Dr. Mark Oberlander, MD is an Ophthalmology specialist practicing at his clinic in Pinellas Park, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care for older adults, 65 years and older, 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. Dr. Oberlander is currently welcoming new patients and they should call (727) 541-4469 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Oberlander graduated from Indiana University and completed his medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas, serving as chief resident and mentoring residents at multiple hospitals. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in ophthalmologic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University School Of Medicine in 1994. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Ophthalmologies at Ball Memorial Hospital and the University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of 65 years and older. He is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Oberlander is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Mark Oberlander is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Mark Oberlander is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive ophthalmologic care with a compassionate focus on your well-being. He expertly manages complex eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, collaborating seamlessly with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure the best possible vision and overall health outcomes. His approach prioritizes understanding your unique needs and goals, creating a personalized plan to maintain your independence and comfort.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Mark Oberlander can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Amerigroup (Wellpoint)
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Humana
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- GEHA
- Government Employees Health Association (GEHA)
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Mark Oberlander 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: Conjunctival degeneration deposits are tiny clumps of material that build up on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye, sometimes causing slight discomfort or a gritty feeling.
- Disorder of Choroid: A choroid disorder involves problems with the choroid, a blood vessel-rich layer in your eye that nourishes the retina, potentially affecting your vision.
- Congenital Nystagmus: Living with congenital nystagmus, an eye condition causing constant, involuntary eye movement, doesn't have to limit your activities; doctors can help you develop coping mechanisms and use assistive devices.
- Corneal Abrasion or Laceration: A corneal abrasion or laceration is a scratch or tear on the surface of your eye, often causing pain, blurry vision, and light sensitivity, but thankfully treatable with eye drops and careful monitoring to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition affecting the cornea's curvature, leading to blurred vision and light sensitivity. Regular eye exams and appropriate management can significantly improve visual quality and prevent further vision loss.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration: AMD slowly damages the macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp, central vision, impacting daily tasks like reading and driving, but with proper management and treatment, you can improve your quality of life.
- Retinoschisis: Retinoschisis is a condition where the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye, splits into layers, potentially blurring your vision.
- Dislocation of Lens: Experiencing blurry or distorted vision could be a sign of a dislocated eye lens; consulting an ophthalmologist is crucial as surgery can often restore your sight, improving your quality of life.
- Hypertropia: Hypertropia, or an upward turn of one eye, can affect depth perception and cause double vision. Thankfully, treatment options are tailored to your needs and can restore clearer vision and improve your everyday life.
- Glaucoma: Managing glaucoma, a condition affecting the optic nerve and potentially causing vision loss, involves regular eye exams and treatment tailored to your specific needs. With proper care, you can significantly reduce the risk of serious vision impairment, keeping your daily life enjoyable.
- Vitreous Hemorrhage: Sometimes, blood vessels in the eye can bleed into the vitreous humor (the gel filling most of the eye), leading to blurry or darkened vision; thankfully, many cases resolve on their own or with simple treatments.
- Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection causing redness, itchiness, and sometimes discharge, easily treated with eye drops or ointment to relieve discomfort and prevent spreading.
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. Mark Oberlander offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Ocular Prosthetics: As part of a comprehensive care plan, ocular prosthetics can address cosmetic concerns and improve the overall well-being of seniors after eye removal.
- Ocular Surface Reconstruction: Ocular surface reconstruction helps repair and restore the health of the eye's surface, improving comfort and vision for seniors with dry eye or other surface disorders.
- Pterygium Surgery: For seniors experiencing vision impairment and irritation due to pterygium, this surgery can restore clearer vision and enhance quality of life.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Iridotomy: Iridotomy is a surgical procedure that creates a tiny hole in the iris, relieving pressure buildup and helping prevent vision impairment related to certain types of glaucoma.
- Paracentesis of Anterior Eye: To help assess and treat certain eye conditions, a paracentesis involves carefully removing a small amount of fluid from the front of the eye, which aids in diagnosis and managing intraocular pressure.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Removing a foreign body from the eye is a crucial step in a complete eye exam, helping ophthalmologists rule out more serious eye conditions and create a personalized care plan.
- 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.
- B-Scan Ultrasound: If you're experiencing vision changes or eye discomfort, a B-scan ultrasound can help your doctor determine the underlying cause by providing detailed images of your eye's interior.
- Cataract Removal Surgery: Cataract removal surgery is a procedure to improve vision by replacing a cloudy lens with a clear artificial one, enhancing 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. Mark Oberlander 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 seeing a specialist, a woman found relief from the gritty feeling in her eyes and was able to resume her beloved hobby of reading without discomfort.
- With a comprehensive eye care plan, a senior was able to resume reading her favorite novels without the frustrating blurring and discomfort, significantly improving her quality of life.
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. Mark Oberlander:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- An ophthalmologist is an MD or DO who specializes in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists (ODs) provide primary vision care, like eye 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. Oberlander 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 field of vision. The gradual onset of a few floaters is a normal part of aging. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light, could be a sign of a serious eye problem and requires immediate attention; please call Dr. Oberlander'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. Oberlander, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, and laser procedures or surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. Dr. Oberlander 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. Oberlander can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restore vision, and improve appearance. This procedure is often covered by insurance.
- 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 improve vision.
- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition in seniors that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, 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 can help slow its progression, and for wet AMD, injections in the eye are a highly effective treatment to preserve vision.
9375 66th St N
Pinellas Park FL 33782
Phone: (727) 541-4469
Dr. Mark Oberlander, 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): 1245292176
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. Mark Oberlander 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.