Dr. Yaritza Flores, OD

Dr. Yaritza Flores, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Coral Gables, FL, and a valued 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 (305) 442-2020 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Yaritza OD, a primary care optometrist in the Coral Gables area, brings fifteen years of experience to her practice. Born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and raised in Orlando, Florida, she began her eye care journey at the young age of sixteen. After graduating from Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry in 2014, she developed a deep commitment to excellence, a philosophy that guides her practice. Her passion for preventative care, honed through years of experience, ensures that each patient receives comprehensive and personalized attention. She is happily married to Daniel Flores, a musician in Miami, and together they have two children. Dr. Yaritza OD offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common vision problem that causes blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea, and early detection through regular eye exams can help ensure you receive the appropriate correction to prevent eye strain and headaches.
• Blepharitis: Early detection of blepharitis is crucial for preventing potential vision loss and discomfort; regular eyelid hygiene and prompt treatment are key to managing this condition.
• Blurred Vision: Don't let blurred vision compromise your quality of life. Early detection and treatment through routine eye care can help preserve your vision for years to come.
• Cataract: While cataracts are a natural part of aging, proactive eye care through regular exams helps us catch them early, potentially slowing progression and preserving your eyesight.
• Dry Eyes: By addressing dry eye symptoms early and following your eye doctor's recommendations, you can preserve the health of your ocular surface and prevent vision loss.
• Night Blindness: Experiencing trouble seeing at night? Don't ignore it—night blindness might indicate a vitamin deficiency or a more serious eye condition that needs prompt medical attention to avoid further complications.
• Watering Eyes: Don't ignore constantly watering eyes – they could signal an infection or allergy; proactive care with regular eye exams can help manage and prevent complications.

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

• Contact Lens Exams: Regular contact lens exams ensure your lenses fit comfortably and safely, preventing potential eye infections and complications.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Get a personalized contact lens fitting to ensure optimal vision correction and comfortable wear, preventing potential eye strain and discomfort.
• Eye Test: Taking charge of your eye health starts with a routine eye test, which can identify and address developing conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
• Eyeglasses: Properly fitted eyeglasses can significantly improve your visual acuity, contributing to better performance in school, work, and daily tasks, while also reducing the risk of eye fatigue.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Regular soft contact lens check-ups with your optometrist help ensure proper fit and hygiene, preventing potential complications and infections.
• Vision Screening: Take charge of your eye health with a vision screening; it screens for common vision issues and diseases, enabling early intervention and preserving your sight.
• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal helps safeguard your eye health by promptly addressing irritants and minimizing the chance of infection or vision loss.

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. Yaritza 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 astigmatism, ensuring clear vision and preventing future eye strain and headaches. Early detection allowed for timely corrective measures, providing peace of mind and promoting optimal vision health.
• By diligently practicing daily eyelid hygiene, a patient significantly reduced their risk of blepharitis, ensuring comfortable vision and preventing potential future discomfort.

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. Yaritza 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 diseases. 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 for most adults, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about 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, including dilation, can detect early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, making it a valuable tool for overall health assessment.

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

No, 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. Yaritza OD is essential to ensure they fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, which can prevent serious infections and vision loss.

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

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.

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. Yaritza OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts.

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

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

1097 S Le Jeune Rd
Coral Gables FL 33134
Phone: (305) 442-2020

Dr. Yaritza Flores, 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): 1790151439

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. Yaritza 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.