Brandon Blaker, OD is a Optometrist practicing at Hill Country Vision Center in Kerrville, TX. He is a registered provider with the Texas Optometry Board, adhering to the state's regulations for medical practice. Dr. Blaker is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care for all ages, recognizing that optometrists (ODs) are the primary healthcare providers for eye and vision health. This encompasses comprehensive eye exams, diagnosing and treating eye diseases, prescribing corrective lenses, and collaborating with ophthalmologists and primary care physicians to ensure optimal patient eye health. He is committed to a patient-centered approach, understanding that each patient's needs are unique and deserves personalized attention.
Dr. Blaker's approach to care is deeply rooted in a commitment to improving the health of the community. He strives to provide high-quality eyewear and a personalized experience for every patient, whether it's a routine eye exam or more advanced medical treatment. Dr. Blaker earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Sul Ross State University and his Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry. He is a member of both the Texas Optometric Society and the American Optometric Society. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family. Dr. Blaker is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached at (361) 844-8701 to schedule an appointment. He also offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Blaker is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Blaker provides comprehensive optometric care, emphasizing thorough eye exams and the early detection and management of eye diseases. He collaborates closely with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to patient care, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and promoting optimal vision health.
By working together, you and Dr. Blaker can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Blue Advantage
- Blue Card
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Plus
- ChoiceCare Network
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Superior Health Plan
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Blaker offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Keratoconus: Blurry vision and distorted images might indicate keratoconus, a corneal disorder your optometrist can diagnose and help treat with methods like rigid gas permeable contact lenses or corneal collagen cross-linking.
- Eye Disease: Many health problems show up in your eyes first; an optometrist can detect signs of eye diseases and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that gradually steals your sight, but your optometrist can help monitor and manage it with regular checkups and appropriate treatment.
- Cataract: Your optometrist plays a key role in detecting cataracts, a condition that affects the eye's lens and leads to vision impairment, and recommending appropriate care.
- Presbyopia: If you're finding it difficult to read small print or menus up close, you might have presbyopia, a common age-related vision change easily managed by your optometrist.
- Dry Eyes: Experiencing burning, stinging, or a foreign body sensation in your eyes? Dry eye is a possibility, and your optometrist can help determine the cause and create a treatment plan to improve your eye comfort.
- Eyelid Inflammation: If your eyelids are red, itchy, or swollen, you may have eyelid inflammation; your optometrist can determine the cause and recommend effective treatment options.
- Corneal Abrasion: If you have a scratch on your cornea (the clear front part of your eye), your optometrist can examine it, provide treatment, and ensure it heals properly.
- Astigmatism: With astigmatism, the cornea (the clear front part of your eye) is irregularly shaped, leading to blurry vision at all distances, but an optometrist can help you see clearly with corrective lenses.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: High blood sugar from diabetes can harm the retina, causing diabetic retinopathy; your optometrist provides regular eye exams to catch and manage this condition.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Experiencing eye irritation from pollen, pet dander, or other allergens? Allergic conjunctivitis is a likely cause, and your optometrist can provide effective relief and management strategies.
- Foreign Body in Eye: Experiencing pain, redness, or blurry vision from something in your eye? See an optometrist for prompt removal and examination.
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. Blaker offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Contact Lens Exams: Get a contact lens exam to address any discomfort, blurry vision, or changes in your eyesight related to contact lens use.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: Get professionally fitted contact lenses for optimal vision correction and eye health.
- Diabetes Eye Care: If you have diabetes, routine eye exams help screen for early signs of eye damage, allowing for timely treatment and preventing vision problems.
- Diabetic Eye Exam: This specialized eye exam screens for diabetic retinopathy and other eye complications linked to diabetes.
- Eye Procedure: An eye procedure is a medical treatment performed on the eye to diagnose, treat, or correct a vision problem or eye disease.
- Eye Test: A comprehensive eye exam involves a series of tests to evaluate your vision, eye health, and identify potential risks for future eye problems.
- Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses are lenses in frames that correct blurry or distorted vision, improving your ability to see clearly.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal from the eye safely extracts particles like dust, dirt, or small objects lodged in your eye.
- Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Treatment for ocular inflammation (uveitis) typically involves medication to decrease swelling and discomfort in the eye.
- Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses are a vision correction option that sits directly on the eye's surface, providing clear vision throughout the day.
- Vision Screening: It's a fast and simple test to evaluate your vision and identify any need for corrective lenses or further care.
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. Blaker 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 and personalized treatment plan, the patient experienced a significant improvement in their vision, allowing them to resume daily activities with greater clarity and confidence.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an optometrist, a patient successfully managed their eye disease, ensuring continued good vision and overall well-being.
- By working with their optometrist to establish a personalized eye care plan, a patient successfully managed their glaucoma, maintaining good vision and overall eye health. Regular checkups and appropriate treatment allowed the patient to live a full life with confidence.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Hill Country Vision Center
205 W Water St # B, Kerrville, TX, 78028
Phone: (361) 844-8701
View on Map - Hill Country Vision Center
301 10th St Ste 3, Floresville, TX, 78114
Phone: (469) 306-2022
View on Map
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Blaker:
- 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. Blaker 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. Blaker.
- My eyes often feel dry and gritty. Is this something you can treat?
- Yes, we can treat dry eye. It's a very common condition that optometrists diagnose and manage effectively. Treatment options range from 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 trial lens fitting to ensure the contacts are comfortable and provide clear vision. A contact lens prescription requires this comprehensive process.
- 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. Untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Testing during a routine exam includes measuring eye pressure, checking peripheral vision, and examining the optic nerve.
- What are the benefits of buying glasses from my optometrist's office versus online?
- Buying glasses from Dr. Blaker's office provides expert fitting by a trained optician, ensuring proper lens alignment and personalized adjustments for optimal comfort. We handle complex prescriptions and offer direct support if any issues arise, ensuring quality assurance and a positive experience.
- Can my eye exam detect health problems other than just vision issues?
- Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect more than just vision problems. The eye is unique because its blood vessels can be viewed directly, allowing the doctor to identify early signs of serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
- At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
- The American Optometric Association recommends a first comprehensive eye exam for a child at 6 months of age, again at age 3, and just before they start school. This is essential for detecting issues like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, which are best treated early.
Hill Country Vision Center
205 W Water St # B
Kerrville TX 78028
Phone: (361) 844-8701
Brandon Blaker, 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): 1093894230
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. Brandon Blaker 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.