Dr. Lauren Nicholas, OD

Dr. Lauren Nicholas, OD is a dedicated optometrist practicing at her clinic in Davie, FL, and is a valued partner in preventive health on weprevent.org. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), 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, recognizing the importance of eye health at every stage of life.

Dr. Lauren Nicholas, OD is an optometrist in Davie, FL. She is accepting new patients who are ready to embark on a proactive health journey. She specializes in providing comprehensive eye care, with a particular focus on preventative measures and early detection. Dr. Lauren OD is a residency-trained optometrist highly proficient in low vision, scleral rigid gas permeable hybrid and soft contact lens fitting. Her extensive experience, numerous awards, and academic publications demonstrate her commitment to excellence in the field. She's also a respected educator, having taught at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Lauren OD skillfully provides scleral contact lens fittings and other optometric services at South Florida Eyecare Centers. She provides consultations primarily in English. Call (954) 262-4200 to schedule your appointment today.

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

• Refractive Error: Early detection of refractive errors in children is crucial for optimal visual development, preventing amblyopia (lazy eye) and ensuring healthy eyesight.
• Coloboma of Lens: Coloboma of the lens, a birth defect affecting the eye's lens, is best managed through early detection and regular comprehensive eye exams to prevent potential vision problems.
• Strabismus-Like Double Vision: Preventive eye care is critical if you're experiencing double vision like strabismus. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent permanent vision problems.
• Cone Dystrophy: Cone dystrophy is a genetic eye condition that gradually damages the cones in your eyes, affecting color vision and visual acuity, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and management.
• Retinal Artery Occlusion: Regular comprehensive eye exams are vital for preventing the complications of retinal artery occlusion, a condition that can lead to significant vision loss if left untreated.
• Myopia, Infantile Severe: Infantile severe myopia is a serious condition where a child develops extremely nearsighted vision at a young age, emphasizing the need for early detection and management to prevent vision impairment later in life.
• Coloboma of Macula: Coloboma of the macula, a gap in the eye's macula, may require specialized care and interventions. Preventive care with routine eye exams allows for timely identification and potential treatment.

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

• Scleral Contact Lens Treatment: Improve your vision and eye health by discussing scleral lenses with your eye doctor – they may be the answer for conditions affecting your cornea's shape or surface.
• Cornea Transplant (Co-management): As part of your comprehensive eye care plan, cornea co-management provides specialized support and monitoring before and after your corneal transplant to achieve optimal results.
• Vitrectomy (Co-management): Proactive co-management of your vitrectomy helps minimize risks and promotes optimal healing after the surgical removal of vitreous gel.
• 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.
• Clear Lens Extraction (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards clearer vision: Co-management for Clear Lens Extraction ensures expert care and helps you avoid potential post-surgical problems.
• 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.
• Argon Laser Treatment (Co-management/some states): Argon laser treatment, sometimes managed in collaboration with other specialists, helps prevent vision loss by precisely targeting and treating specific eye conditions.

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. Lauren 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:

• A family was relieved to learn that early detection of refractive errors in their child prevented the development of amblyopia, ensuring healthy eyesight and a brighter future for the child.
• A family was relieved to learn that regular eye exams, recommended by an optometrist, allowed for early detection of a potential coloboma of the lens, reducing the risk of future vision problems. Proactive management, guided by the optometrist, gave the family peace of mind and confidence in their vision health.

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. Lauren 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 conditions. An Ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor specializing in eye surgery.

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 for most adults, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about your vision; they're essential for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, before symptoms develop.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for the early detection of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

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

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 initially. An annual dilated exam allows Dr. Lauren OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

What is an OCT scan?

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

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

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

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 it early and prevent blindness.

3200 S University Dr
Davie FL 33328
Phone: (954) 262-4200

Dr. Lauren Nicholas, 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): 1790341543

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. Lauren 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.