Stephen Purdy, OD is a trusted optometrist at Southwestern Eye Institute - Common Drive in El Paso, TX, dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care. As a primary healthcare provider for eye and vision, Dr. Purdy performs comprehensive eye exams, diagnoses and treats eye diseases, and prescribes corrective lenses. He collaborates with ophthalmologists and primary care physicians to ensure optimal patient eye health, and he serves all ages. Dr. Purdy is registered with The Texas Optometry Board and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (915) 221-6242 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Purdy's journey to optometry began in Los Angeles, California, though he spent much of his life in Missouri. His passion for eye care developed after a formative experience with his own eye care provider. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri - Columbia and furthered his education with a doctorate from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, graduating with honors. Dr. Purdy's experience extends beyond the classroom, encompassing research in binocular vision, volunteer work, and leadership roles in various organizations. He joined the Southwest Eye Institute in 2011 and is committed to providing exceptional care, leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience to improve patient well-being. His focus is on delivering clear, comprehensive eye exams and personalized care, ensuring patients receive the best possible vision outcomes.
Dr. Purdy's practice is centered around patient-centered care, offering an inclusive and supportive environment for all ages. He is committed to providing expert care, utilizing advanced technology, and maintaining a compassionate approach to each patient interaction. He is fluent in English, and welcomes new patients. Call (915) 221-6242 to schedule an appointment today.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Purdy is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Purdy's comprehensive optometric care emphasizes a patient-centered approach, focusing on thorough eye exams, accurate diagnoses, and personalized treatment plans. He collaborates effectively with other healthcare professionals to ensure complete patient care, addressing both routine vision needs and potential eye health concerns. This collaborative and proactive approach ensures optimal vision and overall eye health for each patient.
By working together, you and Dr. Purdy can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Humana
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- Superior Health Plan
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Purdy offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Experiencing eye irritation from pollen, pet dander, or other allergens? Allergic conjunctivitis is a likely cause, and your optometrist can provide effective relief and management strategies.
- Astigmatism: Blurry vision at all distances could be a sign of astigmatism, a refractive error that an optometrist can diagnose and treat with eyeglasses or contact lenses to sharpen your vision.
- Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that your optometrist can diagnose and help manage with treatments like warm compresses and medicated eye drops.
- Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Blurry vision or a blind spot could be signs of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), an eye condition where fluid leaks under the retina; your optometrist can diagnose it and manage your care.
- Heterophoria: Do you sometimes experience eye strain or headaches? You might have heterophoria, a subtle eye misalignment easily diagnosed and managed by an optometrist through corrective lenses or vision therapy.
- Neuromyelitis Optica: Because NMO affects the optic nerves, causing vision loss, an optometrist's regular eye exams are vital for early detection and referral to neurologists for proper management of this rare, serious condition.
- Third Nerve Palsy: Third nerve palsy is a condition where the nerve controlling eye muscles is damaged, causing the eye to droop or turn, and your optometrist can help diagnose the cause and manage your symptoms.
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. Purdy offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Contact Lens Exams: Contact lens exams ensure your contact lenses fit comfortably and correctly, preventing eye irritation and vision problems.
- Diabetic Eye Exam: During a diabetic eye exam, your optometrist examines your eyes for signs of diabetic retinopathy and other conditions.
- Eye Procedure: Eye procedures can range from simple exams to complex surgeries, all aimed at improving your eye health and vision.
- Eye Test: Eye tests help diagnose and monitor conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, ensuring early detection and treatment.
- Eyeglasses: If you have trouble seeing clearly, eyeglasses can help by focusing light correctly onto your retina, sharpening your vision.
- Glaucoma Treatment: Glaucoma treatment aims to lower eye pressure and protect your vision from further damage caused by this condition.
- Oculoplastics (co-management): Co-managing oculoplastics means your optometrist and an ophthalmologist work together to provide comprehensive care for eyelid and tear duct conditions, from diagnosis to recovery.
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. Purdy 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 personalized treatment plan from the optometrist, a patient experienced significant relief from the persistent eye irritation caused by seasonal allergies. The patient now effectively manages their allergic conjunctivitis and enjoys clearer vision and a more comfortable daily life.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis of astigmatism, a patient was able to choose eyeglasses that significantly improved their vision and daily activities. They felt empowered by understanding their condition and how to effectively manage it.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, the patient successfully managed their blepharitis, experiencing significant relief from the persistent eye irritation and improved overall comfort.
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:
Southwestern Eye Institute - Common Drive
1400 Common Dr, El Paso, TX, 79936
Phone: (915) 221-6242
View on Map - Southwest Eye Institute - Dyer St
9235 Dyer St, El Paso, TX, 79924
Phone: (915) 295-8249
View on Map
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Purdy:
- 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 conditions. An ophthalmologist (MD/DO) is a medical and surgical physician who performs eye surgery and treats more complex eye diseases. Dr. Purdy often works with ophthalmologists, providing pre- and post-operative care.
- How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam?
- For healthy adults with no symptoms or risk factors, 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. Purdy.
- 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.
- 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 early signs of systemic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain cancers to be identified.
- 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.
- 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.
- I'm interested in LASIK. Is that something you do?
- Dr. Purdy is happy to discuss LASIK as part of a co-management approach. While the surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, Dr. Purdy plays a critical role in the process, including initial evaluations, pre-operative care, and all post-operative follow-up visits.
- 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 specific eye measurements, tear film evaluation, and trial lens fitting to ensure comfort and clear vision. A contact lens prescription requires this comprehensive process.
Southwestern Eye Institute - Common Drive
1400 Common Dr
El Paso TX 79936
Phone: (915) 221-6242
Stephen Purdy, 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): 1588951669
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. Stephen Purdy 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.