Dr. Raphael Perez, OD

Dr. Raphael Perez, OD is a board-certified optometrist practicing at his clinic in Miami, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, he is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), his commitment to preventative care is paramount. 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.

Dr. Raphael Perez, OD is an optometrist in Miami, FL, serving all ages, from infants to seniors. He is Board Certified in Optometry by the American Board of Optometry. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients are empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to providing exceptional care, and patients should call (786) 853-1079 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Raphael OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: Because Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is an inherited condition leading to vision impairment, routine eye exams can aid early detection, helping manage potential complications.
• Ocular Hypertension: Managing ocular hypertension through regular check-ups and prescribed treatments is crucial for lowering your risk of developing glaucoma and protecting your eyesight.
• Presbyopia: Preventive eye care is essential for managing presbyopia, a gradual decline in near vision that occurs with age; early detection through regular exams allows for timely correction and reduces eye fatigue.
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): ROP is an eye condition that can develop in premature infants, making regular check-ups essential for early diagnosis and intervention to safeguard their vision.
• Poor Ocular Motion: Experiencing jerky or limited eye movement? This could signal a problem needing prompt attention; regular comprehensive eye exams help prevent further complications.
• Posterior Vitreous Detachment: Protecting your vision involves understanding conditions like posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), a separation of the eye's vitreous gel that, while often harmless, necessitates timely detection through regular eye check-ups to mitigate risks of serious vision problems.
• Autoimmune Eye Diseases: Don't let an autoimmune disease steal your sight. Regular eye exams are your best defense; they enable early identification of eye-related autoimmune issues, allowing for timely treatment and better vision outcomes.

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

• Eye Exams for Glasses: Invest in your eye health with comprehensive eye exams for glasses, which can reveal underlying conditions affecting your vision and overall well-being.
• Strabismus Examination: Early detection of eye muscle problems is key to maintaining good vision. A strabismus exam is a simple, effective way to screen for and address eye misalignment.
• Humphrey Visual Field Test for Glaucoma: Prioritize your eye health and undergo a Humphrey Visual Field Test, helping identify potential signs of glaucoma and allowing for preventative measures to protect your eyesight long-term.
• Eyelash Epilation: Eyelash epilation, while seemingly minor, can sometimes reveal underlying eyelid or eyelash conditions that may require further evaluation and treatment.
• Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) (Co-management): Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) co-management helps ensure the best possible outcome by carefully monitoring your progress during and after this corneal surgery.
• 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.
• Low Vision Rehabilitation: Protect your independence and enhance your ability to see by participating in low vision rehabilitation, a program tailored to your specific needs.

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. Raphael 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 prioritizing routine eye exams, a family proactively managed their risk for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, gaining peace of mind about potential vision-related complications.
• By diligently following a proactive eye care plan, including regular check-ups and prescribed treatments, a patient successfully managed their ocular hypertension, significantly reducing their risk of glaucoma and preserving their vision.

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. Raphael 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. They differ from ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors and eye surgeons.

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 look beyond your vision, detecting silent diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that can threaten your sight. Early detection is key to preventing vision loss.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Raphael OD can detect other health problems. The eye is unique in allowing direct visualization of blood vessels, revealing early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can identify potential issues.

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 noticeable symptoms in its early stages, causing irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early and prevent blindness.

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

It is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Raphael OD is essential to ensure a safe and correct fit, preventing potential eye damage and serious infections.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Raphael OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is important to detect potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

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 in its early stages. An annual dilated exam allows Dr. Raphael to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Raphael 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.

1120 SW 8th St
Miami FL 33130
Phone: (786) 853-1079

Dr. Raphael Perez, 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): 1164545992

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. Raphael 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.