Dr. Michael Schaffer, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care for older adults. He is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care within the context of senior health, practicing at his clinic in Delray Beach, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Schaffer understands the unique needs of individuals 65 years and older. 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 Schaffer, MD is an ophthalmologist in Delray Beach, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a depth of understanding to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College in 1988, followed by internships at Lankenau Hospital and Main Line Hospital Lankenau. His residency training in ophthalmology was completed at the Scheie Eye Institute University of Pennsylvania. Further specializing in children's ophthalmology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Montefiore Albert Einstein College of Medicine, he is deeply committed to the comprehensive medical care of older adults. He is affiliated with Boca Raton Regional Hospital and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (561) 498-8100 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Schaffer is dedicated to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to 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. Michael Schaffer is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Michael Schaffer is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive ophthalmologic care with a compassionate focus. He expertly manages complex eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure optimal vision and overall well-being. His approach prioritizes understanding your individual needs and goals, creating a personalized plan to maximize your comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Schaffer can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Medicare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Schaffer 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:
- Retinal Detachment and Retinal Tear: If you experience sudden flashes of light, floaters, or a curtain-like effect in your vision, it could indicate a retinal tear or detachment. Seeing an ophthalmologist immediately is crucial for timely treatment and preserving sight.
- 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.
- Chorioretinal Scars: While chorioretinal scars represent past injury to the eye's retina and choroid, monitoring for changes in vision during regular check-ups is usually sufficient.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: High blood sugar from diabetes can harm the tiny blood vessels in your eye, causing diabetic retinopathy; luckily, with careful monitoring and treatment, we can often prevent or slow its progression, preserving your ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures.
- Blepharitis: Blepharitis is inflammation of your eyelids that may cause burning and blurry vision, but simple treatments, like using warm compresses and special lid scrubs, can help alleviate the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Esotropia: If you have esotropia, your eye(s) may point inward, potentially affecting depth perception; treatments focus on aligning the eyes to improve vision and reduce eye strain.
- Visual Field Defects: Don't let visual field defects limit your activities. With a thorough eye exam and appropriate management, whether it involves medication or assistive devices, we can help you regain confidence and maintain your quality of life.
- Nystagmus: Nystagmus, or uncontrolled eye movement, can affect vision, but understanding this condition is the first step to finding effective strategies for managing its impact on daily life.
- Hypertensive Retinopathy: Maintaining healthy blood pressure is key to preventing hypertensive retinopathy, a condition where high blood pressure damages the blood vessels in your eyes, potentially affecting your sight; treatment focuses on controlling blood pressure.
- Senile Cataracts: Don't let blurry vision limit you. Senile cataracts are a natural part of aging, but cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to improve your vision and help you maintain your independence.
- 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.
- Parasitic Endophthalmitis: Parasitic endophthalmitis is a rare but serious eye infection caused by parasites that can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly with medication and possibly surgery, helping maintain your sight and independence.
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 Schaffer offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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 surgery helps manage vision loss in seniors, enabling them to safely participate in activities and maintain independence.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: This service ensures seniors with vision impairments receive properly fitted contact lenses, supporting their overall eye health and reducing discomfort.
- Eye Examination: An eye exam provides a detailed overview of your overall eye health, helping to identify any issues that may impact your quality of life and enabling proactive measures to maintain your independence.
- Farnsworth Lantern Test: This quick and simple test assists your eye doctor in evaluating your ability to distinguish colors, which is crucial for managing certain eye conditions.
- 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.
- Iridotomy: To help prevent vision loss from a specific type of glaucoma, an iridotomy may be performed to create a new pathway for fluid to leave the eye and reduce pressure.
- Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: Removing a foreign object from the eye helps ensure comfort and prevents potential infection or vision problems, supporting your overall eye health.
- Tear Duct Surgery: For seniors experiencing persistent watery eyes due to tear duct issues, surgery offers a potential solution to improve vision and reduce discomfort.
- Vision Screening: A comprehensive vision screening provides a baseline for your eye health, enabling proactive management and preventing future vision complications.
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 Schaffer 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 a comprehensive treatment plan, a senior was relieved to regain the ability to enjoy reading her favorite books, a cherished hobby, without the frustrating vision disturbances.
- A senior citizen, previously struggling with blurred vision due to a vitreous hemorrhage, was thrilled to regain clear sight and resume enjoying their favorite pastime of reading.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. Michael Schaffer:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Schaffer's practice specializes in all aspects of eye care for older adults. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases. Optometrists (ODs) 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. Schaffer 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 appear to drift in your vision. A gradual increase in floaters is often a normal part of aging. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light, could signal a serious issue and requires immediate contact with Dr. Schaffer's office.
- My eyelids are drooping and making it hard to see. What can be done?
- Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, is common in older adults. If the drooping interferes with your vision, it's considered a medical issue. Dr. Schaffer, 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. Schaffer can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. Dr. Schaffer uses this procedure to treat serious retinal conditions such as retinal detachments, macular holes, and severe diabetic retinopathy, aiming to save or improve vision.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful surgical 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.
- 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. For wet AMD, eye injections are a highly effective treatment to preserve vision.
16201 S Military Trl
Delray Beach FL 33484
Phone: (561) 498-8100
Dr. Michael Schaffer, 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): 1730280777
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 Schaffer 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.