Leslie Varkey, OD is a Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Houston, 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. Varkey is dedicated to providing comprehensive optometric care, recognizing that optometrists (ODs) are the primary healthcare providers for eye and vision care. This encompasses 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.
Dr. Varkey's practice is focused on providing the best possible care for all ages. She is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She strives to be a knowledgeable and dedicated partner in their health journey. Dr. Leslie Varkey, OD is an optometrist in Houston, TX, and prospective patients should call (713) 222-2300 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Varkey provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Varkey is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Varkey provides comprehensive optometric care, focusing on thorough eye exams and the early detection and treatment of eye diseases. She collaborates closely with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to patient well-being, emphasizing clear communication and personalized treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs.
By working together, you and Dr. Varkey can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Open Access Plus
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SureFit Houston
- Whole Health - Memorial Hermann HMO
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Varkey offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Pinguecula: A pinguecula is a small, yellowish nodule on the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white of your eye; your optometrist can monitor it and recommend measures to reduce irritation.
- Hyphema: An optometrist plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing hyphema, a serious condition involving bleeding in the eye, by monitoring the condition and ensuring timely intervention.
- Keratitis: Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear front part of your eye, and your optometrist can diagnose and treat it with eye drops or other medications.
- Keratoconus: Your optometrist can detect keratoconus, an eye condition causing a cone-shaped cornea, and recommend treatments like special contact lenses or corneal cross-linking to slow its progression.
- Mineral Metabolism Disorders: Your optometrist's eye exam can reveal signs of mineral metabolism problems, such as changes in the lens or retina, allowing for early detection and management.
- Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Primary open-angle glaucoma is a gradual build-up of pressure inside your eye that can damage your vision over time, and your optometrist can monitor your eye pressure and prescribe medication to help manage it.
- Viral Conjunctivitis: Your optometrist can help manage viral conjunctivitis, a contagious eye infection characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of your eye).
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. Varkey offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Iridectomy (co-management): Your optometrist plays a key role in co-managing your iridectomy by performing pre and post-operative exams, managing medications and ensuring your eyes are healing well.
- Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: For fast relief from a bothersome foreign object in your eye, an optometrist can remove it, ensuring eye health.
- Glasses Fitting: During a glasses fitting, your optometrist adjusts your frames to make sure you see clearly and experience no discomfort.
- Punctal Plug Insertion: If you have dry eyes, your doctor might insert tiny plugs into your tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and improve moisture.
- Eyelash Epilation: Eyelash epilation is the removal of eyelashes, often done to address ingrown eyelashes or improve cosmetic appearance around the eye.
- Low Vision Rehabilitation: Low vision rehabilitation aims to maximize your remaining vision and improve your quality of life despite vision loss.
- Contact Lens Exams: A contact lens exam involves a comprehensive eye health assessment tailored to contact lens wearers, helping prevent complications and maximizing comfort.
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. Varkey 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 management plan, the patient experienced significant reduction in the irritation caused by their pinguecula. Regular check-ups and proactive care allowed them to maintain eye health and comfort.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan from their optometrist, a patient successfully managed their hyphema, preventing further complications and restoring their vision. They felt empowered by understanding the condition and its effective management.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for keratitis, the patient experienced significant relief from eye discomfort and was able to resume their normal activities. The ongoing management plan, provided by the optometrist, helped maintain the health of their eyes.
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
815 Walker St Ste T44, Houston, TX, 77002
Phone: (713) 222-2300
View on Map - Practice
700 Rusk St Ste M120, Houston, TX, 77002
Phone: (713) 222-2300
View on Map
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Varkey:
- 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. Varkey providing pre- and post-operative care.
- How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam?
- Generally, healthy adults without symptoms or risk factors should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. Children, seniors, and those with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease may require more frequent exams, as recommended by Dr. Varkey.
- Can my eye exam detect health problems other than just vision issues?
- Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect health problems beyond vision issues. The eye is unique in allowing direct visualization of blood vessels, revealing early signs of systemic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers.
- What are the benefits of buying glasses from my optometrist's office versus online?
- Buying glasses from Dr. Varkey'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 peace of mind.
- 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.
- I'm interested in LASIK. Is that something you do?
- Dr. Varkey works with ophthalmologists to co-manage LASIK procedures. He performs the initial evaluation to determine candidacy, provides pre-operative care, and manages all post-operative follow-up visits. While the surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, Dr. Varkey plays a vital role in ensuring a successful outcome.
- Do I need a separate appointment for a contact lens fitting?
- Yes, a separate appointment is required for a contact lens fitting. This is because a fitting involves more than just your glasses prescription, including specific measurements of your eye's curvature, tear film evaluation, and trial lens fitting. This ensures the contacts are healthy, comfortable, and provide clear vision, and is necessary to receive a contact lens prescription.
- 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. 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.
815 Walker St Ste T44
Houston TX 77002
Phone: (713) 222-2300
Leslie Varkey, 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): 1982891131
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. Leslie Varkey 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.