Dr. Michael Makowski, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in comprehensive eye care for older adults. He is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmologic care to patients 65 years and older at his clinic in Ormond Beach, FL. As a registered physician with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Makowski is committed to expertly managing complex eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. He collaboratively works with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your best possible vision and overall health.
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. Makowski, with over 40 years of experience in the medical field, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida in 1984, completing an internship at Greenville Memorial Medical Center and a residency in Ophthalmology at the Medical College of Georgia Hospital and Clinic. He is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and affiliated with AdventHealth Palm Coast. He is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (386) 672-4244 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Makowski provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Michael Makowski is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Michael Makowski is a compassionate ophthalmologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized senior eye care. He expertly manages a wide range of conditions, from cataracts and glaucoma to macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, always prioritizing the unique needs and goals of each patient. His collaborative approach, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists, ensures the best possible outcomes for vision and overall health, fostering a supportive and reassuring environment for seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Makowski can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Makowski 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:
- Contusion of the Eyeball: A blow to the eye resulting in a contusion can impact daily life; swift medical care aids in minimizing long-term damage and enabling you to continue enjoying your favorite activities.
- Retinal Detachment and Retinal Tear: Retinal tears and detachments can lead to vision loss if left untreated, however, with early diagnosis and often surgical intervention, many individuals can retain or regain good vision, significantly impacting their quality of life.
- Hypertropia: Hypertropia is a type of eye misalignment where one eye turns upward, which can be corrected with glasses, eye exercises, or surgery to improve vision and reduce double vision.
- 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.
- Benign Neoplasm of Eye: Many eye growths are harmless, but a doctor will track them to ensure they remain non-threatening and don't impact your sight or daily 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.
- Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: If you're experiencing sudden vision loss, it could be anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), a condition where the optic nerve isn't getting enough blood. Focusing on managing any related health issues is crucial for slowing progression and protecting sight.
- 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.
- Retinal Vascular Occlusion: Retinal vascular occlusion is a serious eye condition involving a blocked blood vessel in the retina that can impact vision; prompt medical intervention can sometimes restore vision and prevent further complications.
- Ectropion of Eyelid: With ectropion, the lower eyelid droops away from the eye, leading to discomfort and potential eye damage; thankfully, there are surgical options to restore proper eyelid positioning and alleviate symptoms.
- Corneal Ulcer: If you experience eye pain, blurry vision, or increased sensitivity to light, it could be a corneal ulcer, and seeking immediate medical care is crucial for effective treatment and preventing vision impairment.
- Visual Field Defects: Experiencing gaps in your sight? Visual field defects can affect your peripheral vision or central vision, but with the right evaluation and strategies, you can maintain your independence and safety.
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. Michael Makowski offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Eyelid Surgery: This procedure can repair damaged eyelids, protecting the eyes from injury and infection for better senior eye health.
- Repair of Brow Ptosis and Blepharoptosis: Repair of brow ptosis and blepharoptosis helps lift sagging eyebrows and eyelids, improving vision and appearance for a more confident and comfortable life.
- Iridectomy: An iridectomy is a small surgical procedure that creates an opening in the iris, the colored part of your eye, to help manage certain types of glaucoma or other conditions that raise pressure within the eye.
- Ocular Prosthetics: Ocular prosthetics are artificial eye replacements that can improve the appearance and comfort for seniors who have lost an eye.
- Cataract Removal Surgery: For seniors struggling with cataracts, this surgery is a vital step in their care journey, helping them regain clear vision and avoid potential falls or other accidents related to poor vision.
- 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.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: For seniors, prompt foreign body removal facilitates pain relief and helps maintain clear vision, enhancing their independence and daily activities.
- Excision or Destruction of Lesion of Sclera: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, lesion removal from the sclera ensures early intervention against issues that may threaten sight.
- Blepharoplasty: Addressing eyelid issues through blepharoplasty is a key step in comprehensive eye care for seniors, reducing vision impairment and improving quality of life.
- 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.
- Excision of Chalazion: For seniors experiencing a bothersome eyelid lump (chalazion), surgical excision offers a solution to eliminate discomfort and prevent potential complications.
- Eye Test: Regular eye tests help monitor the progression of existing eye conditions, ensuring your treatment plan remains effective and tailored to your needs.
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. Michael Makowski 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:
- Following careful treatment for a contusion of the eyeball, a senior citizen was able to resume their beloved hobby of birdwatching, a cherished pastime once compromised by discomfort and blurry vision.
- Following careful treatment for retinal detachment and tear, a senior citizen was thrilled to rediscover the joy of reading again, a cherished pastime that had been jeopardized by the vision loss. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could continue enjoying their favorite activities.
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. Michael Makowski:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. An optometrist (OD) provides primary vision care, like eye exams and prescribing glasses, but is not a medical doctor and does 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. Makowski 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. The gradual appearance of a few floaters is common with aging, but a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light, could signal a serious problem and requires immediate attention. Please contact Dr. Makowski's office immediately if you experience this.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures today. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one, a quick outpatient procedure that can dramatically improve 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. Makowski, 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 interferes with your vision, it's a medical issue. Dr. Makowski can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restoring your full field of vision and improving your appearance. This procedure is often covered by insurance.
- 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 clear 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, injections in 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 the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment usually begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but Dr. Makowski can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
345 Clyde Morris Blvd Ste 330
Ormond Beach FL 32174
Phone: (386) 672-4244
Dr. Michael Makowski, 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): 1427009240
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. Michael Makowski 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.