Dr. Stephen Wolchok, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in compassionate, comprehensive eye care for older adults at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is dedicated to providing exceptional care for individuals 65 years and older, expertly managing a wide range of ophthalmologic conditions. Dr. Wolchok is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring that patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Stephen Wolchok, MD is an ophthalmologist in Jacksonville, FL and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida in 2001 and is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Memorial Hospital and Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Wolchok is currently welcoming new patients and offers telehealth appointments; please call (904) 739-0606 to schedule an appointment. He also offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Stephen Wolchok is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Stephen Wolchok is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmologic care. He expertly manages various eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, always prioritizing your comfort and well-being. His approach emphasizes collaboration with your primary care physician and other specialists to create a personalized plan that optimizes your vision and overall health.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Stephen Wolchok can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Stephen Wolchok 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:
- 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.
- Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis): Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, can make it hard to see clearly and even affect your ability to drive or read, but with treatment options like surgery or medication, you can often improve your vision and independence.
- 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.
- Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition affecting the cornea's curvature, leading to blurred vision and light sensitivity. Regular eye exams and appropriate management can significantly improve visual quality and prevent further vision loss.
- Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition in older adults that affects the central part of the retina, gradually reducing sharp, central vision, but there are treatments that can help slow its progression and maintain independence.
- Pterygium: A pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of tissue on the white part of your eye that can sometimes affect vision, and surgery can often improve vision and comfort.
- Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition affecting the central part of your eye, leading to vision loss, but treatments can help slow its progression and maintain your independence.
- Cataract: A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, making vision blurry, like looking through a frosted window, and often impacting daily activities; surgery can usually restore clear vision.
- 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.
- Diplopia: Double vision can affect your confidence and ability to go about your day. With careful examination and the right treatment, your doctor can help resolve this, enabling you to enjoy a better quality of life.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Stephen Wolchok offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, removing a foreign body from the eye helps maintain clear vision and protects against long-term eye damage.
- B-Scan Ultrasound: As part of your comprehensive eye care plan, a B-scan ultrasound can help your doctor assess the health of your eye's internal structures and detect any abnormalities early on.
- Goniotomy: To help manage your glaucoma effectively and prevent further vision loss, your doctor may use goniotomy, a surgical procedure focusing on improving fluid drainage within your eye.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal prevents potential vision loss and corneal damage in seniors by addressing the problem swiftly and effectively.
- Cataract Removal Surgery: This surgery is a key treatment option for seniors experiencing vision impairment due to cataracts, significantly improving their ability to perform daily activities.
- Pterygium Surgery: Pterygium surgery helps remove a fleshy growth on the eye's surface, improving vision and preventing further irritation.
- Vision Screening: A comprehensive vision screening provides a baseline for your eye health, enabling proactive management and preventing future vision complications.
- Eyelid Surgery: As part of a comprehensive senior care plan, eyelid surgery can address cosmetic concerns and improve self-esteem.
- Dacryocystectomy: For seniors with chronic tear duct issues, dacryocystectomy offers a lasting solution to improve eye comfort and prevent infections.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cornea Surgery: Cornea surgery can help restore clear vision by repairing or replacing a damaged cornea, improving a senior's quality of life.
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. Stephen Wolchok 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 ophthalmology's guidance, a senior was able to resume reading her favorite books, a cherished pastime, and maintain a more secure and independent lifestyle at home.
- Having trouble seeing clearly and driving had become a significant concern for a senior, but with treatment for drooping eyelids, she regained her ability to read comfortably and safely operate her car, improving her independence and quality of life.
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. Stephen Wolchok:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Wolchok 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 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. Wolchok 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 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. Wolchok's office.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. Dr. Wolchok 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 with Dr. Wolchok is one of the safest and most successful procedures today. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one, making it a quick, outpatient procedure that can dramatically restore clear vision.
- 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 main 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, and for wet AMD, injections into the eye are a highly effective treatment to preserve 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. Wolchok, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure. 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?
- Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, are common in older adults. If the drooping interferes with your vision, it's a medical issue. Dr. Wolchok can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restore your vision, and improve your appearance; this is often covered by insurance.
3636 University Blvd S Ste A2
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 739-0606
Dr. Stephen Wolchok, 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): 1740324102
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. Stephen Wolchok 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.