Barbara Coldiron, OD is a Optometrist practicing at EyeCare Specialties of Central Texas in Austin, TX. As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive optometric care, registered with The Texas Optometry Board and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Optometrists (ODs) are the primary healthcare providers for eye and vision care, offering comprehensive eye exams, diagnosing and treating eye diseases, prescribing corrective lenses, and often collaborating with ophthalmologists and primary care physicians to ensure optimal patient eye health. She serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (512) 343-0432 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Coldiron is the founder of Far West Optical, a long-standing Austin business. She has been serving the Northwest Hills area since 1984, developing a reputation for meticulous eye exams and finding solutions to patients' vision and eye health problems. With a keen eye, she sees herself as the Sherlock Holmes of vision, diligently investigating and addressing visual difficulties. She excels in fitting complex contact lenses, prescribing unique spectacle prescriptions, and treats various eye diseases, including glaucoma, while also co-managing cataract and laser vision surgeries. She earned her degree from the University of Houston, College of Optometry in 1981, and is Board Certified in Optometry by the American Board of Optometry.
Our dedicated team is committed to improving the health of our community by helping our neighbors look and feel their best, one patient at a time. We offer high-quality eyewear and a personalized, patient-first approach. Whether it is time for your routine eye exam or you need advanced medical treatment, we are ready to serve you. Dr. Barbara Coldiron provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Coldiron is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Coldiron provides comprehensive optometric care, emphasizing personalized eye health plans. She conducts thorough eye exams, diagnoses and treats various eye conditions, and collaborates effectively with ophthalmologists and primary care physicians to ensure the best possible patient outcomes. Her patient-centered approach prioritizes clear communication and evidence-based treatment strategies.
By working together, you and Dr. Coldiron can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Humana
Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Advantage
- Blue Card
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Choice
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Plus
- ChoiceCare Network
- EmblemHealth
- HealthSmart
- LocalPlus
- MAPFRE Life Insurance Company of Puerto Rico
- Managed Choice (Open Access)
- National
- Navigate
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice
- Options
- Preferred
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Coldiron offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Cataract: If you experience worsening blurry vision, your optometrist can determine if cataracts are the cause and guide you toward proper management, including referral for surgery.
- Eyelid Inflammation: Don't ignore inflamed eyelids your optometrist can identify the underlying cause of the inflammation and provide personalized treatment to promote healing and prevent complications.
- Dry Eyes: Dry eye is a common condition where your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing dryness, irritation, and discomfort; an optometrist can diagnose and recommend treatments like artificial tears or other therapies.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: If you have diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication affecting your eyesight, detectable through eye exams performed by your optometrist.
- Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that affects the cornea's shape, leading to vision problems; your optometrist plays a key role in diagnosis and managing the condition with various treatment options.
- Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common vision problem where your eye doesn't focus light properly, causing blurry vision, and an optometrist can correct it with glasses or contact lenses.
- Corneal Diseases: Your optometrist plays a key role in detecting and managing corneal diseases, which can cause blurry vision, pain, and even vision loss; they'll create a treatment plan to protect your sight.
- Corneal Abrasion: Your optometrist can effectively diagnose and treat corneal abrasions, which are injuries to the eye's surface, often caused by foreign objects or trauma.
- Corneal Scar: Damage or injury to your cornea can lead to a scar that affects vision clarity; your optometrist can diagnose the scar, evaluate its severity, and discuss management strategies.
- Diabetic Eye Disease: If you have diabetes, seeing an optometrist for regular eye exams is vital to prevent or delay vision problems related to high blood sugar.
- Presbyopia: Presbyopia is age-related blurry near vision, typically starting in your 40s, and your optometrist can help correct it with reading glasses or multifocal contacts.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye, and your optometrist can monitor your pressure and help prevent vision loss.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Coldiron offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Contact Lens Exams: These exams are crucial for maintaining healthy eyes while wearing contacts, detecting potential issues early, and ensuring optimal vision correction.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: Get professionally fitted contact lenses for optimal vision correction and eye health.
- Eye Examination: During an eye exam, your eye doctor checks your vision, examines the structures of your eyes, and screens for potential problems.
- Eyeglasses: An optometrist will perform an eye exam to determine your prescription and help you choose eyeglasses that best suit your needs and lifestyle.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Experience eye irritation or blurry vision from a foreign object? An optometrist can remove it, preventing potential damage.
- Glaucoma Treatment: Glaucoma treatment involves regular monitoring and adjustments to medication or procedures to maintain stable eye pressure and optimal vision health.
- Prism Lenses: Prism lenses are used to treat specific vision problems, such as strabismus (crossed eyes) or convergence insufficiency (difficulty focusing on near objects), by altering the way light reaches the eyes.
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 their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Coldiron is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis of cataracts and guidance from an optometrist, a patient was able to manage their blurry vision effectively, regaining much-needed clarity and independence.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from their optometrist, a patient successfully managed their eyelid inflammation, restoring comfort and preventing further complications. The patient now feels empowered to proactively manage their eye health.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an optometrist, a patient experienced significant relief from their dry eye symptoms and improved comfort throughout the day. They were able to resume their daily activities without the constant irritation and discomfort.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
EyeCare Specialties of Central Texas
3908 Far West Blvd, Austin, TX, 78731
Phone: (512) 343-0432
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- UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON / COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY (Medical School) - 1981
- American Board of Optometry (Optometry)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Coldiron:
- What is the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?
- An optometrist (OD) is the primary eye care doctor for routine exams, prescribing glasses/contacts, and managing common eye diseases. An ophthalmologist (MD/DO) is a medical and surgical physician who performs eye surgery and treats more complex eye diseases. They often work together, with Dr. Coldiron providing pre- and post-operative care.
- How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam?
- For healthy adults with no symptoms or risk factors, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is typically recommended. However, children, seniors, and individuals with risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease may need more frequent exams as recommended by Dr. Coldiron.
- What is glaucoma and how do you test for it?
- Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often caused by high pressure inside the eye. It can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. Testing includes measuring eye pressure, checking peripheral vision, and examining the optic nerve. These tests are part of a routine eye exam.
- What are the benefits of buying glasses from my optometrist's office versus online?
- Buying glasses from Dr. Coldiron's office allows for a personalized fitting by a trained optician, ensuring proper lens alignment and comfort. We can handle complex prescriptions and provide direct support if any issues arise. Our quality assurance ensures you receive a high-quality product.
- I'm interested in LASIK. Is that something you do?
- Dr. Coldiron plays a crucial role in LASIK co-management. While the surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, Dr. Coldiron performs the initial evaluation, provides pre-operative care, and manages all post-operative follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
- Can my eye exam detect health problems other than just vision issues?
- Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect more than just vision issues. The eye is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for the early detection of serious systemic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain cancers.
- My eyes often feel dry and gritty. Is this something you can treat?
- Yes, dry eye is a very common condition that we diagnose and manage. Treatment options range from specific types of artificial tears and prescription eye drops to in-office procedures that can improve tear quality and provide lasting relief.
- Do I need a separate appointment for a contact lens fitting?
- Yes, a separate appointment is needed for a contact lens fitting. This is because a fitting involves more than just your glasses prescription, including precise measurements of your eye's curvature, tear film evaluation, and a trial lens fitting to ensure proper comfort and vision clarity. A contact lens prescription requires this comprehensive evaluation.
EyeCare Specialties of Central Texas
3908 Far West Blvd
Austin TX 78731
Phone: (512) 343-0432
Barbara Coldiron, OD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Optometry Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1033205414
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Optometry Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Barbara Coldiron are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. 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.