance. This procedure is often covered by insurance.
700 Neapolitan Way
Naples FL 34103
Phone: (239) 261-8383
Dr. Julie Carter, 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): 1164692935
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. Julie Carter 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.