Vision Care Services

Medical & Urgent Eye Care

Eye problems, seen the same day.

For red eyes, eye pain, injuries, infections and sudden changes in vision, your eye doctor is often the fastest and best-equipped place to go. Our doctors examine the eye under a slit lamp microscope, dilate and image the retina with Optomap, find the cause and start treatment in the same visit.

Dr. Tumolo and Dr. Than are optometric physicians licensed in Florida to prescribe medicated eye drops and oral medications, so treatment can usually start the same day.

Same-day visits at every office. At Odessa and East Lake, we make room for medical emergencies every day we are open. Call Odessa (813) 926-5993 or East Lake (727) 242-8388.

What brings you in?

Red, goopy or irritated eyePink eye, broken blood vessels and other causes of red eyes Eye pain or light sensitivityUveitis, iritis and other inflammation inside the eye Something in the eye, or an injuryForeign body removal, scratched cornea, chemical splash New flashes or floatersRetinal tears and detachment need a same-day exam Sudden blurry, double or lost visionChanges in vision that should be checked right away Eye infection or contact lens painCorneal ulcers, shingles near the eye, eyelid infections Bump or swelling on the eyelidStyes, chalazion, blepharitis and blocked glands Itchy, watery eyesEye allergies and allergic pink eye Dry, gritty or burning eyesDry eye testing and treatment

Not sure which one fits? Call us and describe your symptoms. We will tell you how soon you should be seen.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if

Something has cut or gone into the eye, or the eye has been punctured. Do not press on the eye or try to remove the object.
A chemical splashed in the eye. Rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes first, then call us or go to the ER.
You suddenly lose vision along with face drooping, arm weakness or trouble speaking. These can be signs of a stroke.
The eye is bulging, or you have a high fever with severe eyelid swelling and pain when moving the eye.

What happens at a medical eye visit

History: when it started, what you have tried, and whether you wear contact lenses.
Slit lamp exam: a microscope view of the eyelids, cornea and the inside of the front of the eye, with special dyes when needed.
Retina check: a dilated exam and Optomap imaging when your symptoms call for it.
Treatment: in-office care such as foreign body removal, plus prescription eye drops or oral medication when needed.
Follow-up: a recheck to make sure it is healing, and a referral to a surgeon if one is needed.

Insurance

Medical eye visits are usually billed to your medical insurance rather than your vision plan. We will help you understand your coverage. Payment methods.

Common questions

Should I see an eye doctor or go to urgent care for an eye problem?

For most eye problems, an eye doctor is the faster, better-equipped choice. Our doctors examine the eye under a slit lamp microscope and can dilate and image the retina, which most urgent care clinics cannot do. Go to the emergency room or call 911 for a penetrating eye injury, a severe chemical burn after rinsing, or sudden vision loss with stroke symptoms.

Can I be seen the same day?

Yes. Same-day medical visits are available at every Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists office. At our Odessa and East Lake offices, we make room for medical eye emergencies every day we are open. Call the office before you come so we can get you in quickly.

Can your doctors prescribe medication?

Yes. Dr. Tumolo and Dr. Than are optometric physicians licensed in Florida to prescribe medicated eye drops and oral medications, so treatment can usually start the same day. That includes antibiotic, antiviral, steroid and allergy eye drops, and oral antibiotics or antivirals when needed.

Is a medical eye visit covered by insurance?

Medical eye visits are usually billed to your medical insurance rather than your vision plan. Coverage depends on your plan, so call the office and we will help you check.

What if I need surgery or a specialist?

We work with local retina surgeons and other eye surgeons. When a problem needs surgery, such as a retinal detachment, we arrange the referral, and urgent cases can often be seen the same day.