At Alabata Eye Center, our team of eye care specialists includes two ophthalmologists and is led by Dr. Phil Alabata, D.O. We’re dedicated to providing you with the information and treatments you need for clear vision and improved quality of life.

What is an Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing eye diseases and disorders. They are trained to provide comprehensive eye care, from prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses to performing surgical procedures. Ophthalmologists undergo extensive training, including medical school, a one-year internship, and a three-year residency in ophthalmology.

During their training, ophthalmologists learn how to examine the eyes, diagnose eye diseases, and perform eye surgeries. They also learn how to manage eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Ophthalmologists are considered experts in the field of eye care and often work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as optometrists and primary care physicians, to provide the best possible care for their patients.

What Does an Ophthalmologist Treat?

Ophthalmologists treat a wide range of conditions that affect the eyes, including vision problems, eye injuries, infections, and diseases. One of the most common conditions that an ophthalmologist treats is refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They may prescribe corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, to improve these refractive errors or suggest laser vision correction procedures like LASIK. 

Ophthalmologists also diagnose and treat eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. They can perform surgical procedures like cataract surgery to treat eye diseases or guide you through other treatment options. In addition to medical and surgical treatments, ophthalmologists may also provide preventative care, such as routine eye exams, to help maintain healthy vision.

When to See an Eye Doctor

Your ophthalmologist is your go-to expert for all your eye care needs. Dr. Alabata has over 20 years of experience helping patients manage eye conditions and improve their vision. If you’re experiencing vision problems, dry eyes, or other eye concerns, he can evaluate your eyes and find the best treatment. 

Regular eye exams can catch eye diseases in the early stages when they are most treatable. If you wear contact lenses, have risk factors for eye diseases, or are a senior, you should visit an eye doctor every year or two. In addition to routine eye exams, you should see an ophthalmologist if you:

• Have an eye infection
• Notice sudden floaters and flashes of light in your vision
• Have had changes in your vision
• Have had an eye injury or are experiencing eye pain
• Are suffering from dry eye and home remedies aren’t working

Take the Next Step and Enjoy Better Vision

To schedule your in-person Eye Care Consultation, call Alabata Eye Center at (850) 331-3937. A referral is not necessary. Thank you for trusting our professional services.