Dr. Melody Bolanos, OD

Dr. Melody Bolanos, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her practice is deeply rooted in empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care, recognizing that your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health. This includes 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 patients should call (305) 559-0278 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Melody Bolanos, OD is an optometrist in Miami, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach emphasizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands the crucial link between eye health and overall well-being, and strives to provide personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. She is dedicated to promoting proactive health management and ensuring that her patients have the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain their eye health throughout their lives. Dr. Melody OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Peripheral Uveitis: Managing peripheral uveitis effectively relies on proactive eye care and prompt treatment to minimize the risk of long-term vision problems.
• Cytomegaloviral Retinitis: If you have a weakened immune system, you're at higher risk for cytomegalovirus retinitis, making regular eye check-ups essential for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe vision complications.
• Refractive Eye Disorders: Untreated refractive errors can lead to eye strain and headaches, so preventive care with regular eye exams and appropriate correction is key.
• Refractive Error: Regular comprehensive eye exams help detect refractive errors early, allowing for timely correction and minimizing the risk of future vision complications.
• Aphakia: Managing aphakia, the lack of your eye's natural lens, involves proactive steps like regular eye exams to ensure proper vision correction and prevent further issues from developing.
• Exudative Retinal Detachment: Preventative eye care is vital because exudative retinal detachment, a condition causing retinal detachment due to fluid leakage, can lead to blindness if not caught and managed early.
• Periorbital Cellulitis: Periorbital cellulitis is a serious infection of the tissues around your eye that needs prompt medical attention to prevent it from spreading and causing vision problems.

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

• Monovision: Monovision offers a convenient way to correct both near and farsightedness, simplifying your vision needs and potentially preventing future vision problems.
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (Co-management): This procedure, a dacryocystorhinostomy, offers a solution for individuals struggling with excessive tearing and potential infections, preventing long-term damage.
• 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.
• Color Vision Testing: Protecting your sight starts with a simple color vision test, which screens for potential problems that could impact your vision later on.
• ICD Monitoring: Protecting your sight starts with proactive care: ICD monitoring allows for early detection of eye pressure changes, potentially preventing vision loss from glaucoma.
• Implantable Contact Lens (Co-management): Invest in your vision's future with implantable contact lenses, and let our co-management team guide you through the process, ensuring accuracy and optimal outcomes.
• Macular Degeneration Treatment: Take proactive steps to preserve your sight! Macular degeneration treatment involves screenings and therapies that can help slow the progression of AMD and maintain your visual quality of life.

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. Melody 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 attending regular eye exams and following a proactive eye care plan, a patient successfully managed their peripheral uveitis risk, maintaining clear vision and peace of mind.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively monitored their eye health, reducing the risk of cytomegaloviral retinitis and maintaining excellent vision. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and confidence in their long-term eye 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. Melody 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 contacts, 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?

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 are about more than just vision; they're a vital preventive measure.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam, including dilation, can reveal early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, making it a valuable tool for detecting potential health issues.

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

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

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.

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. Melody OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure your eye health.

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

Dr. Melody OD plays a crucial role in managing your cataract journey. She will diagnose the cataract, determine when surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Following surgery, Dr. Melody OD will provide all necessary post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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. Melody OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

9605 W Flagler St
Miami FL 33174
Phone: (305) 559-0278

Dr. Melody Bolanos, 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): 1972850113

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. Melody 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.