Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, OD

Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL, and is a featured 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (954) 437-9300 to schedule.

Dr. Michelle OD, a Clinical Director, optometrist, and Physician Relations Coordinator at CorrectVision Laser Institute, provides comprehensive eye exams, pre and post-operative care for all surgical procedures, and works closely with other local optometrists and primary care physicians to ensure the highest standard of medical care. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Nova Southeastern University, School of Optometry in 2003. A member of the Optometric Honors Society, Dr. Michelle OD received awards of Excellence in Primary Care, Ocular Disease, and Contact Lenses. Her research interests include amblyopia, dryness, and contact lenses. She's an active member of the Florida and Broward County Optometric Associations. Dr. Michelle OD offers consultations in Spanish, and our goal is to keep you living an excellent quality of life and enjoying all of your daily activities by improving your vision.

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

• 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.
• Anisometropia: To maintain healthy vision and avoid potential complications, make sure you get your eyes checked regularly for anisometropia, a condition where your eyes have unequal refractive power.
• Optic Neuritis: Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage.
• Aphakia: Because aphakia, or the absence of the eye's lens, can impact vision significantly, preventive eye care through regular check-ups is crucial for early detection and appropriate management.
• Tear Duct Disorders: Don't ignore persistent eye watering or discomfort—these could signal a tear duct disorder, and prompt attention from an eye doctor can help prevent long-term eye health issues.
• Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an inflammation of your eyelids that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious eye problems, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and prevention.
• Open-Angle Glaucoma: Don't let open-angle glaucoma steal your sight; regular eye exams are vital for early detection and intervention, which can significantly reduce the risk of serious vision loss or blindness.

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

• Diabetic Eye Exam: Don't wait for vision problems to appear; schedule a diabetic eye exam to catch and treat potential eye complications associated with diabetes early, preserving your sight for years to come.
• Eye Examination: An eye exam is more than just checking your vision; it's a vital health assessment that can detect underlying medical issues impacting your eyes.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Glaucoma treatment is a key step in safeguarding your vision by addressing elevated eye pressure and preserving your eyesight.
• Clear Lens Extraction (Co-management): Enhance your vision and safeguard your eye health through clear lens extraction co-management, providing comprehensive care before, during, and after surgery.
• Eyeglass Fitting: An accurate eyeglass fitting allows for optimal vision correction, reducing the risk of accidents and improving your quality of life.
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (Co-management): A dacryocystorhinostomy can be a beneficial step in resolving persistent tearing or watery eyes, improving your overall eye health.
• Eye Injection (Prescribing/Co-management in some states): As part of your eye care plan, injections can help prevent or manage certain eye conditions, allowing for timely intervention to protect your vision.

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. Michelle 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 eye health, significantly reducing their risk of glaucoma and gaining peace of mind.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified and managed potential anisometropia, ensuring clear vision and preventing future complications. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and allowed them to enjoy their daily activities without vision-related concerns.

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. Michelle 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, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about your vision; they're vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective.

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.

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. Michelle OD focuses on maximizing your remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and other adaptive devices to help you maintain independence.

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 very common. Dr. Michelle OD can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, beyond just artificial tears, to improve comfort and prevent damage.

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. Michelle OD can accurately diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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 blindness.

1 SW 129th Ave Ste 209
Pembroke Pines FL 33027
Phone: (954) 437-9300

Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, 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): 1174729420

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. Michelle 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.