Dr. Derek Hess is an ophthalmologist practicing in Saint Petersburg, FL. Dr. Hess specializes in eye and vision care. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Hess can practice medicine as well as surgery. Opthalmologists can perform surgeries because they have their medical degrees along with at least eight years of additional training. Dr. Hess can diagnose and treat diseases, perform eye operations and prescribe eye glasses and contacts. Ophthalmologists can also specialize even further in a specific area of eye care.