Dr. Michael Pennachio, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in comprehensive eye care for older adults. He is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, practicing at his Clermont, FL clinic and committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care for individuals 65 years and older. Dr. Pennachio is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He expertly manages 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.
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. Michael Pennachio, MD, 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 Morsani College of Medicine in 1981 and completed an internship at University South Ala Med Ctrs Clins in 1982. Following this, he undertook ophthalmology residency training at Tulane University Hospital and Clinics, graduating in 1985. He is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando and Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. He is currently welcoming new patients; please call (352) 227-1999 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Pennachio provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Michael Pennachio is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Pennachio is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive ophthalmologic care with a compassionate focus. He expertly manages complex eye conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure the best possible vision and overall well-being. His approach prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive and reassuring environment for seniors and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Pennachio can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- National (BlueCard) PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Pennachio 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:
- Ulcerative Blepharitis: If you have sores and inflammation on your eyelids (ulcerative blepharitis), know that proper treatment with antibiotics or other medication can relieve discomfort and prevent complications, allowing you to maintain your independence.
- Orbital Cellulitis: Don't ignore signs of infection near your eye like redness, swelling, and painorbital cellulitis requires immediate medical care to safeguard your vision and overall health.
- Black Eye: A black eye, characterized by discoloration and swelling around the eye from a blow or injury, often heals without complications with at-home care, but severe cases require professional medical evaluation.
- Iridocyclitis: Iridocyclitis is an eye condition involving inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, potentially affecting your vision. Early diagnosis and treatment with medication, often eye drops, can help control the inflammation and improve your eye health and quality of life.
- Hordeolum: A hordeolum, or stye, is a painful, localized infection of an oil gland in your eyelid that often clears up with warm compresses and good hygiene.
- Eye Infections: Don't let an eye infection limit your ability to see clearly. Treatment, often involving medication, can effectively manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Tear Duct Disorders: Tear duct issues are treatable conditions that can impact vision and comfort. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment from your eye doctorpotentially involving a quick in-office procedureyou can experience significant relief from excessive tearing and discomfort, improving your quality of life.
- Chronic Dacryoadenitis: If you experience long-lasting swelling or redness near your upper eyelid, it might be chronic dacryoadenitis, a condition manageable with medication or sometimes surgery to improve comfort and vision.
- Pars Planitis: If you have pars planitis, an inflammation in the back of your eye, your doctor may recommend medication or other treatments to reduce inflammation and help you keep your sight sharp.
- Corneal Abrasion or Laceration: A corneal abrasion is a minor injury to the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, often resulting from a tiny scratch. It usually heals quickly with simple treatments, restoring clear vision and easing discomfort.
- Dacryoadenitis: Dacryoadenitis is an inflammation of your tear gland, often causing swelling and discomfort near your eye, which can be treated with warm compresses, medication, and sometimes surgery to improve your comfort and 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.
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 Pennachio offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Pterygium Surgery: As part of your eye care plan, pterygium surgery can correct vision problems caused by this common eye growth.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal from the eye safely extracts particles like dust or debris, ensuring comfort and preventing potential vision complications for seniors.
- Iridectomy: An iridectomy is a surgical procedure that helps prevent complications and preserve vision by creating a drainage pathway in the iris, sometimes done in conjunction with cataract surgery.
- Cornea Surgery: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, corneal surgery addresses issues like corneal scarring or ulcers, preserving vision in older adults.
- B-Scan Ultrasound: This painless test uses sound waves to produce detailed images of the eye, assisting in the management of eye conditions and guiding treatment decisions for better vision health.
- Eye Surgery: As part of your comprehensive eye care plan, surgery might be recommended to manage glaucoma and lower your risk of vision loss.
- Vision Screening: As part of your overall health plan, vision screening helps your doctor assess your eye health and adjust your care plan to address any issues.
- 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.
- Eye Test: An eye test is a crucial step in identifying potential vision problems like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
- 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.
- Ocular Prosthetics: Following an eye injury or removal, ocular prosthetics are fitted to restore a natural appearance and help seniors feel more comfortable and confident.
- Eyelid Surgery: Eyelid surgery can improve vision by correcting droopy eyelids that obstruct the field of 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. Michael Pennachio 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 the ophthalmologist's guidance, a senior woman experienced a significant reduction in the painful symptoms of ulcerative blepharitis, allowing her to resume reading comfortably and enjoy her evening book club again.
- Promptly addressing the orbital cellulitis infection, the senior was able to resume reading without discomfort, a cherished activity that had been significantly impacted by the infection. The family felt a renewed sense of security knowing the infection was effectively managed.
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
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- 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 Pennachio:
- 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, like exams and glasses, but are not medical doctors and cannot perform surgery. Ophthalmologists and optometrists often 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. Pennachio 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 move 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 signal a serious issue and requires immediate attention. Please contact Dr. Pennachio's office immediately.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures today. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one, often as a quick, outpatient procedure that dramatically improves 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. Pennachio can perform a functional blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure to lift the eyelid and improve vision, often covered by insurance.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. Dr. Pennachio uses this procedure to treat serious retinal conditions like retinal detachments, macular holes, and severe diabetic retinopathy, aiming to save or 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. Pennachio, 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 eye condition in older adults that affects 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 can help slow its progression. For wet AMD, injections into the eye are a highly effective treatment to preserve vision.
14244 State Road 50
Clermont FL 34711
Phone: (352) 227-1999
Dr. Michael Pennachio, 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): 1750312005
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 Pennachio 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.