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Dr. Blake Hugo Fortes

Ophthalmology – Retina Specialist

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Dr. Blake Fortes

Ophthalmology – Retina Specialist

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Areas of Expertise

Age-Related Macular Degeneration / AMD
Diabetic Retinopathy
Flashes and Floaters
Retinal Tears and Detachments
Macular Hole and Macular Pucker
Retinal Artery and Vein Occlusions

About Me

Dr. Blake H. Fortes is a board-certified ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon with the Retina Group of Florida. He joined the practice after completing a two-year fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute in Los Angeles, where he cared for patients and helped train residents at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, the Los Angeles County hospital system, and the West LA Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In recognition of his surgical skill, he received the Real World Ophthalmology Skilled Surgeon Award in 2025. Prior to fellowship, he completed his ophthalmology residency and an internship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Fortes graduated summa cum laude from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, supported by merit-based and research scholarships. He went on to earn his medical degree at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine on a full-tuition scholarship and received multiple academic honors, including induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He has authored peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in leading ophthalmology journals and presents regularly at national and international retina meetings. In clinic, he cares for patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, macular holes, vein occlusions, and uveitis, and works to explain complex retinal conditions in a clear, reassuring way so patients can make informed decisions about their vision.

Training

  • in Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery
    UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute
    Fellowship
  • Ophthalmology
    Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
    Residency
  • Doctor of Medicine
    Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
    Medical School
  • University of Miami
    Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
    University of Miami
    Undergraduate

Awards & Honors

  • Ophthalmology Academic Achievement Award

    Mayo Clinic

  • Vitreoretinal Surgery Foundation Research Award

    Vitreoretinal Surgery Foundation

  • Outstanding Academic Performance Awards

    Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

  • Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society Induction

    Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

  • Real World Ophthalmology Skilled Surgeon Award

    Real World Ophthalmology
    2025

Certifications & Licensure

  • Licensed In:
    CA, FL, MN
  • License Numbers:
    A185112, ME172651, 67739

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