Rafael A. Taboas O.D.

Dr. Rafael Taboas is a dedicated Certified Optometrist based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, whose practice blends family heritage with a personal commitment to advanced eye care. Growing up in a family of ophthalmologists, with both his father and uncle in the field, Dr. Taboas developed a deep appreciation for eye health from an early age. This early exposure inspired his career path, instilling in him a lifelong dedication to improving vision and ocular wellness for his patients.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with pre-med studies from the University of the Sacred Heart in Puerto Rico before completing his Doctor of Optometry degree at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry in 2017. Following graduation, Dr. Taboas honed his clinical skills in ophthalmology settings under supervision and successfully earned board certification in August 2025. His formal training equips him to provide both general and specialized eye care services to a diverse patient population.

Currently practicing at a refractive surgery clinic, Dr. Taboas offers comprehensive eye care services, including routine examinations, PRK refractive surgery evaluations, and advanced dry eye treatment using state-of-the-art Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology. He has developed particular expertise in prism correction for double vision and collaborates closely with ophthalmologists to evaluate the root causes of ocular pathologies, ensuring proper co-management or referral when necessary.

Dr. Taboas serves a predominantly Hispanic and Latino community, with a focus on monitoring and managing ocular conditions related to diabetes, hypertension and glaucoma. He routinely performs advanced diagnostic testing, including OCT imaging, visual field assessments, and fundus photography, integrating these tools to provide precise, individualized care. His approach emphasizes early detection, evidence-based interventions, and a patient-centered philosophy that prioritizes long-term ocular health.

Outside of his professional practice, Dr. Taboas values discipline, balance, and personal growth. A third-degree Shotokan karate black belt and avid swimmer, he brings the same dedication and focus to his personal pursuits as he does to his clinical work. With a combination of family influence, advanced technical training, and a compassionate approach, Dr. Rafael Taboas continues to advance the field of optometry in Puerto Rico while providing modern, patient-focused eye care to his community.

• Sacred Heart University
• Inter-American University School of Optometry

• National Board of Optometry

*PRK versus LASIK: Complications and Advantages. [Doctor Thesis 2017]

*Ojo seco, cuando las lágrimas se evaporan. [Contorno Magazine 2017]