Dr. Leonard Cortelli, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in the comprehensive eye care needs of older adults. He is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care at his Tampa, FL clinic, and is committed to partnering with seniors and their families in navigating the complexities of eye health as they age. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Cortelli understands the unique needs of his 65 years and older patient population, and strives to ensure the best possible vision and overall well-being.
General ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye care for seniors, expertly managing complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Cortelli works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your best possible vision and overall health. He is a graduate of Cornell University and the University of South Florida College of Medicine, and completed his residency training in Ophthalmologies at Tampa Gen Hospital, and University Of S Fl College Of Med. He is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and has extensive experience in cataract surgery and lens implantation, including AcrySof IQ®, AcrySof ReSTOR®, and AcrySof Toric® intraocular lenses. He's excited to bring the latest innovation in cataract surgery Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery to his patients. His approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and patient-centered, ensuring patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Cortelli is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (813) 972-4444 to schedule an appointment. He offers consultations in Spanish.
Dr. Cortelli joined Florida Eye Center in 1992, specializing in cataract surgery and lens implantation for the past 28 years. He's a Cigna Tier 1 provider, meaning you'll receive the best possible benefits with lower copays, deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums. Dr. Cortelli's commitment to excellence has been recognized by his peers, having been named a Best Doctor in America® from 2003-2014 and 2019-2020. He provides complete, personalized care throughout the cataract surgery process, from preoperative assessment to postoperative care. This commitment to comprehensive care, combined with his extensive experience and advanced training, makes him a valuable partner in your eye health journey.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Leonard Cortelli is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Cortelli is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, offering compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmologic care. He expertly manages complex eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure optimal vision and overall well-being. His approach prioritizes understanding your individual needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for you and your family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Leonard Cortelli 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
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Select HMO
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Leonard Cortelli 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:
- Nystagmus: Experiencing involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) can be concerning, but with proper diagnosis and treatment from an ophthalmologist, many seniors can adapt and maintain their independence.
- 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.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Blurry vision and difficulty with close-up tasks could be signs of diabetic macular edema (DME), a complication of diabetes affecting the retina; don't worry, medical treatments, like injections, are available to help improve your vision and prevent further damage.
- 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.
- 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.
- Retinoschisis: While retinoschisis itself may not always need treatment, early detection through regular checkups can help prevent vision loss and maintain your independence.
- 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.
- Blepharoconjunctivitis: If you are experiencing redness, swelling, or irritation in and around your eyes, you may have blepharoconjunctivitis; a consultation with your ophthalmologist can help determine the best course of treatment to improve your vision and comfort.
- 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.
- Retinal Neovascularization: The retina's blood vessels can sometimes grow abnormally, causing blurry vision or other problems; thankfully, modern medicine offers ways to manage this condition, improving your quality of life.
- Degenerative Disorders of Globe: Degenerative disorders of the globe, or eyeball, refer to conditions where parts of the eye gradually worsen over time, often affecting vision and requiring ongoing care to manage symptoms and maintain independence.
- Senile Cataracts: As we age, a natural clouding of the eye's lens, called senile cataracts, can develop, leading to decreased vision; however, a simple surgical procedure can usually restore clear sight.
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. Leonard Cortelli offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: This procedure quickly addresses eye irritation and discomfort caused by foreign objects, improving a senior's overall quality of life and preventing infections.
- 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 Intraocular Foreign Body: To restore clear vision and prevent lasting damage, the removal of an intraocular foreign body is a vital part of your eye care.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tear Duct Surgery: This procedure helps to unclog blocked tear ducts, restoring proper drainage and reducing the risk of infection.
- Eyelid Surgery: This procedure can repair damaged eyelids, protecting the eyes from injury and infection for better senior eye health.
- 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: This test is a valuable tool for detecting color vision deficiencies, helping your ophthalmologist create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: Contact lens fitting helps determine the best lens type and prescription for clear vision, improving a senior's quality of life and independence.
- Eye Test: A thorough eye examination provides a baseline for your eye health, enabling proactive care planning to address any issues and preserve your vision.
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. Leonard Cortelli 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:
- After struggling with the distracting eye movements of nystagmus, a senior was thrilled to regain their ability to watch their grandchildren play, a precious activity they had previously found challenging. This ophthalmologist's support helped them feel more confident and secure in their daily life.
- With the ophthalmologist's guidance, a senior was able to continue enjoying their beloved hobby of birdwatching without the blurring vision that had been interfering. Their family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could maintain their active lifestyle.
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. Leonard Cortelli:
- 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 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. Cortelli 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 with aging, but a sudden increase, especially with flashes of light, could indicate a serious issue, and you should call Dr. Cortelli's office immediately.
- 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. Cortelli, 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 condition affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. Dry AMD is more common and progresses slowly, while wet AMD is less common but can cause rapid vision loss. Fortunately, vitamins can help slow the progression of dry AMD, and injections in the eye are highly effective in treating wet AMD 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. Cortelli can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. Dr. Cortelli 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 seniors. If the drooping interferes with your vision, it's a medical issue. Dr. Cortelli, an oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, often covered by insurance.
13602 N 46th St
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 972-4444
Dr. Leonard Cortelli, 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): 1538177522
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. Leonard Cortelli 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.