Thomas Vielma, OD is a Optometrist practicing at EyeTX Vision Centers in Pleasanton, TX. He is a registered provider with The Texas Optometry Board, adhering to the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Dr. Vielma 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. He serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (903) 617-5177 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Vielma's commitment to patient care stems from his passion for improving the quality of life through eye health. He received his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston in 1998, following his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1994. Dr. Vielma finds fulfillment in educating and assisting patients to achieve their eye care needs, and enjoys a patient-first approach. He is dedicated to improving the health of the community by helping neighbors look and feel their best, one patient at a time. Dr. Thomas Vielma offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Vielma is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Vielma's comprehensive optometric care prioritizes a patient-centered approach, encompassing thorough eye exams, accurate diagnoses, and tailored treatment plans. He actively collaborates with ophthalmologists and primary care physicians to ensure holistic eye health management, providing a complete spectrum of vision care services.
By working together, you and Dr. Vielma can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AWH BaptistHealth HealthTexas Managed Choice
- Choice Plus
- Managed Choice (Open Access)
- Navigate
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Choice
- Options
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Vielma offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- 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.
- Meibomitis: If you have eyelid inflammation causing dry eyes and possibly blurry vision, it might be meibomitis, a condition your optometrist can diagnose and manage.
- Fuchs' Corneal Dystrophy: If you have Fuchs' corneal dystrophy, an inherited disorder making your cornea cloudy and swollen, regular checkups with your optometrist are crucial for managing vision loss.
- Corneal Erosion: If the outer layer of your eye (cornea) is damaged, it's called a corneal erosion, leading to irritation and vision issues. Optometrists provide diagnosis, treatment, and strategies to prevent recurrences.
- Keratitis: Keratitis is an infection or inflammation of your cornea that can impact your vision; your optometrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Diplopia: Seeing double? Diplopia, or double vision, can be addressed through a comprehensive eye exam by your optometrist to identify the underlying issue.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: If your eyelids aren't producing enough oil, you might have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), causing dry eyes and blurry vision; an optometrist can assess your condition and provide effective treatment options.
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. Vielma offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Eyeglass Fitting: Eyeglass fitting ensures your glasses comfortably fit your face and provide the clearest vision possible.
- Blepharoplasty (co-management): Before and after eyelid surgery, your optometrist will provide eye exams to make sure everything is healing properly and your vision is the best it can be.
- Glaucoma Surgery (co-management): For glaucoma surgery, your optometrist collaborates with the surgeon, sharing expertise to give you the most comprehensive and effective care.
- Fluorescein Angiography: Fluorescein angiography helps doctors diagnose and monitor eye conditions affecting blood vessels, such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, by taking pictures of your eye's blood vessels after injecting a special dye.
- Vitrectomy (co-management): Co-managing your vitrectomy involves your optometrist partnering with the surgeon to provide comprehensive eye care, from pre-op exams to post-op checkups.
- Ultrasound, Eye: Eye ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the eye's internal structures, helping doctors diagnose conditions like tumors or retinal detachments.
- Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (co-management/some states): This laser procedure helps open drainage channels in your eye to reduce pressure, often used as a glaucoma treatment option.
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. Vielma 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:
- Following a thorough eye exam and personalized treatment plan, the patient successfully managed their Acanthamoeba keratitis, preserving their vision and preventing further complications. The patient felt empowered by understanding their condition and the effective steps taken to maintain their eye health.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for meibomitis, a patient experienced significant improvement in their eye comfort and vision clarity, allowing them to enjoy daily activities without discomfort.
- By consistently attending regular eye exams, a patient with Fuchs' Corneal Dystrophy successfully managed their condition, maintaining clear vision and 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:
EyeTX Vision Centers
1514 W Oaklawn Rd, Pleasanton, TX, 78064
Phone: (903) 617-5177
View on Map - Hill Country Vision Center
301 10th St Ste 3, Floresville, TX, 78114
Phone: (469) 299-9171
View on Map
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Optometric care with Dr. Vielma:
- 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. Vielma 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. Vielma.
- I'm interested in LASIK. Is that something you do?
- Dr. Vielma works with ophthalmologists to co-manage LASIK. While the surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, Dr. Vielma is involved in the entire process, from the initial evaluation and pre-operative care to the post-operative follow-up to ensure proper healing.
- 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.
- My eyes often feel dry and gritty. Is this something you can treat?
- Yes, we can treat dry eye. Dry eye is 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 evaluation.
- What are the benefits of buying glasses from my optometrist's office versus online?
- Buying glasses from Dr. Vielma's office allows for a personalized fitting by a trained optician, ensuring proper lens alignment and comfort. We can handle complex prescriptions, and you have direct access to Dr. Vielma and our staff for any questions or issues that may arise. Our quality assurance guarantees you'll receive a perfect pair of glasses.
EyeTX Vision Centers
1514 W Oaklawn Rd
Pleasanton TX 78064
Phone: (903) 617-5177
Thomas Vielma, 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): 1588692800
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. Thomas Vielma 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.