Michael Chavez, OD is a Optometrist practicing at his Austin, TX clinic, dedicated to providing comprehensive optometric care. He is registered with The Texas Optometry Board and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). 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 serves all ages.
Dr. Chavez is an optometrist in Austin, TX, accepting new patients. He earned his degree from the University of Houston, College of Optometry in 2006. He 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. Dr. Chavez offers consultations in Spanish. Please call (512) 928-5808 to schedule an appointment.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Chavez is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Chavez provides comprehensive optometric care, prioritizing thorough eye exams and accurate diagnoses. He collaborates effectively with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to patient eye health, while also emphasizing clear communication and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
By working together, you and Dr. Chavez 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
- 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 Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Signature Administrators PPO
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Chavez offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Astigmatism: With astigmatism, the cornea (the clear front part of your eye) is irregularly shaped, leading to blurry vision at all distances, but an optometrist can help you see clearly with corrective lenses.
- Cataract: A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, making vision blurry, and your optometrist can detect and monitor its progression.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dry Eyes: Experiencing burning, stinging, or a foreign body sensation in your eyes? Dry eye is a possibility, and your optometrist can help determine the cause and create a treatment plan to improve your eye comfort.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside your eye can lead to glaucoma, causing damage to your vision; your optometrist plays a key role in early detection and treatment to protect your sight.
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Sometimes, tiny blood vessels in the white of your eye break, causing a harmless red spot called a subconjunctival hemorrhage; your optometrist will examine it to rule out more serious issues.
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. Chavez offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Contact Lens Exams: These exams are crucial for maintaining healthy eyes while wearing contacts, detecting potential issues early, and ensuring optimal vision correction.
- Diabetic Eye Exam: If you have diabetes, this exam helps detect and monitor eye damage caused by high blood sugar.
- Eye Examination: An eye exam is crucial for maintaining good eye health, preventing vision loss, and identifying conditions that may affect other parts of your body.
- 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: If something's stuck in your eye, an optometrist can expertly remove it, improving your vision and comfort.
- Glaucoma Treatment: Expect your optometrist to create a personalized glaucoma treatment plan that may include medication, lifestyle changes, or additional procedures to protect your eyesight.
- Punctal Plug Insertion: Dry eye syndrome can be relieved with punctal plugs; these small implants are placed in the tear ducts to retain more tears.
- Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses are a vision correction option that sits directly on the eye's surface, providing clear vision throughout the day.
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. Chavez 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 lens prescription, a patient was able to see clearly for the first time in years, greatly improving their quality of life.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for cataracts, the patient experienced a marked improvement in their vision, allowing them to enjoy daily activities more easily.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for a corneal abrasion, a patient experienced significant pain relief and a swift recovery, restoring their vision and daily activities.
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:
Practice
1144 Airport Blvd Ste 235, Austin, TX, 78702
Phone: (512) 928-5808
View on Map
- University of Houston / College of Optometry (Medical School) - 2006
- University of Texas / Austin Campus (Undergraduate School) - 2000
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Chavez:
- 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. Chavez provides pre- and post-operative care for patients working 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. Chavez.
- 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, which are best treated early.
- 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.
- 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.
- I'm interested in LASIK. Is that something you do?
- Dr. Chavez is happy to discuss LASIK as part of a co-management approach. While the surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, Dr. Chavez plays a crucial role in evaluating candidacy, providing pre-operative care, and managing all post-operative follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
- 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 even certain types of cancer.
- 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 curvature, tear film evaluation, and trial lens fittings to ensure proper fit, comfort, and clear vision. A contact lens prescription requires this comprehensive evaluation.
1144 Airport Blvd Ste 235
Austin TX 78702
Phone: (512) 928-5808
Michael Chavez, 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): 1851561740
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. Michael Chavez 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.