Dr. Robert Howard, MD is an ophthalmologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care for older adults at St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute Tarpon Springs in Tarpon Springs, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Howard, a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in LASIK surgery, medical ophthalmology, and glaucoma care, has over 15 years of experience, honed through extensive military service and further developed through his residency and subsequent practice. He understands the unique needs of patients 65 years and older, 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.
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. Howard's practice is focused on the specific needs of this patient population. He is committed to providing exceptional care, ensuring that his patients receive the highest quality of ophthalmologic treatment. He is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (727) 435-8658 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Howard earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed a residency in ophthalmology at Brooke Army Medical Center-Wilford Hall Medical Center. He is board-certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Robert Howard is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Howard is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing comprehensive ophthalmologic care with a compassionate touch. He expertly manages complex eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure the best possible vision and overall well-being. He 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. Robert Howard can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Assurant Health
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Coventry Health Care of Florida
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)
WellPoint
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- Choice Care PPO
- Cigna
- Coventry Health Care
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Group Plan PPO
- Health Net
- Humana
- Inc.
- Medicare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Options PPO
- PHCS Network PPO
- Select HMO
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Robert Howard 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:
- Chronic Endophthalmitis: This persistent infection inside the eye needs careful management with medications and possibly surgery to reduce inflammation and improve sight.
- Blind Hypertensive Eye: Loss of vision in one eye linked to high blood pressure highlights the need for strict blood pressure control, often achieved through medication, to preserve sight and overall wellness.
- Pterygium: If a growth on your eye's surface called a pterygium is interfering with your vision or comfort, a simple surgical procedure can usually resolve these issues and improve your independence.
- Optic Neuritis: Characterized by blurry or reduced vision, sometimes accompanied by pain, optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve that, when treated, often leads to better vision outcomes and improved independence.
- Lacrimal Gland Disorder: Lacrimal gland disorders affect how your eyes produce tears, causing discomfort. Various treatments are available to alleviate symptoms and improve your ability to see clearly, participate in your hobbies, and maintain your independence.
- Ectropion of Eyelid: An outward-turning eyelid, called ectropion, can cause dryness, irritation, and even infection; however, a simple procedure can usually reposition the eyelid, relieving discomfort and protecting your eye.
- Pinguecula: As we age, a small, benign growth (pinguecula) can form on the eye's white area, usually from sun exposure; it rarely causes vision problems and is often left untreated.
- Retinal Hemorrhage: A retinal hemorrhage is a bleed in the retina that can affect your vision. With proper diagnosis and treatment, like managing underlying conditions, it can often be managed and improve your visual well-being.
- Foreign Body in Eye: Don't rub your eye if something's in it! Seeing an eye doctor quickly will allow them to remove the foreign object, preserving your eye health and restoring clear vision.
- Hypertropia: For seniors with hypertropia, or an upward turn of the eye, it's important to know that treatment focuses on restoring proper eye alignment. This can greatly improve vision, reduce eye strain, and enhance the quality of life.
- Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP): Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic eye condition that causes progressive vision loss, starting with difficulty seeing at night and eventually impacting daytime vision, but strategies for adapting to low vision can greatly help.
- Dislocation of Lens: A dislocated eye lens means the lens inside your eye has moved out of place, causing blurry vision or double vision; thankfully, specialized eye surgery can often correct this.
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. Robert Howard offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- 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.
- Cornea Surgery: Corneal surgery is a procedure that may be necessary to treat specific corneal conditions, helping seniors avoid vision loss and maintain independence.
- Excision of Chalazion: Excision of a chalazion is a safe and effective way to treat a persistent eyelid bump in older adults, ensuring comfortable and clear vision.
- Ocular Surface Reconstruction: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, ocular surface reconstruction addresses issues like dry eye and corneal damage, leading to better vision and quality of life in older adults.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: As part of comprehensive eye care, contact lens fitting assesses eye health and ensures the correct lenses are used to prevent complications and maximize visual acuity.
- Tear Duct Surgery: This procedure helps to unclog blocked tear ducts, restoring proper drainage and reducing the risk of infection.
- Eyelid Surgery: Eyelid surgery can improve vision by correcting droopy eyelids that obstruct the field of vision.
- Iridectomy: If you have elevated intraocular pressure, an iridectomy might be part of your comprehensive eye care strategy, making it easier to manage the pressure and preserving your sight.
- Photo Therapeutic Keratectomy: To address specific corneal irregularities affecting your vision, your ophthalmologist might recommend PTK as a targeted treatment option.
- Excision or Destruction of Lesion of Cornea: Removing a problematic area on the cornea helps maintain clear vision and prevent further complications.
- Paracentesis of Anterior Eye: A paracentesis of the anterior eye is a small needle procedure that helps doctors diagnose and manage eye pressure and fluid buildup, offering a vital step in creating a personalized treatment plan for your eye health.
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. Robert Howard 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 careful medication management and supportive eye care, a senior was able to resume reading their favorite books, a cherished pastime, without the discomfort caused by the persistent eye infection.
- After careful management of high blood pressure, a senior was able to resume enjoying familiar hobbies, like reading and attending church, with improved vision in their affected eye. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could maintain a more independent lifestyle.
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. Robert Howard:
- 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. An optometrist (OD) provides primary vision care, such as eye exams and prescribing glasses, but is not a medical doctor and does not 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. Howard 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 across your field of vision. A gradual increase in floaters is a common part of aging. However, a sudden increase, especially with flashes of light, might signal a serious issue and requires immediate contact with Dr. Howard's office.
- 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 may slow its progression. For wet AMD, injections in the eye are a highly effective treatment to preserve vision.
- My eyelids are drooping and making it hard to see. What can be done?
- Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, are common in older adults. If the drooping is affecting your vision, it's important to have it evaluated. Dr. Howard can perform a functional blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure to lift the eyelid and restore your vision, and this is often covered by insurance.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgery performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel that fills the eyeball. This procedure allows Dr. Howard to treat serious retinal conditions like retinal detachments, macular holes, and severe diabetic retinopathy, with the goal of saving or improving vision.
- What is dry eye, and how is it treated in seniors?
- Dry eye is a very common and uncomfortable condition for older adults, often due to the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but Dr. Robert Howard can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
- 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. Robert Howard, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, but laser procedures and surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute Tarpon Springs
43309 US Highway 19 N
Tarpon Springs FL 34689
Phone: (727) 435-8658
Dr. Robert Howard, 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): 1942409909
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. Robert Howard 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.