Paul Pholvichitr, OD is a Optometrist practicing at a clinic in El Paso, TX. He is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, dedicated to providing comprehensive Optometric care. Registered with The Texas Optometry Board and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act), Dr. Pholvichitr understands the vital role of eye health in overall well-being. 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. Prospective patients should call (915) 779-7355 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Paul Pholvichitr, OD is an optometrist in El Paso, TX, with a deep commitment to collaborative, evidence-based care. Earning his degree from University Of South Florida in 1988, Dr. Pholvichitr brings extensive experience to his practice. He strives to create a supportive environment for each patient and their families, ensuring they feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Pholvichitr understands the importance of clear communication and is dedicated to providing exceptional care. He offers consultations in Laotian.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Pholvichitr is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Pholvichitr's comprehensive optometric care prioritizes a thorough understanding of each patient's unique needs. He provides detailed eye exams, diagnoses and treats various eye conditions, and collaborates effectively with other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes. This collaborative approach, combined with clear communication and a focus on patient education, results in a personalized treatment plan tailored to each individual's vision health goals.
By working together, you and Dr. Pholvichitr 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
- 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 II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Signature Administrators PPO
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Pholvichitr offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Retinal Detachment and Retinal Tear: A retinal tear or detachment is when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye, separates from the underlying layer, potentially causing vision loss, and an optometrist can help diagnose and refer you for treatment.
- Progressive High Myopia: Progressive high myopia means your nearsightedness is worsening over time, making it harder to see distant objects, and your optometrist can help manage it with stronger glasses or contact lenses and monitor for potential complications.
- Vertical Heterophoria: Do you experience eye strain or headaches? You might have vertical heterophoria, an eye condition where your eyes don't perfectly align vertically. An optometrist can diagnose it through a comprehensive eye exam.
- Ocular Herpes (Herpes of the Eye): If you suspect you have herpes in your eye, an optometrist can perform an exam to confirm the diagnosis and create a treatment plan to manage the infection and prevent vision loss.
- Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious eye infection caused by a microscopic amoeba that can lead to blindness if not treated promptly; your optometrist can diagnose it through an eye exam and recommend treatment.
- Benign Essential Blepharospasm: Optometrists play a key role in diagnosing and managing benign essential blepharospasm (BEB), a neurological disorder causing uncontrollable eyelid twitching, often recommending therapies to improve comfort and function.
- Eyelid Inflammation: Eyelid inflammation can be caused by several factors, including bacteria, allergies, or dry eyes, and your optometrist can assess and manage this condition.
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. Pholvichitr offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Photo Therapeutic Keratectomy (co-management): Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a laser eye surgery that your optometrist may help manage, removing damaged or diseased corneal tissue to improve vision and eye health.
- Eye Injection (co-management in some states): If you need an eye injection, your optometrist may work with other eye doctors to ensure you get the best care possible.
- Diabetes Eye Care: Diabetic eye care includes monitoring for changes in your eyes related to diabetes, ensuring that any issues are caught and addressed promptly.
- Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Treatment: RGP contact lenses are fitted by optometrists as a treatment option to correct refractive errors and, in some cases, manage certain corneal conditions, offering a long-term solution for clear vision.
- 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.
- Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): A VEP test measures your brain's response to visual stimuli, helping doctors detect problems with your vision pathways.
- Humphrey Visual Field Test for Glaucoma: This test maps out your entire field of vision, identifying any blind spots that could indicate glaucoma or other eye 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. Pholvichitr 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 from the optometrist, a patient successfully managed their retinal detachment and tear, preserving their vision and overall eye health. They felt empowered by understanding their condition and the steps they could take to maintain their well-being.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis of progressive high myopia, a patient worked with an optometrist to develop a management plan, ensuring they could continue to see clearly and confidently. By carefully monitoring their vision and receiving regular eye exams, they maintained good vision and avoided potential complications.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for vertical heterophoria, a patient experienced significantly reduced eye strain and headaches, significantly improving their overall quality of life.
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
1509 N Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX, 79936
Phone: (915) 779-7355
View on Map
- University of Houston, College of Optometry (Other Education) - 1993
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (Undergraduate School) - 1988
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Pholvichitr:
- 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 conditions. They often work together, with Dr. Pholvichitr 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. However, children, seniors, and those with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease may need more frequent exams, as recommended by Dr. Pholvichitr.
- 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.
- What are the benefits of buying glasses from my optometrist's office versus online?
- Buying glasses from Dr. Pholvichitr's office ensures expert fitting by our trained opticians, guaranteeing proper lens alignment and personalized adjustments for maximum comfort. We handle complex prescriptions with ease and provide direct support if any issues arise after purchase. This personalized service and quality assurance are key benefits over online purchases.
- 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.
- 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. Early detection of issues like lazy eye or misaligned eyes is essential, as these are best treated early.
- I'm interested in LASIK. Is that something you do?
- Dr. Pholvichitr plays a crucial role in LASIK co-management. While the surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, Dr. Pholvichitr performs the initial evaluation, provides pre-operative care, and manages 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 early signs of serious systemic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain types of cancer, as the eye is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery.
1509 N Zaragoza Rd
El Paso TX 79936
Phone: (915) 779-7355
Paul Pholvichitr, 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): 1700835782
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. Paul Pholvichitr 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.