Laura Garcia, OD is a Optometrist practicing at her clinic in San Angelo, TX. As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, she is registered with The Texas Optometry Board and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Dr. Garcia is dedicated to providing comprehensive Optometric care, understanding 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.
Dr. Laura Garcia, OD is an optometrist in San Angelo, TX, committed to a collaborative and patient-centered approach to care. She emphasizes evidence-based medicine, ensuring that her patients receive the most current and effective treatment options. Dr. Garcia strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (325) 949-6697 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Laura Garcia provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Garcia is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Garcia's comprehensive optometric care prioritizes patient well-being through thorough eye exams, accurate diagnoses, and personalized treatment plans. She collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to eye health, addressing both the immediate needs and long-term vision care of each patient.
By working together, you and Dr. Garcia can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Baylor Scott & White Health Plan
- 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 Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Signature Administrators PPO
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Garcia offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Retinopathy: Your optometrist can detect retinopathy, a condition affecting the retina's blood vessels, through a comprehensive eye exam, helping to manage it and prevent vision loss.
- Retinal Telangiectasia: Abnormal widening of blood vessels in the retina (retinal telangiectasia) can be detected during a comprehensive eye exam by your optometrist, who can then provide appropriate monitoring and care.
- Optic Nerve Disorder: Optic nerve disorders, like glaucoma, can lead to vision loss, so regular check-ups with your optometrist are key for early diagnosis and treatment.
- Coloboma of Macula: Coloboma of the macula is a birth defect where a hole is present in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision, and an optometrist can help monitor its impact on your vision.
- Iridocyclitis: Experiencing eye pain, redness, and blurred vision? Iridocyclitis, an inflammation of parts of your eye, could be the cause; see your optometrist for diagnosis and a treatment plan.
- Benign Essential Blepharospasm: Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) leads to excessive blinking and eye closure; your optometrist can assess the severity and develop a management plan, potentially including medications or lifestyle adjustments.
- Third Nerve Palsy: A weakened or damaged third cranial nerve can lead to double vision and drooping eyelids (third nerve palsy), and your optometrist will assess your condition and recommend treatment.
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. Garcia offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Lucentis® Injection (co-management): Your optometrist plays a key role in managing your eye health when you're receiving Lucentis® injections, ensuring your overall eye care plan is successful.
- Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) (co-management): Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) is a type of corneal transplant where only the damaged outer layers of the cornea are replaced, improving vision and reducing scarring.
- Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery (co-management): Co-management means your optometrist will collaborate with the surgeon for pre- and post-operative eye care following cosmetic eyelid surgery.
- Relaxing Corneal Incisions (co-management): Relaxing corneal incisions are a surgical technique where small cuts are made on the cornea to treat astigmatism or help with other refractive surgeries, usually done in collaboration with an ophthalmologist.
- Punctal Plug Removal: Punctal plug removal is a procedure to take out small, dissolvable plugs placed in your tear ducts to help with dry eyes.
- 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.
- Iridotomy (co-management/some states): An iridotomy is a small hole created in the iris to relieve pressure in the eye, often helping prevent a serious complication of glaucoma.
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. Garcia 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:
- Following a thorough eye exam, the patient successfully managed their retinopathy, maintaining healthy vision and preventing further complications. Regular check-ups allowed the patient to stay proactive about their eye health.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized monitoring plan from an optometrist, a patient successfully managed their retinal telangiectasia, maintaining good vision and overall eye health.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an optometrist, a patient successfully managed their optic nerve disorder, preserving their vision and quality of life. Regular check-ups and proactive management allowed them to avoid further vision loss.
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
4241 Southwest Blvd Ste 108, San Angelo, TX, 76904
Phone: (325) 949-6697
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Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Garcia:
- 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 doctor who performs eye surgery and treats more complex eye conditions. Dr. Garcia works with ophthalmologists, providing pre- and post-operative care.
- How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam?
- For healthy adults, 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. Garcia.
- 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.
- 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. Garcia's office offers personalized service, including expert fitting by our trained opticians. This ensures proper lens alignment and comfort adjustments, and we can handle complex prescriptions. You also have direct support from our team if any issues arise.
- 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 for 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 eye measurements, tear film evaluation, and trial lens fitting to ensure proper comfort and vision clarity. A contact lens prescription requires this comprehensive process.
4241 Southwest Blvd Ste 108
San Angelo TX 76904
Phone: (325) 949-6697
Laura Garcia, 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): 1982612511
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. Laura Garcia 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.