Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Eye Care Specialists in Tyler, TX
Eye Care Associates has been delivering the highest level of eyecare to East Texas for over 25 years. Our practice is built on a foundation of personalized treatment plans, ensuring each patient receives individualized attention and comprehensive explanations to foster a positive experience. Our team of highly trained specialists, including ophthalmologists and optometrists, is committed to being your doctor throughout your entire journey. Affiliated with EyeCare Partners, we leverage a network of leading specialists to provide cutting-edge, patient-centered care. With locations in Athens, Lindale, Tyler, and Winnsboro, we serve a broad community, offering advanced treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, LASIK, and more.Our optical services include a full range of eyewear, while our commitment to affordability ensures accessibility through various insurance and payment options. We prioritize patient education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their vision health. Our collaborative approach with referring optometrists ensures seamless care, and our state-of-the-art technology supports accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. For over a quarter-century, we have remained dedicated to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate service, making us a trusted partner in eye health for families across East Texas.
Services
Cataract Surgery
LASIK
Glaucoma Treatment
Corneal Care
Retinal Services
Optical Shop
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in comprehensive eye care.
- Our team includes board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists.
- We utilize state-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnoses and treatments.
- Personalized care plans tailored to individual vision needs.
- Affiliated with EyeCare Partners for expanded specialist collaboration.
What people say
Perfect lens prescription
Thrilled with vision results
Exceptional explanations of care
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Super nice and helpful team
Services
Cataract Surgery
Advanced cataract surgery removes clouded lenses and replaces them with artificial intraocular lenses (IOLs) to restore clear vision. Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques with rapid recovery times. Patients benefit from premium IOL options that correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness, reducing dependence on glasses. The procedure typically takes under 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
LASIK
LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea using laser technology to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision within 24 hours. Our specialists use custom mapping technology for personalized treatment plans. The procedure takes 15 minutes per eye with immediate results, offering long-term freedom from glasses or contacts for eligible candidates.
Glaucoma Treatment
We offer comprehensive glaucoma management including medicated eye drops, laser therapies (SLT, LPI), and surgical interventions like trabeculectomy. Treatments focus on reducing intraocular pressure to prevent optic nerve damage. Regular monitoring ensures early detection and tailored plans to preserve vision for patients in Tyler, TX.
Corneal Transplants
Our specialists perform DMEK transplants to replace damaged corneal layers with donor tissue. This advanced technique offers faster healing and better visual outcomes compared to traditional keratoplasty. We treat conditions like Fuchs' dystrophy and keratoconus with personalized surgical approaches.
Retinal Services
We diagnose and treat retinal conditions including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachments. Services range from anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD to vitrectomy surgery for severe complications. Our specialists use OCT imaging for precise diagnosis and monitor patients with chronic conditions like diabetes.
People
Samareh Azar
M.D.
Dr. Azar specializes in comprehensive ophthalmology with a focus on cataract surgery and anterior segment disorders. She provides personalized care emphasizing patient education and tailored treatment plans.
C. Jeffrey Pennell
M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Pennell is a board-certified ophthalmologist with fellowship training in corneal and refractive surgery. He performs advanced LASIK procedures and complex cataract surgeries with premium lens implants.
Vanessa Garcia-Balok
O.D.
Dr. Garcia-Balok provides comprehensive eye exams and manages ocular diseases. Patients praise her thoroughness in determining accurate prescriptions and explaining eye health findings.
Jeremy Cefalu
M.D.
Dr. Cefalu specializes in glaucoma management and surgical interventions. He combines medical treatments with laser procedures to preserve vision for patients with elevated eye pressure.
Austin Lash
M.D.
Dr. Lash focuses on corneal diseases and refractive surgery. He treats conditions like keratoconus and performs corneal transplants using the latest DMEK techniques for faster recovery.
Questions
What eye care services does EyeCare Associates offer?
We provide cataract surgery, LASIK, glaucoma management, corneal treatments, retinal care, optical services, and comprehensive eye exams.
Do you accept vision insurance?
Yes, we accept most vision insurance plans, including FSA and HSA accounts for eye care expenses.
Are your doctors board-certified?
All our ophthalmologists and optometrists are board-certified with extensive experience in their specialties.
Can I schedule an appointment online?
Yes, use our online portal to request appointments at any of our East Texas locations.
What makes EyeCare Associates unique?
Our combination of personalized care, advanced technology, and affiliation with EyeCare Partners ensures comprehensive, expert treatment.
Do you offer emergency eye care?
Contact us immediately for urgent issues like sudden vision loss or eye trauma; we prioritize urgent cases.
Reviews (7)
Debra
Apr 20, 2022
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Pack a lunch. You might want to also pack a dinner. There's a nice sign to "explain" why you most likely will not be seen at your appointment time. One hour and 50 minute wait to see the doctor for 10 minutes on first visit. Still sitting here on second visit and overheard a gent say his appointment was an hour prior. They called him in 30 mins after that just to get his eyes dilated. Would they allow us to be 2 hours late for our appointment and still let us keep our appointment?
Three hours and thirty minute wait. Ten minutes with doctor. A working stiff loses a lot of work time with appointments here On a positive note, the ladies at check in and check out are very pleasant and efficient.
Three hours and thirty minute wait. Ten minutes with doctor. A working stiff loses a lot of work time with appointments here On a positive note, the ladies at check in and check out are very pleasant and efficient.
Jack Coleman
Nov 14, 2021
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Excellent personal service. Friendly, courteous staff. These folks truly care about their patients care and comfort. It's a healing place where all are welcome and treated with respect.
Danny Johnson
Jun 10, 2021
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One year ago this month Dr Kiplinger removed a cataract on my left eye. The whole staff from front desk to tech's in the back, to the Dr all were fantastic. I was nervous but all of them including the Dr made me feel so relaxed. Today, March 8th 2021 i was set up for my cataract surgery in my right eye If i could give them a 10 rating I would. Thanks to all of you and may God Bless all of you. See you on 30th of March. I highly recommend EyeCare Associates of East Texas.
A. Remedy
Apr 20, 2021
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From check-in for consult to recovery, Dr. Curtis J. Pennell & his staff were excellent. Go in knowing you may have a bit of a wait at times; don't let that dissuade you. I was never made to feel rushed during any of the examinations or care which I appreciate. I'm glad to wait if they're taking time with the patient ahead of me. If have a choice of getting it fast or getting it right, I'll take "right" every time.
Monica Pepel
Jun 19, 2020
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The office is friendly and I like the physicians. I think the shop is a little more pricey than other shops. My main complaint is I get a paper that specifically says they will handle insurance filing. They called me to make my appointment and for convenience I ask if I can also schedule my son. It wasn't until we were through with the appointment that I find out I have to pay for my son's visit out of pocket.
I'm not the kind of person who stiffs payment. After a conversation with the office manager we decided I would pay the amount and then we would have a conversation about how much I would get reimbursed for the inconvenience. THEY KNEW I would have to pay out of pocket and did not notify me prior to our appointment. I have yet to meet with the manager even though I called twice. I translate this as a lie with our agreement and a ploy for me to forget that they missed on their responsibility. I would only give 1 star but the office in general isn't bad, but the trust is definitely broken and I won't be returning. *** Update, I was returned $15
I'm not the kind of person who stiffs payment. After a conversation with the office manager we decided I would pay the amount and then we would have a conversation about how much I would get reimbursed for the inconvenience. THEY KNEW I would have to pay out of pocket and did not notify me prior to our appointment. I have yet to meet with the manager even though I called twice. I translate this as a lie with our agreement and a ploy for me to forget that they missed on their responsibility. I would only give 1 star but the office in general isn't bad, but the trust is definitely broken and I won't be returning. *** Update, I was returned $15
Aubrey Lash
Jan 15, 2020
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I recently saw Dr. Allison who completed my eye exam to update my contact prescription and check for some dryness/irritation I've been having. She was very thorough in checking and diagnosing the issue, she gave me some information on how to alleviate the symptoms and had me in and out swiftly. Wonderful doctor! If you're in need of an updated contact prescription, she will do an excellent job!
Pam
May 01, 2019
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The woman who helped us with insurance issues was fabulous. She went above and beyond and was so helpful and friendly. Really liked Dr. Pennell and his nurses. The only negative thing is that the front desk mainly one person was not friendly and and appears to be the scheduler for Dr. Pennell. Also the wait time to see the doctor was generally an hour and a half to two hours which seems a little long to me.
