Dr. Vasilios Diakonis, MD is an Ophthalmologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care for older adults at his clinic in Largo, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care. Dr. Diakonis understands the unique needs of seniors, expertly managing complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. As a partner in your senior health journey, he works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your best possible vision and overall health, serving patients 65 years and older. He is currently welcoming new patients, so please call (727) 581-8706 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Diakonis, with over 20 years of experience and a PhD in Refractive Surgery, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. He earned his medical degree from the University of Crete and completed his residency and fellowship training at prestigious institutions, including the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. His expertise encompasses corneal refractive surgery, corneal cross-linking for keratoconus, and advanced cataract surgery, reflecting his commitment to the latest advancements in ophthalmology. He is a member of the Young Ophthalmologist Committee and the education committee of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, demonstrating a dedication to continuous learning and advancement in the field. Dr. Diakonis offers consultations in Greek. The Eye Institute of West Florida, where he practices, emphasizes clinical excellence, utilizing innovations and advanced techniques to deliver quality patient outcomes in a warm and friendly environment.
He is a key part of a team that delivers clinical excellence in every subspecialty field of ophthalmology. His deep understanding of the needs of seniors, combined with his extensive training and experience, makes him a trusted partner in your health journey. His commitment to providing exceptional care, along with his dedication to the latest advancements in the field, ensures that you receive the best possible eye care. Please schedule your appointment today by calling (727) 581-8706.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Vasilios Diakonis is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Diakonis is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmologic care. He expertly manages complex eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, working collaboratively with other specialists and your primary care physician to ensure the best possible vision and overall well-being. His approach prioritizes understanding each individual's needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for optimal comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Vasilios Diakonis can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Vasilios Diakonis 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:
- Corneal Erosion: A corneal erosion is like a tiny scrape on the clear front part of your eye, causing significant irritation and blurry vision; treatment often involves special eye drops or a temporary contact lens to protect the eye and aid in its natural healing process.
- Senile Cataracts: Senile cataracts, a typical age-related eye condition, involve the lens becoming less transparent, resulting in impaired vision; fortunately, cataract surgery is a highly effective treatment to improve your vision and independence.
- Retinal Neovascularization: Retinal neovascularization is a complication where new, leaky blood vessels form in the back of your eye, sometimes causing vision changes or bleeding; prompt treatment can often prevent significant vision loss.
- Chorioretinitis: If you're experiencing vision changes due to chorioretinitis, treatment often involves medication to reduce inflammation and protect your sight, helping you maintain your independence.
- Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: CSC is an eye condition where fluid builds up beneath the retina, potentially blurring your vision, but many people recover naturally with close monitoring.
- 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.
- Degenerative Disorders of Globe: The term 'degenerative disorders of the globe' encompasses a range of age-related eye problems causing vision loss. Regular eye exams and timely treatments are key to preventing severe vision impairment and maintaining quality of life.
- Pars Planitis: Don't worry if you're diagnosed with pars planitis; it's an inflammation that can affect vision, but with your doctor's help through treatments and regular checkups, you can preserve your sight and continue enjoying life's activities.
- Herpetic Keratitis: Herpes simplex virus can sometimes cause herpetic keratitis, an infection of the cornea that affects vision. Fortunately, treatment with antiviral drugs and potentially corticosteroids can often control the infection and improve your vision, helping you stay independent.
- Corneal Abrasion or Laceration: If you have a scratch or cut on the surface of your eye (corneal abrasion or laceration), early treatment with medication can prevent infection and ensure your vision recovers fully. Prompt care keeps you safe and independent.
- Chorioretinal Scars: The formation of chorioretinal scars is often a consequence of previous eye disease; your doctor will primarily focus on managing any ongoing issues that could create additional scarring.
- Retinal Dystrophy: Characterized by the deterioration of the retina, retinal dystrophy can make everyday tasks more challenging. However, with appropriate care and assistive technologies, individuals can preserve their ability to live full and active lives.
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. Vasilios Diakonis 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.
- Excision or Destruction of Lesion of Cornea: This procedure is a key part of diagnosing and managing certain corneal conditions, supporting comprehensive eye health for seniors.
- Vitreoretinal Surgery: For seniors with conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, vitreoreticular surgery may offer a treatment option to improve vision by addressing issues within the eye's vitreous gel and retina.
- Farnsworth Lantern Test: To ensure optimal vision and safety, your doctor may use the Farnsworth Lantern Test to identify and address any color vision impairments that could impact your activities.
- Eye Examination: Through thorough testing and imaging, an eye examination helps your doctor assess your current vision, monitor the progression of existing conditions, and adjust your treatment as needed.
- B-Scan Ultrasound: To ensure the best possible outcome for your eye surgery or treatment, a B-scan ultrasound may be used to thoroughly evaluate the structures inside your eye.
- Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: This simple procedure helps diagnose the source of eye irritation and prevents further complications that could negatively impact vision.
- Anterior Vitrectomy: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, anterior vitrectomy helps manage certain eye diseases by removing the vitreous humor and improving access to the retina.
- Repair of Eye Laceration: Eye laceration repair is a crucial step in managing eye trauma, helping prevent infection and vision loss in seniors.
- Destruction of Lesion of Retina and Choroid: Destruction of a retinal or choroidal lesion is a procedure that helps remove abnormal tissue in the back of the eye, improving vision and preventing further damage.
- Paracentesis of Anterior Eye: As part of your eye care, a paracentesis may be used to remove fluid from the front of your eye, allowing for better diagnosis and management of conditions impacting your vision.
- 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.
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. Vasilios Diakonis 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:
- After struggling with blurry vision and eye pain due to corneal erosion, a senior couple was thrilled to regain their ability to read books and enjoy their favorite outdoor activities without discomfort.
- After cataract surgery, a senior was thrilled to rediscover the vibrant colors of her favorite flower garden, a cherished activity she'd previously struggled to enjoy. Family members felt immense relief knowing their loved one could once again participate in daily life with improved vision.
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)
- The Effect of NSAID Pretreatment on Aqueous Humor Prostaglandin E2Concentration in Eyes Undergoing Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Capsulotomy, 2018-07-10
Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. Vasilios Diakonis:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Diakonis is an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists, on the other hand, 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. Diakonis typically recommends surgery when cataracts begin to impact 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. A gradual increase in floaters is a common part of aging. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light, could signal a serious problem and needs immediate attention; please call Dr. Diakonis's office right away.
- What is dry eye, and how is it treated in seniors?
- Dry eye is a very common and often uncomfortable condition in older adults, frequently caused by the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but Dr. Diakonis can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
- 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 eyelid affects your vision, it's a medical issue. Dr. Diakonis, an oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restore vision, and improve appearance; this is often covered by insurance.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one, a quick outpatient procedure that can dramatically restore clear vision.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. This allows Dr. Diakonis 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. Diakonis, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, and laser procedures and surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
148 13th St SW
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 581-8706
Dr. Vasilios Diakonis, 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): 1902234172
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. Vasilios Diakonis 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.