Dr. Gabriela Olivares, OD

Dr. Gabriela Olivares, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. Your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health, providing preventive care, vision correction, early disease detection, personalized health plans, and coordinating screenings to ensure your best possible vision and overall wellness. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Olivares brings to The Eye Center an extensive knowledge and passion for the diagnosis and treatment of Ocular Disease. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College Of Optometry in 2014, completing an internship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, gaining foundational clinical experience. Dr. Olivares, born and raised in South Florida, earned her degree in Optometry at Nova Southeastern University, graduating in the top ten percent of her class, while on the Chancellor’s Scholarship. Her undergraduate schooling was completed at the University of Central Florida, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Microbiology. Dr. Olivares's approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and supportive, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. She is a trustee of the Broward County Optometric Association and a member of the American Optometric Association, Florida Optometric Association, and Broward County Optometric Association. Dr. Gabriela OD offers consultations in Spanish. Call (954) 432-7711 to schedule your appointment.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Gabriela OD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Gabriela OD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Gabriela OD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Diabetic Eye Disease: Early detection of diabetic eye disease through routine eye exams is crucial for preserving your sight and preventing severe vision impairment associated with diabetes.
• Cataract: Cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens, can be detected early through regular eye exams, helping prevent vision loss and the need for more complex treatments later.
• Hypertensive Retinopathy: Hypertensive retinopathy is a preventable eye condition if high blood pressure is managed effectively; routine eye screenings are key to early detection and timely intervention.
• Foreign Body in Eye: Early detection and removal of a foreign body in your eye is key to preventing further damage, such as corneal abrasions or infections, ensuring optimal eye health.
• Glaucoma: Protecting your sight from glaucoma involves proactive steps like routine eye pressure checks and early diagnosis, helping manage this condition and avoid vision loss.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Eyelid inflammation can be a warning sign of underlying eye health issues; regular eye exams and prompt treatment are vital in preventing long-term damage.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Protecting your eyesight from the damaging effects of diabetes requires proactive care, including regular dilated eye exams to detect diabetic retinopathy early.
• Corneal Abrasion: A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of your eye that can cause pain and blurry vision, highlighting the importance of wearing protective eyewear to prevent injury and seeking prompt treatment to avoid infection.
• Eye Injuries: Preventing eye injuries through safety measures at work and play is a key step in proactive eye care.
• Astigmatism: Managing astigmatism is crucial to prevent potential complications, such as eye strain, headaches, and amblyopia (lazy eye) in children; early detection through routine eye exams allows for timely intervention.
• Presbyopia: Don't let blurry near vision sneak up on you – presbyopia, a natural aging process, often requires reading glasses; schedule yearly eye exams to manage its impact and avoid unnecessary eye strain.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Protecting your eyes from allergic conjunctivitis involves early identification of allergens like pollen or pet dander to minimize inflammation and discomfort.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Gabriela OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Contact Lens Exams: Protect your vision by scheduling contact lens exams; they help detect early signs of eye diseases like dry eye or corneal issues.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Invest in your eye health; a contact lens fitting helps determine the best contact lens type for your eyes, reducing the risk of infections and complications.
• Diabetes Eye Care: Safeguarding your sight starts with proactive care: diabetes eye exams allow for early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes-related eye conditions.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: Protecting your sight is key, and a diabetic eye exam proactively screens for eye damage related to diabetes, enabling early intervention and preserving your vision.
• Eye Examination: Protect your sight by scheduling an eye examination – it's a simple yet powerful way to screen for glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye conditions.
• Eyeglasses: Properly fitted eyeglasses can significantly improve your visual acuity, contributing to better performance in school, work, and daily tasks, while also reducing the risk of eye fatigue.
• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Protecting your vision starts with swift removal of any foreign objects in your eye, preventing potential scratches, infections, or lasting damage.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Take charge of your eye health: glaucoma treatment involves careful monitoring and intervention to detect and manage this serious condition early.
• Punctal Plug Insertion: Punctal plugs are tiny inserts that help your eyes retain more natural tears, relieving dryness and preventing further damage.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Choosing soft contact lenses allows for personalized vision correction, enhancing your quality of life and potentially reducing the risk of eye-related accidents.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Optometry Services in Florida.

Dr. Gabriela OD is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their diabetic eye health, significantly reducing their risk of vision loss and gaining peace of mind.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed their eye health, significantly reducing the risk of cataracts and ensuring clear vision for years to come. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and empowered them to focus on other important aspects of their life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Optometric care with Dr. Gabriela OD:

What is an Optometrist, and how are they different from an Ophthalmologist?

An optometrist, like Dr. Gabriela OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who is also an eye surgeon.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

Even if you see well, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for early detection of vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions often progress silently, so regular exams are a vital preventive measure.

Can an eye exam detect other health problems in my body?

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels are visible without surgery, allowing early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain cancers or autoimmune diseases to be identified. A dilated eye exam is crucial for these important screenings.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Gabriela OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

No, it is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Gabriela OD is essential to ensure correct fit and prevent eye damage, serious infections, and vision loss.

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of cataracts include blurry or dim vision, increased glare from lights, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Gabriela OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

I have diabetes. Why do I need a special dilated eye exam every year?

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This is a leading cause of blindness, but often has no symptoms in its early stages. An annual dilated eye exam allows Dr. Gabriela to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For issues like eye infections, corneal scratches, or foreign objects, an optometrist is the ideal first point of contact. We are equipped to diagnose and treat these urgent issues, often preventing a long and costly visit to the emergency room.

1732 N University Dr
Pembroke Pines FL 33024
Phone: (954) 432-7711

Dr. Gabriela Olivares, OD 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): 1336553429

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Optometry Services like Dr. Gabriela OD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your optometry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.