Dr. Isabel Carvajal, OD

Dr. Isabel Carvajal, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her Tamarac, FL clinic, committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is your primary partner in lifelong eye health. 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. Carvajal's expertise stems from a strong educational foundation, earning her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2007. She's a seasoned practitioner with a focus on comprehensive eye care, including the treatment and management of ocular diseases, co-management of refractive surgery, and fitting specialty contact lenses. Her practice emphasizes individualized care, ensuring that each patient receives the attention they need. Dr. Carvajal provides a comprehensive eye exam, evaluating the health of the eye as well as writing a prescription for eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. As a patient here you receive individualized care from the doctor as well as the staff. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, offering consultations in Spanish. Call (954) 726-0204 to schedule your appointment.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Isabel 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. Isabel 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. Isabel 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:

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis, or pink eye from allergies, is a common eye irritation you can prevent or manage by identifying and avoiding your allergy triggers.
• Astigmatism: Don't let blurry vision caused by astigmatism affect your daily life. Regular eye exams are critical for early diagnosis so you can get the right correction and prevent future complications like eye strain or headaches.
• Cataract: Managing your risk for cataracts involves understanding your family history and making healthy lifestyle choices, complemented by regular eye exams for early detection and treatment.
• Corneal Abrasion: Early detection of corneal abrasions is key to rapid healing and preventing serious complications like corneal ulcers; regular comprehensive eye exams are essential.
• Diabetic Eye Disease: Diabetic eye disease is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness, but regular eye exams can help detect and manage it early, preventing vision loss.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Managing your diabetes effectively is key to preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding complication.
• Dry Eyes: Preventing dry eye disease through proactive hydration and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce discomfort and long-term eye health complications.
• Eye Injuries: Protecting your eyes from injury is crucial for maintaining your vision throughout life, as prompt treatment can prevent long-term vision problems.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Eyelid inflammation, or blepharitis, can be a sign of an underlying condition and requires prompt attention to prevent vision problems and further complications.
• 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: Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness if not detected and treated early, so regular eye exams are crucial for prevention.
• Presbyopia: Preventive eye care is essential for managing presbyopia, a gradual decline in near vision that occurs with age; early detection through regular exams allows for timely correction and reduces eye fatigue.

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. Isabel 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: Contact lens exams are crucial for maintaining clear vision and preventing damage to your eyes from improper lens fit or wear.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Take a proactive step towards clear vision and healthy eyes with a professional contact lens fitting, ensuring the right lenses for your lifestyle and vision needs.
• 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: Regular diabetic eye exams are crucial for people with diabetes, as they help detect and treat diabetic retinopathy, preventing vision loss and improving long-term eye health.
• Eye Examination: Take charge of your eye health with a regular eye exam; it's a crucial step in preventing blindness and maintaining clear vision for years to come.
• Eyeglasses: Regular eye exams and appropriate eyeglasses help protect your vision by detecting problems like astigmatism or nearsightedness early, facilitating timely intervention and preventing potential complications.
• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Don't let a speck of dust or other foreign body jeopardize your vision; our quick removal process ensures your eyes remain healthy.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Protecting your sight starts with glaucoma treatment; proactive management helps prevent vision loss from this often-silent disease.
• Punctal Plug Insertion: Punctal plug insertion is a minimally invasive procedure that can significantly improve dry eye symptoms and reduce the risk of related complications.
• Soft Contact Lenses: By opting for soft contact lenses and attending regular eye exams, you proactively take steps to safeguard your vision and detect any emerging eye health concerns.
• Vision Screening: Protecting your vision starts with a vision screening. This simple test can identify refractive errors, eye diseases, and other conditions that may require treatment.

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. Isabel 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 identifying and avoiding allergy triggers, a patient experienced significant relief from recurring allergic conjunctivitis, enjoying clearer vision and reduced discomfort.
• By scheduling routine eye exams, a patient was able to detect astigmatism early and receive the appropriate corrective lenses, preventing future eye strain and headaches. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain clear vision and a comfortable lifestyle.

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. Isabel OD:

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

An optometrist (OD) is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages many eye diseases. An ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor and eye surgeon.

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

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about your vision; they're a critical preventive measure to detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy before symptoms appear.

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 for the early detection of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. A dilated eye exam can also reveal signs of certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Isabel OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

What is the role of an optometrist in managing cataract surgery?

Dr. Isabel OD will diagnose your cataract, determine when surgery is needed, refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist, and then provide all the essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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.

My eyes often feel dry and gritty. What can I do?

Dry eye is a very common condition. Dr. Isabel OD can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, to improve comfort and prevent damage.

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. Isabel OD to detect changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

7822 N University Dr
Tamarac FL 33321
Phone: (954) 726-0204

Dr. Isabel Carvajal, 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): 1437347499

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. Isabel 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.