Dr. Shelby Terpstra, DO is a board-certified Comprehensive Ophthalmologist practicing at her clinic in Leesburg, FL. As a dedicated partner in senior health, she is registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care specifically tailored to the 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. Terpstra is currently welcoming new patients; please call (352) 365-2020 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Terpstra's extensive experience in ophthalmologic care, spanning over 30 years, stems from her rigorous training and dedication to her patients. She earned her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1994 and completed her residency in ophthalmology at Michigan State University - Metropolitan Hospital in 1998. She is board-certified in Ophthalmology by both the American Board of Ophthalmology and the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology. Dr. Terpstra is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Academy of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. With a focus on providing visionary service and focused care, she's proficient in a wide range of ophthalmic services, from general eye care to refractive surgery to the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, a complete range of dry eye conditions, and blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) and lower lid cosmetic surgery. Dr. Terpstra provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Shelby Terpstra is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Terpstra is a compassionate ophthalmologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized eye care for seniors. She expertly manages a wide range of conditions, from cataracts to macular degeneration, working collaboratively with other specialists and your primary care physician to ensure the best possible vision and overall health. Her approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Shelby Terpstra can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
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Also Accepts These Carriers
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- FL Medical Providers
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- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- SimplyBlue
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- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Shelby Terpstra 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:
- Exotropia: Dealing with eyes that turn outward (exotropia) can be challenging, impacting your vision and confidence. Fortunately, various treatment options are available, such as corrective lenses or surgery, to help align your eyes, leading to improved vision and a better sense of well-being.
- Corneal Abrasion or Laceration: Similar to a scrape on your skin, a corneal abrasion is a damage to the clear front part of your eye, typically managed with antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and pain relievers for comfort, restoring clear vision with time.
- Vitreous Hemorrhage: A vitreous hemorrhage is bleeding inside the eye that can obstruct vision; while it can be alarming, it's often treatable, allowing for a return to clearer vision and improved quality of life.
- 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.
- Corneal Ulcer: A corneal ulcer is an infection or injury that creates a painful sore on your eye's surface; early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing serious complications and maintaining your vision.
- Conjunctival Hemorrhage: Experiencing a red area in the white of your eye? This is often a conjunctival hemorrhage, a relatively common and self-resolving condition that usually doesn't require treatment and won't affect your vision or daily life.
- 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.
- Keratitis: Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear front part of your eye, often causing pain, redness, and blurry vision, but with prompt treatment, it can be managed effectively.
- Chorioretinal Scars: Chorioretinal scars are areas of damage in the back of the eye that can sometimes affect vision, but often require no specific treatment beyond regular eye exams.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: If you have diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is a complication that affects the retina, potentially causing vision problems, however, early detection and proper management can prevent serious vision loss and maintain your independence.
- Paralytic Strabismus: Paralytic strabismus means a problem with the nerves or muscles controlling eye movement, often resulting in misaligned eyes and double vision. Treatment focuses on improving eye coordination and vision through techniques like surgery or vision therapy.
- Optic Neuritis: If you experience sudden blurry vision or loss of color perception, it could be optic neuritis, a condition where the nerve connecting your eye to your brain is inflamed, and early medical attention can often lead to significant vision improvement.
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. Shelby Terpstra offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery: Reconstructive eyelid surgery helps repair damaged or drooping eyelids, improving vision and appearance for seniors.
- Blepharorrhaphy: This surgical procedure helps seniors with damaged or sagging eyelids by closing or repairing the eyelids, reducing discomfort and potentially improving vision.
- Repair of Brow Ptosis and Blepharoptosis: For seniors experiencing vision difficulties due to eyelid and brow sagging, this repair improves vision and facial aesthetics, boosting self-esteem and overall well-being.
- Tear Duct Surgery: Tear duct surgery can help prevent more serious complications associated with blocked tear ducts, such as infections or corneal damage, allowing seniors to maintain healthy eyes.
- 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.
- Repair of Entropion or Ectropion: Addressing eyelid malposition through entropion or ectropion repair is a key step in maintaining good eye health and vision for older adults.
- Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty helps manage the cosmetic and functional concerns related to aging eyelids, leading to better self-esteem and improved vision.
- Farnsworth Lantern Test: This test is a valuable tool for detecting color vision deficiencies, helping your ophthalmologist create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
- Eye Surgery: For seniors experiencing vision problems, eye surgery offers a targeted treatment option, improving quality of life by restoring vision and 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.
- Eyelid Surgery: As part of a comprehensive senior care plan, eyelid surgery can address cosmetic concerns and improve self-esteem.
- 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.
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. Shelby Terpstra 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 support of an ophthalmologist, a woman regained her confidence in social situations, finding the ability to engage in conversations more comfortably and clearly. She now felt empowered to participate in community activities with greater ease.
- After careful treatment for a corneal abrasion, a senior was able to resume reading her favorite books, a cherished pastime, without discomfort.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She 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)
- American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology (Ophthalmology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. Shelby Terpstra:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Terpstra is an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists, on the other hand, provide primary vision care like eye exams and prescribing glasses, but are not medical doctors and do not perform surgery. Often, they work together to ensure 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. Terpstra 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 may drift in your vision. The gradual appearance of a few floaters is often a normal part of aging. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light, could indicate a serious problem and requires immediate contact with Dr. Terpstra's office.
- What is dry eye, and how is it treated in seniors?
- Dry eye is a very common and often uncomfortable condition for older adults, frequently due to the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but Dr. Terpstra can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
- 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 forms: 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, nutritional supplements may help slow its progression. For wet AMD, eye injections are a highly effective treatment to preserve 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. Dr. Shelby Terpstra, 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 a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. Dr. Terpstra uses this procedure to treat serious retinal conditions like 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 performed today. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one, often as a quick, outpatient procedure that can dramatically restore clear vision.
601 E Dixie Ave Ste 201
Leesburg FL 34748
Phone: (352) 365-2020
Dr. Shelby Terpstra, DO 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): 1972543312
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. Shelby Terpstra 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.