John Tavares, OD is a trusted Optometrist practicing at Memorial Eye Center in Houston, TX. He is registered with The Texas Optometry Board and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). As a primary healthcare provider for eye and vision care, Dr. Tavares offers comprehensive eye exams, diagnoses and treats eye diseases, prescribes corrective lenses, and collaborates with ophthalmologists and primary care physicians to ensure optimal patient eye health. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (281) 870-2610 to schedule an appointment.
Originally from Warren, Michigan, Dr. Tavares relocated to Houston in 1995. He holds a Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry, earned in 2003, and is Board Certified in Optometry by the American Board of Optometry. With a strong background in complex medical eye conditions, Dr. Tavares has a particular interest in preventive care and ocular health maintenance, complementing his expertise in general eye health exams and contact lens fitting. He is affiliated with Memorial Eye Center and offers consultations in Spanish. Dr. Tavares is dedicated to improving the health of the community by providing high-quality eyewear and a personalized patient-first approach, whether it's a routine eye exam or advanced medical treatment.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Tavares is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Tavares provides comprehensive optometric care, prioritizing thorough eye exams and accurate diagnoses. He collaborates closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans, often involving prescription lenses and referrals to specialists when necessary. His patient-centered approach ensures optimal eye health and vision, emphasizing clear communication and a strong partnership to meet each patient's unique needs.
By working together, you and Dr. Tavares can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Humana
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Superior Health Plan
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Tavares offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Astigmatism: Blurry vision at all distances could be a sign of astigmatism, a refractive error that an optometrist can diagnose and treat with eyeglasses or contact lenses to sharpen your vision.
- Diabetic Eye Disease: High blood sugar from diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision loss; optometrists provide crucial care to prevent or slow this damage.
- 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: 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea, the front part of your eye, gradually thins and bulges outward, causing blurry vision that your optometrist can help manage.
- Eyelid Inflammation: Experiencing crusting, flaking, or burning eyelids? An optometrist can diagnose eyelid inflammation and create a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.
- 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.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: If you have itchy, watery, and red eyes due to an allergy, it might be allergic conjunctivitis; your optometrist can diagnose this and recommend treatments like eye drops to relieve your discomfort.
- Foreign Body in Eye: Experiencing pain, redness, or blurry vision from something in your eye? See an optometrist for prompt removal and examination.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: If you have diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication affecting your eyesight, detectable through eye exams performed by your optometrist.
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. Tavares 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.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Experience eye irritation or blurry vision from a foreign object? An optometrist can remove it, preventing potential damage.
- Punctal Plug Insertion: Punctal plug insertion is a simple procedure to help manage dry eyes by blocking the tear drainage points, keeping eyes lubricated.
- Eye Test: During an eye exam, your optometrist will assess your vision acuity, eye muscle function, and the overall health of your eyes.
- Diabetes Eye Care: Protect your vision with diabetes eye care: Regular check-ups can help detect and treat diabetic eye diseases, such as retinopathy, before they cause significant vision loss.
- Vision Screening: This brief exam assesses your vision's sharpness and may uncover signs of eye diseases.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: This service helps determine the best type and prescription of contact lenses for your individual needs and lifestyle.
- Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Expect a comprehensive eye exam and a personalized treatment plan for uveitis, possibly including medication and regular check-ups.
- Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses are a common and effective way to treat refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- Eye Examination: Get your eyes checked with a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose vision problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness and detect early signs of eye diseases.
- Eye Procedure: Depending on your needs, an eye procedure might involve testing your vision, diagnosing an eye condition, or performing a surgical correction.
- Diabetic Eye Exam: During a diabetic eye exam, your optometrist examines your eyes for signs of diabetic retinopathy and other conditions.
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. Tavares 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 enjoy daily activities with greater clarity and comfort.
- By following the optometrist's personalized treatment plan, the patient successfully managed their diabetic eye disease, preserving their vision and overall well-being. Regular check-ups and proactive care allowed them to maintain excellent eye health.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for a corneal abrasion, a patient experienced significant pain relief and rapid healing, allowing them to resume their normal activities quickly.
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
15080 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX, 77079
Phone: (281) 870-2610
View on Map
- UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON / COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY (Medical School) - 2003
- American Board of Optometry (Optometry)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Tavares:
- 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 complex eye diseases. Dr. Tavares provides pre- and post-operative care, often working collaboratively with ophthalmologists.
- How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam?
- For healthy adults, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is generally recommended. However, children, seniors, and those with risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure may need more frequent exams, as determined by Dr. Tavares.
- 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 curvature, tear film evaluation, and trial lens fitting to ensure comfort and clear vision. This 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 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.
- 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.
- What are the benefits of buying glasses from my optometrist's office versus online?
- Buying glasses from Dr. Tavares' office offers personalized service, including expert fitting by our trained opticians to ensure proper lens alignment and comfort adjustments. We can handle complex prescriptions and provide direct support if any issues arise after purchase. This ensures quality assurance and peace of mind.
- I'm interested in LASIK. Is that something you do?
- Dr. Tavares is involved in the LASIK process in a crucial co-management role. While the surgery itself is performed by an ophthalmologist, Dr. Tavares performs the initial evaluation, provides pre-operative care, and manages all post-operative follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
- 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 artificial tears and prescription eye drops to in-office procedures that can improve tear quality and provide lasting relief.
Memorial Eye Center
15080 Memorial Dr
Houston TX 77079
Phone: (281) 870-2610
John Tavares, 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): 1821063181
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. John Tavares 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.