Michael Schaffer, OD is a Optometrist dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care to his patients in El Paso, TX. He is a registered provider 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. Dr. Schaffer serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (915) 832-2000 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Michael Schaffer, OD is an optometrist in El Paso, TX and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to his patients. He graduated from University of Florida College of Medicine in 1988, completing an internship at Hahnemann University Hospital in 1989 and residency training in Optometry at Hahnemann University Hospital in 1992. He is affiliated with Las Palmas Medical Center and Del Sol Medical Center. Dr. Schaffer's philosophy centers on restoring balance to the body's systems, believing that optimal health comes from addressing the root causes of issues, not just masking symptoms. He is accepting new patients and offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Schaffer is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Schaffer provides comprehensive optometric care, prioritizing thorough eye exams and the accurate diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. He collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to patient eye health, emphasizing clear communication and a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
By working together, you and Dr. Schaffer can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Open Access Plus
- Superior Health Plan
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Schaffer offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Episcleritis Periodica Fugax: This condition causes brief episodes of eye redness and discomfort, and your optometrist can monitor it to prevent complications.
- Blepharitis: Experiencing eyelid redness, swelling, or crusting? Your optometrist can determine if you have blepharitis and create a treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
- Blepharochalasis: Droopy, loose eyelids are a symptom of blepharochalasis, and your optometrist can evaluate this condition during an eye exam and suggest appropriate care.
- Keratitis: If you have pain, redness, or blurry vision, it could be keratitis, a corneal infection your optometrist can help identify and manage.
- Aniridia: Aniridia is a rare condition where a person is born without an iris, the colored part of the eye, which can affect vision and needs regular monitoring by an optometrist.
- Strabismus: Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes don't line up correctly, and an optometrist can diagnose it and recommend treatment like glasses, eye exercises, or surgery.
- Meibomitis: Meibomitis is an inflammation of the oil glands in your eyelids, causing dry, irritated eyes, and your optometrist can help manage it with warm compresses and other treatments.
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. Schaffer offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Eye Surgery (co-management): This shared care approach ensures a smooth experience and excellent outcomes, blending the expertise of your optometrist and the surgeon.
- Contact Lens Treatment: If you're considering contact lenses, this involves an eye exam, lens fitting, and instruction on proper insertion, removal, and care.
- Pterygium Surgery (co-management): With pterygium surgery co-management, your optometrist plays a vital role in your care, working with the surgeon to ensure your vision recovers well after the surgery.
- Monovision: If you need reading glasses, monovision might be an option to reduce or eliminate your dependence on them by using different corrective lenses in each eye.
- Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): VEP testing involves wearing electrodes and looking at flashing lights; it's a non-invasive way for your eye doctor to evaluate the electrical activity in your brain related to vision.
- Wet Macular Degeneration Laser Treatment (co-management): If you have wet macular degeneration, your optometrist may recommend laser treatment to help prevent further vision loss, working with an ophthalmologist to perform and monitor the procedure.
- Optical Coherence Tomography: An OCT scan is a non-invasive procedure that helps your doctor assess the health of your eye's internal structures, enabling them to monitor the progression of conditions or effectiveness of treatments.
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. Schaffer 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 management plan from their optometrist, a patient learned to recognize the early signs of Episcleritis Periodica Fugax, allowing them to effectively manage the condition's brief episodes of discomfort. This proactive approach helped the patient maintain a comfortable quality of life.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an optometrist, a patient experienced significant relief from their eyelid irritation and discomfort, successfully managing their blepharitis.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an optometrist, a patient successfully managed their blepharochalasis, improving their comfort and daily vision.
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
3280 Joe Battle Blvd, El Paso, TX, 79938
Phone: (915) 832-2000
View on Map
- Hahnemann University Hospital (Residency Hospital) - 1992
- Hahnemann University Hospital (Internship Hospital) - 1989
- University of Florida College of Medicine (Medical School) - 1988
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Schaffer:
- 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. Dr. Schaffer often 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 those with risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure may need more frequent exams, as determined by Dr. Schaffer.
- 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.
- What are the benefits of buying glasses from my optometrist's office versus online?
- Buying glasses from Dr. Schaffer's office provides expert fitting by a trained optician, ensuring proper lens alignment and personalized adjustments for maximum comfort. We handle complex prescriptions and offer direct support if any issues arise, guaranteeing quality assurance and peace of mind.
- 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 our doctors to identify early signs of serious systemic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even 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 process involves more than just your eyeglasses prescription, including specific eye measurements, tear film evaluation, and trial lens fittings to ensure proper fit, comfort, and clear vision. A contact lens prescription requires this comprehensive evaluation.
- 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.
3280 Joe Battle Blvd
El Paso TX 79938
Phone: (915) 832-2000
Michael Schaffer, 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): 1962400465
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 Schaffer 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.