Dr. Katarina Franquiz, OD

Dr. Katarina Franquiz, OD is a licensed Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Davie, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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, with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Katarina OD is an optometrist in Davie, FL, dedicated to the comprehensive eye care needs of her patients. Her approach emphasizes preventative strategies and early intervention, recognizing the vital role eye health plays in overall well-being. She is passionate about educating patients about their eye health and empowering them to make informed decisions about their vision and overall wellness. Patients should call (305) 546-8928 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Katarina OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Retinal Telangiectasis: Early detection of retinal telangiectasis, characterized by enlarged retinal blood vessels, is crucial for preventing vision impairment through timely intervention and lifestyle adjustments.
• Iris Ciliary Degeneration: Maintaining healthy eyes means being aware of potential issues like iris ciliary degeneration; scheduling regular eye examinations allows for prompt diagnosis and treatment, minimizing future vision problems.
• North Carolina Macular Dystrophy: Protecting your eyesight requires understanding inherited conditions like North Carolina Macular Dystrophy; early diagnosis through routine eye checkups can help slow progression and preserve vision.
• Enlarged Blind Spot: An enlarged blind spot can be a warning sign of serious eye conditions, so regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing vision loss.
• Retinal Tear: Protecting your vision starts with understanding retinal tears; these tiny breaks in your retina can lead to serious complications like retinal detachment if left untreated, highlighting the importance of preventive eye care.
• Macular Corneal Dystrophy, Type I: Don't let macular corneal dystrophy type I, an inherited condition affecting the cornea, steal your sight. Preventative care, including routine eye exams, is key to early diagnosis and slowing its advancement.
• Ocular Syphilis: Ocular syphilis, a serious eye infection caused by syphilis bacteria, highlights the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and preventing vision loss.

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

• Eye Test: Protect your eyesight with a comprehensive eye test; it's a simple way to screen for common eye conditions and maintain optimal visual health.
• Lacrimal Surgery (Co-management): Taking a proactive role in your lacrimal surgery journey through co-management helps optimize your recovery and vision outcome.
• Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): Laser trabeculoplasty is a laser procedure that can help lower eye pressure and prevent vision loss from glaucoma.
• ACE Inhibitor or Beta-Blocker Therapy: Taking proactive steps to manage your blood pressure with ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers can help protect your eyes from long-term damage and certain eye diseases.
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (Co-management): To help ensure proper tear drainage and prevent future eye infections, your doctor may recommend a dacryocystorhinostomy procedure.
• YAG Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): Protecting your vision involves regular eye exams, and sometimes, a simple laser procedure like YAG laser trabeculoplasty helps open drainage channels in your eyes to reduce pressure.
• Lucentis® Injection (Co-management): Protecting your sight is key; Lucentis® injection co-management allows for early intervention and treatment of conditions that can lead to blindness.

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. Katarina 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 and following a healthy lifestyle, a patient proactively reduced their risk of vision impairment related to retinal telangiectasis, gaining peace of mind about their eye health.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively monitored their eye health, reducing the risk of iris ciliary degeneration and gaining peace of mind about their vision future.

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. Katarina OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Katarina OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes eyewear, and manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who specializes in surgery and complex eye diseases.

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 silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These exams look beyond your vision, ensuring your eye health is proactively monitored.

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 identify potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

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

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

Dr. Katarina 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.

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 eye responsible for central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms, each with different effects on vision. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve sight.

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 noticeable 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.

5800 S University Dr
Davie FL 33328
Phone: (305) 546-8928

Dr. Katarina Franquiz, 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): 1972247864

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. Katarina 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.