Emily Simonek, OD is a Optometrist practicing at her Austin, TX clinic, dedicated to providing comprehensive optometric care. She 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, she understands that 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. Please call (512) 953-5838 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Simonek, a therapeutic optometrist and certified optometric glaucoma specialist, brings a wealth of experience to her practice. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin, followed by her doctorate in optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry. Her commitment to patient education and her outgoing personality are key components of her approach. She has been an active member of the Austin community for the past 8 years, deeply invested in its culture and relationships. Dr. Simonek's passion for patient care extends to ensuring every patient fully understands their ocular health, exceeding expectations with a personalized and exceptional level of optometric service. She is committed to providing consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Simonek is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Simonek provides comprehensive optometric care, prioritizing thorough eye exams and the accurate diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. She collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic patient care, and her patient-centered approach emphasizes clear communication and a personalized treatment plan to meet each patient's unique needs.
By working together, you and Dr. Simonek can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Signature Administrators PPO
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Simonek offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Horner's Syndrome: Horner's syndrome is a rare condition affecting one side of the face, causing a droopy eyelid, small pupil, and decreased sweating, and your optometrist can help diagnose it through a thorough eye exam.
- Refractive Error: Blurry vision due to problems with how your eye focuses light is called refractive error, easily diagnosed and corrected by your optometrist.
- Infantile Glaucoma: Infantile glaucoma is a rare condition where the drainage channels in a baby's eye are blocked, causing increased pressure that can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness, and optometrists play a crucial role in early detection and management.
- Choroidal Neovascular Membranes (CNVM): CNVM is a condition where new blood vessels form in the choroid, a layer behind the retina, potentially leading to blurry vision or vision loss; your optometrist can help diagnose this and manage your care.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Nearsightedness, or myopia, means you can see close objects clearly but distant ones appear blurry, and your optometrist can help correct your vision with glasses or contact lenses.
- Vitreous Diseases: Vitreous diseases affect the clear gel inside your eye, and an optometrist can detect these issues during a comprehensive eye exam, often referring you to a specialist for further treatment if needed.
- Disorder of Choroid: Problems with the choroid, the eye's blood vessel-rich layer, can cause vision changes and an optometrist can assess your condition and recommend appropriate care.
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. Simonek offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Vitrectomy (co-management): If you're having vitrectomy surgery, your optometrist will coordinate your care with the surgeon, ensuring a smooth and effective recovery.
- Multifocal Contact Lens Treatment: If you need reading glasses but also glasses for distance vision, multifocal contacts can provide clear vision at all distances in one lens.
- Eye Procedure: Eye procedures can range from simple exams to complex surgeries, all aimed at improving your eye health and vision.
- Humphrey Visual Field Test for Glaucoma: Your eye doctor uses the Humphrey Visual Field Test to see how well you can see things in your side vision, which is crucial for detecting glaucoma.
- Eye Injection (co-management in some states): Some optometrists participate in managing care alongside other specialists who administer eye injections.
- 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.
- Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty - co-managed): If sagging eyelids are affecting your vision or making you look older, an eyelid lift might help by removing excess skin and fat.
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. Simonek 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 Horner's Syndrome, a patient felt empowered by understanding the condition and its management plan, leading to improved quality of life. Working with an optometrist, the patient experienced relief from some of the symptoms.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an optometrist, a patient experienced significantly improved vision, making everyday activities much easier and more enjoyable. Their optometrist's guidance empowered them to effectively manage their refractive error.
- Following a thorough examination and personalized treatment plan from an optometrist, a patient successfully managed their infantile glaucoma, ensuring healthy eye development and vision for the future. Regular check-ups and consistent care allowed the patient to maintain stable eye pressure and prevent further complications.
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:
Practice
1000 E 41st St Ste 120, Austin, TX, 78751
Phone: (512) 953-5838
View on Map - Practice
1900 Aldrich St Ste 110, Austin, TX, 78723
Phone: (512) 953-5838
View on Map
- University of Texas / Austin Campus (Undergraduate School)
- University of Houston / College of Optometry (Medical School) - 2009
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Simonek:
- What is the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?
- An optometrist (OD) is the primary eye care provider for routine exams, prescribing glasses or 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. Simonek 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. Simonek.
- 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 without surgery, allowing early detection of serious systemic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, 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 that are best treated early.
- Do I need a separate appointment for a contact lens fitting?
- Yes, a separate appointment is needed for a contact lens fitting. 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 proper comfort and clarity. This process is necessary to obtain a contact lens prescription.
- What is glaucoma and how do you test for it?
- Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to 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.
- I'm interested in LASIK. Is that something you do?
- Dr. Simonek works with ophthalmologists to co-manage LASIK. While the surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, Dr. Simonek performs the initial evaluation, provides pre-operative care, and manages all post-operative follow-up. This ensures a smooth and successful outcome.
- 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.
1000 E 41st St Ste 120
Austin TX 78751
Phone: (512) 953-5838
Emily Simonek, 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): 1598995953
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. Emily Simonek 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.