Dr. Lisa Mao, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in the comprehensive care of older adults. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care for individuals 65 years and older at her clinic in Boca Raton, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Mao expertly manages complex eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure the best possible vision and overall health outcomes for her patients. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (561) 997-8100 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Lisa Mao, MD is an ophthalmologist in Boca Raton, FL, with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. A graduate of Duke University School of Medicine in 1988, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her extensive training includes an internship at Good Samaritan Medical Center, followed by a residency in Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, where she developed a specialized focus on the comprehensive medical care of seniors. Dr. Mao is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Lisa Mao provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Lisa Mao is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Lisa Mao is a compassionate ophthalmologist dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centered care for seniors. She expertly manages a wide range of eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, with a focus on collaboration with primary care physicians and other specialists. Dr. Mao prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, ensuring optimal vision and overall well-being throughout their journey.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Lisa Mao can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Lisa Mao 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:
- Blepharitis: If you have swollen, irritated eyelids, it might be blepharitis. This condition responds well to regular eyelid hygiene, and treatment can significantly reduce discomfort and improve your overall eye health.
- Cataract: Cataracts involve a gradual clouding of the eye's lens, resulting in decreased visual acuity and potentially affecting daily living; surgery to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial one is a common and successful treatment.
- Visual Field Defects: Visual field defects mean you can't see everything in your normal range of vision, like having a blind spot, and we can work together to understand what's causing it and find ways to manage it.
- Conjunctiva Cyst: A conjunctival cyst is a tiny, painless sac that can develop on the eye's surface; while often harmless, surgical removal is an option to address any discomfort or visual impairment, enhancing your quality of life.
- Benign Neoplasm of Eye: Non-cancerous growths in the eye can be managed with careful observation or minimally invasive treatment to protect your eyesight and your overall well-being.
- Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: As we age, some experience dry AMD, a condition affecting the macula (the central part of the retina) that can cause blurry or distorted vision; while there's no cure, regular eye exams and treatments can help manage it and preserve your sight as much as possible.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that affects your vision by damaging the optic nerve, but through careful monitoring and treatmentsuch as eye drops or surgerymany people with glaucoma can maintain their vision and prevent blindness.
- Trichiasis: Trichiasis, an eyelid condition, happens when your eyelashes turn inward, scratching your eye and potentially harming your vision, but treatments like electrolysis or surgery are available.
- Blocked Tear Duct: A blocked tear duct, a common problem, prevents tears from draining correctly, causing watery eyes, but a doctor can usually resolve this with effective treatment options.
- Chalazion: Sometimes an eyelid oil gland gets blocked, creating a small, firm bump called a chalazion. Simple treatments can resolve the swelling and restore clear vision.
- Retinal Vascular Occlusion: Retinal vascular occlusion happens when blood flow to part of the retina is blocked, potentially causing vision loss, but timely treatment can often prevent further damage and preserve your sight.
- Keratitis: If you experience pain, redness, or blurry vision in your eye, it might be keratitis, an infection or inflammation of the cornea that usually responds well to eye drops or other medications prescribed by your ophthalmologist, helping to restore clear vision.
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. Lisa Mao offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Punctal Plug Insertion: Punctal plugs are small devices placed in the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage, a helpful strategy for alleviating the dryness and irritation often experienced by older adults.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal prevents potential vision loss and corneal damage in seniors by addressing the problem swiftly and effectively.
- Drainage of Conjunctival Cyst: This simple procedure addresses a specific eye problem that can affect vision and quality of life for seniors, reducing the need for further treatment.
- Farnsworth Lantern Test: The Farnsworth Lantern Test helps your doctor assess your color vision, an important factor in driving safety and overall vision health as you age.
- Excision of Chalazion: For seniors experiencing a bothersome eyelid lump (chalazion), surgical excision offers a solution to eliminate discomfort and prevent potential complications.
- B-Scan Ultrasound: To ensure the best possible outcome for your eye surgery or treatment, a B-scan ultrasound may be used to thoroughly evaluate the structures inside your eye.
- Eye Examination: A comprehensive eye examination is a crucial first step in identifying potential vision problems and developing a personalized care plan for maintaining your eye health.
- 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.
- 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.
- Iridotomy: As part of your eye care plan, an iridotomy might be recommended to treat a narrow angle in your eye which could otherwise lead to glaucoma and vision problems.
- 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.
- Cornea Surgery: Cornea surgery can help restore clear vision by repairing or replacing a damaged cornea, improving a senior's quality of 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. Lisa Mao 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 regular eyelid hygiene and treatment, a senior was able to resume reading her favorite books without the constant irritation and discomfort of blepharitis. Her family was relieved to see her enjoy her hobbies again.
- With cataract surgery, a senior was thrilled to rediscover the joy of reading books aloud to her grandchildren, a cherished family tradition. She felt a renewed sense of independence and connection with her loved ones.
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. Lisa Mao:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Mao 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 eye exams and prescribing 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. Mao 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 seem to move in your field of vision. A gradual increase in floaters is common as we age, but a sudden increase, especially with flashes of light, could signal a serious issue and needs immediate attention. Please call Dr. Mao's office immediately if you experience this.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one, a quick outpatient procedure that can dramatically restore clear 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. Mao 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 can be addressed. Dr. Lisa Mao, our oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restore your vision, and improve your appearance. This procedure is often covered by insurance.
- 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. Lisa Mao can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition in seniors affecting 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, and for wet AMD, eye injections are a highly effective treatment to preserve vision.
1445 NW 2nd Ave
Boca Raton FL 33432
Phone: (561) 997-8100
Dr. Lisa Mao, 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): 1902097413
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. Lisa Mao 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.