Dr. Joseph Selem, MD is an Ophthalmologist practicing at The Selem Center in Coral Gables, Florida. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care specifically for older adults, 65 years and older. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Selem understands the unique eye health needs of this population. General ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye care for seniors, expertly managing complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your best possible vision and overall health. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (305) 317-6244 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Selem is a leading ophthalmologist and plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the field. He earned his medical degree from Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine in 2005 and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Texas-Houston. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in ophthalmologic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Selem offers consultations in Spanish and takes an artistic and comprehensive approach to all patients' individual concerns, utilizing minimally invasive techniques to provide long-lasting and natural-looking results, so you both look and feel beautiful. He is a member of the American Society of Liposuction Surgery, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Joseph Selem is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Joseph Selem is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmologic care. He expertly manages complex eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure the best possible vision and overall health outcomes. His approach emphasizes understanding your individual needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for you and your family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Joseph Selem can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
AvMed
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Blue Card
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- Medicare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Select
- Superior Health Plan
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Joseph Selem provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Dry age-related macular degeneration gradually affects sharp, central vision, often impacting activities like reading and driving; however, proactive eye care and treatment strategies such as nutritional supplements may help slow progression, ensuring you can enjoy the things you love for as long as possible.
- Tear Duct Disorders: Tear duct issues are treatable conditions that can impact vision and comfort. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment from your eye doctorpotentially involving a quick in-office procedureyou can experience significant relief from excessive tearing and discomfort, improving your quality of life.
- Retinal Detachment: Experiencing sudden flashes of light, floaters (spots or strings in your vision), or a curtain-like effect over your vision could indicate a retinal detachment, requiring immediate medical attention for preservation of sight.
- Optic Neuritis: Experiencing vision changes like blind spots or reduced visual acuity? It may be optic neuritis, where the optic nerve swells, and timely medical intervention can minimize long-term effects and help maintain a good quality of life.
- Iridocyclitis: If you have iridocyclitis, it means the iris and ciliary body in your eye are inflamed, leading to eye discomfort. Your doctor can recommend a treatment plan, typically involving medication, to control the inflammation and help you maintain your independence by managing your vision.
- Chronic Dacryoadenitis: Chronic inflammation of the tear gland (dacryoadenitis) can lead to persistent eye irritation, but treatment options like topical medications or procedures can significantly improve your eye health and daily comfort.
- Retinal Neovascularization: Retinal neovascularization is a complication where new, leaky blood vessels form in the back of your eye, sometimes causing vision changes or bleeding; prompt treatment can often prevent significant vision loss.
- Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Sudden vision loss, especially in one eye, may signal anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION). While there's no cure, medical care can help manage related health concerns which helps control the disease's progression and can preserve the remaining vision.
- Orbital Cellulitis: If you notice swelling, redness, and pain around your eye, it could be orbital cellulitis, which requires antibiotics to clear the infection and protect your sight.
- Retrobulbar Neuritis: Sudden vision loss or changes can be frightening, but it's important to know that conditions like retrobulbar neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, are treatable. With proper medical care, many individuals can regain vision and maintain their daily routines.
- Sympathetic Uveitis: Sympathetic uveitis is a rare eye inflammation that can occur after an eye injury or surgery, potentially affecting vision in the other eye, but thankfully, early diagnosis and treatment with medications like corticosteroids can significantly reduce inflammation and protect your eyesight.
- Corneal Erosion: Corneal erosion is a superficial scratch or injury to the clear covering of your eye that can cause significant pain and vision problems; timely treatment, which often involves simple eye drops and possibly a protective lens, can prevent complications and help you see clearly again.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Joseph Selem offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, potentially reducing reliance on glasses or contacts.
- Refractive Surgery: To help determine the best approach to managing your vision, your ophthalmologist may discuss refractive surgery to correct vision problems and enhance your overall eye health.
- Blepharoplasty: For seniors experiencing impaired vision due to heavy eyelids, blepharoplasty can be a valuable intervention, restoring a clearer, more comfortable view of the world.
- Orbit Evisceration: As part of a senior's comprehensive eye care plan, orbit evisceration might be considered to address a severely damaged eye that cannot be saved by other means.
- Repair of Brow Ptosis and Blepharoptosis: This surgical procedure helps seniors regain a clearer field of vision by lifting drooping eyelids and eyebrows that may have impaired their sight.
- Retina and Vitreous Surgery: Retina and vitreous surgery helps diagnose and treat serious eye conditions like macular degeneration and retinal tears, improving vision and quality of life for seniors.
- Repair of Eye Laceration: This procedure is vital for treating injuries to the eye, improving visual acuity and quality of life after trauma.
- Conjunctivoplasty: In managing a senior's comprehensive eye health, conjunctivoplasty may be used to address conditions causing irritation, dryness, or other issues related to the conjunctiva.
- Vitreoretinal Surgery: Vitreoretinal surgery is a specialized procedure that helps address serious eye problems affecting the retina and vitreous, improving vision and overall quality of life for seniors.
- Eye Procedure: Eye procedures are an important part of a comprehensive care plan for seniors, addressing issues like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
- Tear Duct Surgery: Tear duct surgery can help prevent more serious complications associated with blocked tear ducts, such as infections or corneal damage, allowing seniors to maintain healthy eyes.
- Cataract Removal Surgery: For seniors struggling with cataracts, this surgery is a vital step in their care journey, helping them regain clear vision and avoid potential falls or other accidents related to poor vision.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Ophthalmologies in Florida.
Dr. Joseph Selem is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After beginning a regimen of nutritional supplements and regular eye exams, a senior was able to once again enjoy reading her favorite books without strain, a cherished activity that had become increasingly difficult due to macular degeneration.
- Mrs. Rodriguez's excessive tearing finally subsided, allowing her to enjoy her beloved book club meetings again without discomfort. Her family was thrilled to see her regain her social connections and overall well-being.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Ophthalmology (Ophthalmology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. Joseph Selem:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- An ophthalmologist is an MD or DO who specializes in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists (ODs) provide primary vision care, like eye exams and prescribing glasses, but are not medical doctors and do not perform surgery. Ophthalmologists and optometrists often work together to provide comprehensive eye care.
- What are cataracts, and when should I have surgery?
- Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's natural lens, a common part of aging. They can cause blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night. Dr. Selem typically recommends surgery when cataracts begin to affect daily activities like driving, reading, or watching TV.
- What are 'floaters,' and are they dangerous?
- Floaters are small specks or clouds that move in your field of vision. A gradual increase in floaters is common as we age, but a sudden increase, especially with flashes of light, could indicate a serious problem and requires immediate attention. Please call Dr. Selem's office right away if you experience this.
- What is dry eye, and how is it treated in seniors?
- Dry eye is a very common and uncomfortable condition for older adults, often due to the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment typically starts with over-the-counter artificial tears, but Dr. Selem can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases to provide significant relief.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. Dr. Selem performs this to treat serious retinal conditions like retinal detachments, macular holes, and severe diabetic retinopathy, aiming to save or improve vision.
- My eyelids are drooping and making it hard to see. What can be done?
- Eyelid drooping, or ptosis, is common in seniors. If the drooping interferes with your vision, it's a medical issue. Dr. Selem can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restore vision, and improve appearance. This procedure is often covered by insurance.
- What is glaucoma, and how is it treated?
- Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. It can cause gradual peripheral vision loss without early symptoms, making regular eye exams critical. Treatment, managed by Dr. Selem, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, and laser procedures or surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition in seniors that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. There are two types: dry AMD, which is more common and progresses slowly, and wet AMD, which is less common but can cause rapid vision loss. While there's no cure for dry AMD, vitamins can help slow its progression. For wet AMD, injections into the eye are a highly effective treatment to preserve vision.
The Selem Center
814 Ponce de Leon Blvd Ste 510
Coral Gables FL 33134
Phone: (305) 317-6244
Dr. Joseph Selem, MD 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): 1003131939
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Ophthalmologies like Dr. Joseph Selem are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.