Health Pro: Visit in 'real world' class led to career in optometry

FLORIDA TODAY
Dr. Daniel Brown is a board certified optometrist at Florida Eye Associates, which has offices in Melbourne, Palm Bay and Viera.

Dr. Daniel Brown is a board certified optometrist at Florida Eye Associates, which has offices in Melbourne, Palm Bay and Viera.

Q: Why did you go into this career? 

A: With my keen interest in science and optics, the optometric profession has allowed me to make a difference in peoples’ lives, bringing back quality of life to those who are visually impaired in some way. 

Q: What services do you provide? 

A: General optometric eye care with emphasis on low vision and specialty contact lenses. 

Q: What makes this area of medicine fulfilling for you? 

A: It is rewarding to me to have a direct impact to help people with visual impairments reach full and enriched everyday living. 

Q: When did you realize this was the right medical career path for you? 

A: In my "real world" class in high school, an optometrist came to speak about the profession. I knew then that it was the right field for me. 

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Q: What’s the latest advancement in your field that will benefit patients? 

A: The latest advancement in my specific focus of expertise is the improvement of video magnification in low vision equipment and scleral contact lenses for those folks who are visually impaired. 

Q: Best advice for current and potential patients?

A: The best advice I can give for current and potential patients is to be sure to have annual comprehensive eye examinations, including advanced testing and dilation of the pupils. The eye can be a window to your general health. 

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Get to Know Your Health Pro

Name: Daniel T. Brown 

Where you’re based: Florida Eye Associates — Melbourne, Palm Bay & Viera 

Education: Bachelor of Arts, State University of New York, Binghamton; Doctor of Optometry, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Philadelphia. 

Professional Background: I have been an optometrist for more than 30 years. I am also a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry as well as a member of the American Optometric Association, Florida Optometric Association and Brevard Optometric Association. 

Address: 502 East New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL, 32901 

Contact: (321) 727-2020 

On the Web: www.floridaeyeassociates.com