Dr. Margaret Poulos, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care for older adults at her clinic in Kissimmee, FL. She is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to her patients, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under 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. She serves patients 65 years and older and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (407) 847-2020 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Margaret Poulos, MD is an ophthalmologist in Kissimmee, FL, with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she has consistently focused on the comprehensive medical care of seniors, particularly those aged 65 and older. She earned her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1990, followed by an internship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and residency training in Ophthalmology at Wash U-Barnes Hospital, culminating in her board certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1994. Dr. Poulos is affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando and Orlando Health-Health Central Hospital and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment for patients and families in their healthcare journey. She is accepting new patients.
Dr. Poulos's approach prioritizes open communication and shared decision-making. She understands the unique needs of older adults and strives to provide individualized care plans that address not only eye health but also overall well-being. Her extensive training and experience, coupled with her dedication to compassionate care, make her a trusted partner in your senior health journey. Dr. Margaret Poulos provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Margaret Poulos is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Margaret Poulos 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, while collaborating seamlessly with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure optimal vision and overall well-being. Dr. Poulos prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for a positive health journey.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Margaret Poulos can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Small Group Elect HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Margaret Poulos 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:
- Conjunctiva Degeneration Deposit: As we age, harmless deposits can sometimes accumulate on the conjunctiva, the surface of the eye, occasionally leading to mild irritation or a feeling of something in the eye; your doctor can help manage any discomfort.
- Foveal and Macular Hypoplasia: Foveal and macular hypoplasia is a birth defect affecting the retina's central area, impacting visual sharpness; early detection and appropriate interventions, such as vision rehabilitation, can improve the ability to perform everyday activities.
- Blepharoconjunctivitis: It's common for older adults to experience blepharoconjunctivitis, an eye condition affecting both the eyelids and the inner surface of the eyelids, but thankfully, most cases can be effectively managed with readily available treatments.
- Pterygium: A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of tissue on the white part of your eye that can sometimes affect vision, and surgery can often improve vision and comfort.
- Degenerative Disorders of Globe: Degenerative eye diseases are conditions where parts of the eye break down, sometimes impacting your ability to see clearly. Doctors offer various treatments to manage these conditions and improve your vision.
- Optic Neuritis: Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause sudden vision loss, often affecting one eye more than the other, and prompt treatment can help preserve sight.
- Keratitis: The cornea, the eye's transparent protective layer, can become inflamed (keratitis), leading to discomfort and sight problems. Fortunately, treatments, determined by your doctor, often successfully resolve the inflammation and preserve your vision.
- Chorioretinal Scars: Chorioretinal scars are areas of damage in the back of the eye that can sometimes affect vision, but often require no specific treatment beyond regular eye exams.
- Disorder of Choroid: If you experience vision problems due to a choroid disorder, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and maintain your independence.
- Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): If you experience redness, irritation, or discharge from your eye, it may be pinkeye (conjunctivitis); a doctor can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend treatment to ease symptoms and avoid complications.
- Thyroid Eye Disease: If your thyroid is overactive or underactive, it can sometimes lead to thyroid eye disease, affecting the tissues surrounding your eyes and causing changes in appearance and vision; doctors can provide medication and, in some cases, surgery to relieve these issues and enhance your quality of life.
- 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.
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. Margaret Poulos offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Eyelid Surgery: Eyelid surgery helps manage conditions like ptosis (drooping eyelids) that can impair vision and quality of life.
- Glaucoma Treatment: Regular glaucoma treatment, tailored to your specific needs, is crucial for maintaining eye health and independence.
- Vision Screening: A comprehensive vision screening provides a baseline for your eye health, enabling proactive management and preventing future vision complications.
- 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.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: Contact lens fitting is a crucial step in creating a personalized vision correction plan for seniors, helping them maintain optimal visual function.
- Pterygium Surgery: Pterygium surgery is a procedure that can improve the overall comfort and visual clarity of your eyes.
- 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.
- Vitreoretinal Surgery: For seniors with conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, vitreoreticular surgery may offer a treatment option to improve vision by addressing issues within the eye's vitreous gel and retina.
- Intraocular Lens Implant Surgery: This procedure is a key element in a comprehensive eye care plan for seniors, improving vision and reducing the need for corrective lenses following cataract removal.
- Vitreous Surgery: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, vitreous surgery can address issues like floaters or flashes, improving visual clarity and overall eye health for seniors.
- 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.
- Anterior Vitrectomy: Anterior vitrectomy plays a key role in managing various retinal conditions in older adults, by removing the obstructing vitreous humor and allowing for better retinal visualization and subsequent treatment.
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. Margaret Poulos 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 woman, previously bothered by a persistent scratchy feeling in her eye, found relief with professional guidance and experienced a significant improvement in her daily comfort, allowing her to resume her beloved hobby of reading.
- Following specialized vision rehabilitation, a senior felt more confident navigating familiar surroundings, regaining the joy of reading and engaging with 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. Margaret Poulos:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Poulos 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. Poulos 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 appear to drift in your vision. A gradual increase in floaters is a common part of aging. However, sudden new floaters, especially with flashes of light, could signal a serious issue and require immediate attention; please call Dr. Poulos' office right away.
- 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 main 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, certain vitamins may help slow its progression. For wet AMD, eye injections are a highly effective treatment to preserve 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. Poulos, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, but 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 a medical issue. Dr. Poulos, an oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restoring vision and improving 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 for seniors, frequently due to the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but Dr. Poulos can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one, a quick outpatient procedure that can dramatically restore clear vision.
809 E Oak St Ste 202
Kissimmee FL 34744
Phone: (407) 847-2020
Dr. Margaret Poulos, 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): 1477546851
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. Margaret Poulos 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.