Dr. Paul Hew, OD

Dr. Paul OD is an Optometrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive eye care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he practices at his clinic in Miami, FL, and is committed to helping patients maintain optimal vision and overall wellness. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Paul OD understands that 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.

Your optometrist is more than just a vision corrector; he's your partner in maintaining lifelong eye health. Dr. Paul OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, with a focus on preventative care. He is Board Certified in Optometry by the American Board of Optometry and approaches each patient with a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where you're empowered to take an active role in your long-term health. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (305) 418-2025. Dr. Paul OD, an optometrist in Miami, FL, provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Paul 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. Paul 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. Paul 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 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.
• Chorioretinitis: Regular comprehensive eye exams are vital in identifying chorioretinitis early, enabling timely intervention to minimize potential vision impairment.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Regular eye exams are vital for detecting herpes simplex keratitis early, enabling swift intervention and prevention of severe vision impairment.
• Macular Dystrophy, Vitelliform, Adult-Onset: Vitelliform macular dystrophy, when diagnosed early in its adult-onset form, allows for better management of symptoms and potential vision complications, emphasizing the value of preventive eye care.
• Squint: Regular eye exams help identify the cause of squinting, whether it's a refractive error needing glasses or a more serious condition requiring prompt treatment, ultimately protecting your vision.
• Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Regular eye exams are key to preventing irreversible vision loss from ischemic optic neuropathy, a condition where the optic nerve doesn't get enough blood, which can be managed with early detection.
• 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.

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. Paul 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: Take charge of your eye health: a diabetic eye exam is a vital preventive measure for diabetics, identifying potential problems before they significantly impact your vision.
• BlephEx™ for Blepharitis: Early detection and treatment of blepharitis is key to preventing long-term damage. BlephEx™ offers a convenient and effective way to manage this common condition and safeguard your vision.
• Removal of Intraocular Foreign Body (Co-management): Take proactive steps to safeguard your vision by having our optometrist safely remove any foreign bodies from your eye, minimizing the risk of complications.
• Adult Eye and Vision Examination: Protect your sight by scheduling an adult eye and vision examination; it's a crucial step in preventing vision loss from conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.
• Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (Co-management/some states): As part of your eye care, argon laser trabeculoplasty can help open drainage channels in your eyes, reducing pressure and the risk of glaucoma-related vision damage.
• Color Vision Testing: Take a proactive step towards better eye health with a color vision test – it's a quick and easy way to detect potential issues that may need correction or further evaluation.
• YAG Iridotomy (Co-management/some states): A YAG Iridotomy is a laser procedure that can help prevent serious eye problems by creating a small opening in the iris, reducing pressure and the risk of 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. Paul 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 proactive eye care plan, a patient gained valuable peace of mind, significantly reducing their risk of developing a retinal tear.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified potential issues early, minimizing the risk of vision impairment from chorioretinitis and gaining peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Paul 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, even if you see well. These exams are not just about your vision; they help detect 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 early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels can be viewed directly, providing valuable insights into overall health.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Paul OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital to identify potential issues like amblyopia or strabismus, ensuring optimal vision development.

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

Dr. Paul OD will diagnose your cataract, determine if surgery is necessary, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. Following surgery, Dr. Paul OD will provide all essential post-operative care and vision correction follow-up.

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

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

It is unsafe and illegal in the U.S. to purchase contact lenses online without an eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Paul OD is essential to ensure they fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which could prevent serious infections and vision loss.

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

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

7352 NW 34th St
Miami FL 33122
Phone: (305) 418-2025

Dr. Paul Hew, 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): 1144247578

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. Paul 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.