Dr. Natalia Malaret, OD

Dr. Natalia Malaret, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (561) 355-8788 to schedule.

Dr. Malaret, a graduate of Nova Southeastern University with a Doctorate of Optometry, brings a wealth of experience to her practice. Her extensive externship rotations in primary care, geriatrics, surgical co-management, contact lenses, and pediatric care provided a strong foundation. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech. Her professional interests include contact lenses and ocular disease management, and she performs comprehensive eye examinations in both English and Spanish. Dr. Malaret is a member of the American Optometric Association and Florida Optometric Association, aligning with the Eye & Ear team's dedication to providing the community with the most comprehensive eye care, outstanding customer service, and the highest quality products. Originally from Northern Virginia, she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends in her spare time.

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

• Chemosis: Protecting your vision involves being aware of signs like chemosis; seeing your eye doctor for regular checkups aids in early detection and helps manage any underlying issue before it worsens.
• Cone Rod Dystrophy: Protecting your vision from the effects of cone-rod dystrophy starts with proactive care; early diagnosis through routine eye checkups helps your eye doctor create a personalized plan to manage the condition and prevent further complications.
• 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.
• Macular Pucker: Don't wait for symptoms—regular eye exams are crucial for the early detection of macular pucker, allowing for treatment that can minimize vision impairment.
• Iridocyclitis: Iridocyclitis is an inflammation of the iris and ciliary body in your eye, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for preventing vision loss and other serious complications.
• Retinal Telangiectasis: Retinal telangiectasis, involving abnormally dilated blood vessels in your retina, may not show symptoms initially. Prevent vision loss by scheduling routine eye exams for early detection and proactive management.
• Retinal Disinsertion Syndrome: Managing your eye health includes proactive monitoring for retinal detachment, a condition that can cause vision impairment if not addressed quickly; preventative eye exams save sight.

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

• Keratoconus Treatment With Contact Lenses: Preserve your eyesight by utilizing contact lenses as a treatment option for keratoconus, ensuring comfortable and clear vision.
• Punctal Plug Removal: Punctal plug removal is a procedure that can help alleviate dry eye symptoms by restoring your eyes' natural tear film, improving comfort and preventing further eye dryness.
• Ptosis (Eyelids) Surgery (Co-management): Prevent potential complications from your ptosis surgery through our expert co-management services, providing seamless care before, during, and after the procedure.
• 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.
• Interpretation of Pharmacologic Stress Tests: This test helps your doctor detect medication-induced changes in your eye health, helping to prevent vision loss and maintain your eye's wellbeing.
• YAG Iridotomy (Co-management/some states): Protecting your vision is key, and a YAG Iridotomy, when medically necessary, can be a proactive step to relieve pressure buildup in your eye and prevent vision loss.
• YAG Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): YAG laser trabeculoplasty is a precise procedure that can help lower eye pressure and reduce your risk of vision loss from glaucoma.

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. Natalia 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 potential chemosis issues, ensuring their vision remained healthy and clear. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and allowed them to confidently enjoy their daily activities.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed potential vision changes associated with cone-rod dystrophy, gaining peace of mind and a personalized plan for future care.

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. Natalia 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. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors 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 your vision is excellent. These exams screen for silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, allowing for early detection and treatment. Early intervention is key to preserving your vision.

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 problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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.

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.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Natalia OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months old. This early exam is vital for detecting 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. Natalia OD will diagnose your cataract, determine if surgery is needed, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. She will then provide all essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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. Natalia OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts for you.

4252 Northlake Blvd
Palm Beach Gardens FL 33410
Phone: (561) 355-8788

Dr. Natalia Malaret, 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): 1790209666

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. Natalia 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.