Dr. Jessica Blanco, OD

Dr. Jessica Blanco, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Dania, FL, and is a valued partner in preventive health on weprevent.org. 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, fostering a collaborative approach to care.

Dr. Jessica OD is an optometrist in Dania, FL, dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She understands that a strong partnership between patient and provider is key to effective preventive care and works to create a trusting relationship with each patient. Please call (305) 935-4606 to confirm if Dr. Jessica OD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Jessica OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Steroid-Induced Glaucoma: Steroids, while helpful for some conditions, can unfortunately increase your chances of developing glaucoma; proactive eye checkups help catch it early and manage the pressure.
• Myopia, Type 6: While rarer, type 6 myopia requires careful monitoring through routine eye check-ups to ensure appropriate vision correction and prevent potential complications later in life.
• Lattice Dystrophy: Early detection of lattice dystrophy through routine eye exams is crucial for preventing or slowing the progression of vision impairment and potential complications.
• Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy: While rare, APMPPE can lead to vision problems, emphasizing the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams as a preventative measure for identifying and addressing such conditions.
• Exudative Retinal Detachment: Exudative retinal detachment, characterized by fluid leaking under the retina, underscores the necessity of proactive eye health; early detection through routine eye exams can significantly reduce the risk of severe vision impairment or blindness.
• Iridocyclitis: Protecting your eye health involves being aware of iridocyclitis, an inflammation affecting the iris and ciliary body, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can help manage this condition and safeguard your sight.
• Red-Green Color Blindness: Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for detecting red-green color blindness, enabling early intervention and minimizing difficulties with activities requiring color differentiation.

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. Jessica OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Optomap® Retinal Exam: Prevent vision loss by undergoing an Optomap® retinal exam—a crucial preventative measure to identify potential eye problems before they significantly impact your sight.
• Eye Print Prosthetic Contact Lens Treatment: Enhance your vision and prevent future complications by utilizing an eye print prosthetic contact lens, a method that enables precise evaluation and customized care.
• Retinal Laser Photocoagulation (Co-management): This procedure helps maintain healthy vision by using a laser to address problems in the retina, preventing vision loss and improving your quality of life.
• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): To proactively safeguard your vision, a VEP test assesses your brain's processing of visual information, aiding in the early detection of neurological conditions that impact eyesight.
• LipiFlow® Procedure: The LipiFlow® procedure offers a targeted solution for chronic dry eye, improving tear production and helping you avoid potential long-term eye damage.
• Astigmatic Keratotomy (Co-management): Protecting your sight is key, and astigmatic keratotomy co-management provides expert oversight during and after your vision correction procedure to minimize risks and maximize results.
• Macular Degeneration Genetic Testing: Take a proactive step towards protecting your vision by undergoing macular degeneration genetic testing, which identifies your risk for this leading cause of vision loss.

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. Jessica 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 steroid use and avoided developing glaucoma, ensuring continued clear vision.
• By diligently attending routine eye exams, a family proactively managed their child's myopia, type 6, reducing the risk of future vision problems and gaining peace of mind.

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. Jessica 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 vital preventive measure to detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early. Early detection allows for timely treatment, preserving your vision for years to come.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of systemic diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing our doctors to spot potential problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even 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. This allows Dr. Jessica OD to detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration with exceptional precision.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve sight.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

We recommend a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months old. This early exam is crucial for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, which can impact a child's vision development.

What is glaucoma and why is it called the 'silent thief of sight'?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. It's called the "silent thief" because it typically has no symptoms in its early stages, causing irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early and prevent vision loss.

What is 'low vision' and how can you help?

Low vision is vision impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Jessica OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help maintain independence.

1231 Stirling Rd Ste 110
Dania FL 33004
Phone: (305) 935-4606

Dr. Jessica Blanco, 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): 1942559083

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. Jessica 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.