Dr. Schmeka Cofer, OD

Dr. Schmeka Cofer, OD is a board-certified optometrist practicing at her clinic in Miami, Florida. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. As a partner in preventive health, Dr. Schmeka 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 eye health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being, and Dr. Schmeka OD is committed to a collaborative approach that prioritizes early detection and proactive management. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, providing personalized care tailored to individual needs. Dr. Schmeka Cofer, OD is an optometrist in Miami, Florida, dedicated to evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term eye health. She believes in the power of partnership and education to achieve optimal outcomes. Patients should call (954) 559-8924 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Schmeka OD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Endophthalmitis: Careful hygiene practices, especially after eye surgery or trauma, can significantly reduce your risk of developing endophthalmitis, a potentially blinding infection.
• Juvenile Cataract: Protecting your child's eyesight starts with knowing about juvenile cataracts—cloudy lenses that can affect vision; early detection through regular checkups is key to managing this condition and preserving their sight.
• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Protecting your vision from CSC involves understanding its risk factors and undergoing regular comprehensive eye exams for early detection and timely treatment to minimize long-term damage.
• Visual Field Loss: Don't let visual field loss, the partial or complete loss of peripheral vision, sneak up on you. Regular eye exams are your best defense for early detection and to avoid more significant vision problems.
• Neuromyelitis Optica: Regular comprehensive eye exams are vital in managing the risks associated with neuromyelitis optica, a rare condition impacting both vision and neurological function; early detection offers the best chance of preserving your vision and overall well-being.
• Retinoblastoma: Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer in children that's best treated when caught early, highlighting the importance of regular pediatric eye exams.
• Vitreous Hemorrhage: A vitreous hemorrhage is bleeding in the gel-like substance inside your eye, and regular eye exams can help detect it early, preventing vision loss.

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

• Glaucoma Treatment: Protecting your sight starts with glaucoma treatment; proactive management helps prevent vision loss from this often-silent disease.
• Electrophysiological Study: Take a proactive step towards protecting your sight: an electrophysiological study helps identify subtle eye problems before they impact your vision.
• Eyeglass Fitting: A precise eyeglass fitting maximizes the benefit of your prescription, supporting clear vision and reducing the risk of vision-related complications.
• Photo Therapeutic Keratectomy (Co-management): Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) co-management helps your eye doctor precisely remove damaged corneal tissue, improving vision and preventing further complications.
• Mechanical Circulatory Support System: Take a proactive step towards lifelong clear vision with regular eye exams, which can identify and address vision problems before they worsen.
• Arterial Doppler Ultrasound: Prioritize your eye health with an arterial Doppler ultrasound. This advanced imaging helps detect vascular problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, leading to potential vision impairment.
• Medical and Surgical Management of Glaucoma (Medical part by OD, Surgical co-managed): Ensure you're receiving the best possible care for glaucoma through a combined approach, allowing for medical management from your optometrist plus co-managed surgical care when required.

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. Schmeka 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 meticulously following post-surgical hygiene recommendations, a patient significantly reduced their risk of endophthalmitis, ensuring a clear path toward optimal eye health. This proactive approach provided invaluable peace of mind for their future vision.
• A family was relieved to learn that regular eye exams allowed for early detection of potential juvenile cataract, enabling proactive management and preserving their child's vision. By following a personalized prevention plan, they gained peace of mind, knowing their child's sight was protected.

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. Schmeka 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. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors specializing in eye surgery.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

Even if you have good vision, 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 seeing clearly; they are a vital preventive measure.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is unique in allowing direct visualization of blood vessels without surgery, revealing early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

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

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Schmeka 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 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 vision loss.

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 eye exam allows Dr. Schmeka OD to detect changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Schmeka OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital for detecting potential issues like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

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

No, it is unsafe and illegal 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. Schmeka OD is essential to ensure a safe and correct fit to prevent serious eye infections and vision loss.

950 NW 20th St
Miami FL 33127
Phone: (954) 559-8924

Dr. Schmeka Cofer, 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): 1184739583

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. Schmeka 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.