Christopher Mathews, OD is a Optometrist practicing at Memorial Eye Center in Baytown, TX. He is a registered provider with the Texas Optometry Board, practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, Dr. Mathews is dedicated to providing comprehensive Optometric care for all ages. 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. He received his Doctor of Optometry in 2018 from the University of Houston College of Optometry and his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Purdue University. His special interest is specialty contact lenses, and he is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Texas Optometric Association. Dr. Mathews's dream of becoming an optometrist began at 17, fueled by a fascination with vision and a desire to understand the complexities of the eye. He firmly believes in continuous learning and stays current with the latest research to personalize each patient's treatment plan. We are dedicated to improving the health of our community by helping our neighbors look and feel their best, one patient at a time. Dr. Mathews is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (830) 375-5491 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Christopher Mathews provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Mathews is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Mathews provides comprehensive optometric care, prioritizing patient-centered communication and evidence-based treatment. He conducts thorough eye exams, diagnoses and manages eye conditions, and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal eye health. His personalized approach creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their eye care journey.
By working together, you and Dr. Mathews can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Advantage
- Blue Card
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus
- Managed Choice (Open Access)
- Medica Choice
- Navigate
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice
- Options
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SureFit Houston
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Mathews offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Foreign Body in Eye: From tiny specks to larger objects, an optometrist can diagnose and treat foreign bodies in the eye, protecting your vision.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Red, itchy eyes from allergies are a sign of allergic conjunctivitis. Your optometrist will assess your condition and recommend treatment options, like antihistamine eye drops or other remedies, to help manage your symptoms.
- Eye Disease: Eye diseases are conditions affecting the eye's structure or function, and an optometrist can diagnose and manage many of them, often recommending treatment or lifestyle changes.
- Astigmatism: An optometrist diagnoses astigmatism through a comprehensive eye exam and offers solutions like glasses or contacts to improve vision affected by this common refractive error.
- 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.
- Diabetic Eye Disease: Optometrists play a key role in detecting and managing diabetic eye diseases, such as retinopathy, which can cause blindness if left untreated.
- 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.
- 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: Experiencing crusting, flaking, or burning eyelids? An optometrist can diagnose eyelid inflammation and create a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.
- 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.
- Corneal Abrasion: A corneal abrasion is a painful eye injury that your optometrist can diagnose and treat, often with medicated eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Dry Eyes: If your eyes feel gritty, scratchy, or constantly dry, you might have dry eye disease; optometrists are eye care specialists who can diagnose this and help manage your symptoms with various treatments.
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. Mathews offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Contact Lens Exams: During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor checks your eye health and vision to make sure your contacts are the right prescription and fit.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: This service helps determine the best type and prescription of contact lenses for your individual needs and lifestyle.
- Diabetes Eye Care: Diabetes eye care involves regular eye exams to detect and manage diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss.
- Diabetic Eye Exam: Get a diabetic eye exam to safeguard your vision by catching potential diabetes-related eye issues early.
- Eye Procedure: Depending on your needs, an eye procedure might involve testing your vision, diagnosing an eye condition, or performing a surgical correction.
- Eye Test: An eye test checks your vision and eye health, detecting problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and eye diseases.
- 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: Don't rub your eye! See an optometrist for safe and effective removal of any foreign body causing irritation or blurry vision.
- Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Expect a comprehensive eye exam and a personalized treatment plan for uveitis, possibly including medication and regular check-ups.
- Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses are a flexible option for improving your eyesight, available in daily, two-week, or monthly wear options.
- Vision Screening: Vision screenings help identify vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
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. Mathews 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 treatment plan from an optometrist, a patient was able to remove a foreign object from their eye and avoid any long-term vision damage.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient found relief from the persistent itchiness and redness associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Regular eye drops and lifestyle adjustments enabled them to confidently manage their symptoms and resume their daily activities.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an optometrist, a patient successfully managed their eye disease, improving their vision and quality of life. They now feel empowered to proactively monitor their condition and maintain good eye health.
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:
Memorial Eye Center
13550 Lakes of Champions Blvd, Baytown, TX, 77523
Phone: (830) 375-5491
View on Map - Memorial Eye Center
301 W Texas Ave, Baytown, TX, 77520
Phone: (830) 375-5486
View on Map
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Mathews:
- 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. Dr. Mathews provides pre- and post-operative care in collaboration with ophthalmologists.
- 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. Mathews.
- 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 the only place in the body where blood vessels can be viewed directly, allowing our doctors to see early signs of systemic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even some 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. Early detection of issues like lazy eye or misaligned eyes is essential, as these conditions are best treated when caught early.
- 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.
- What are the benefits of buying glasses from my optometrist's office versus online?
- Buying glasses from Dr. Mathews' office offers personalized service, including an expert fitting by a trained optician for proper lens alignment and comfort adjustments. We handle complex prescriptions and provide direct support if any issues arise, ensuring quality and peace of mind.
- 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 during a routine exam includes measuring eye pressure, checking peripheral vision, and examining the optic nerve.
- 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 shape, tear film evaluation, and trial lens fitting to ensure comfort and clear vision. This process is necessary to obtain a contact lens prescription.
Memorial Eye Center
13550 Lakes of Champions Blvd
Baytown TX 77523
Phone: (830) 375-5491
Christopher Mathews, 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): 1841778842
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. Christopher Mathews 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.