Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Eye Care Specialists in Austin & Kyle, TX
Howerton Eye has been a trusted provider of comprehensive ophthalmology services in Texas since 1979. Our board-certified ophthalmologists bring decades of combined expertise in medical and surgical eye care, supported by a state-of-the-art on-site surgery center specializing in procedures like cataract surgery, retinal surgery, and LASIK. We prioritize personalized care, utilizing advanced diagnostic technologies and treatment methodologies to address conditions ranging from diabetic eye disease to glaucoma.Our commitment to ethical medical practices, patient education, and compassionate service has established us as a regional leader in vision care. With three convenient locations in Austin, Southwest Austin, and Kyle, we serve diverse communities while maintaining rigorous standards of excellence through continuous staff training and adherence to the latest clinical advancements.
Services
Cataract Surgery
LASIK
Glaucoma Management
Dry Eye Treatment
Diabetic Eye Exams
Corneal Transplants
Pterygium Surgery
Implantable Contact Lenses
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Optical Shop
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- Board-certified ophthalmologists with decades of combined experience
- State-of-the-art on-site surgery center for advanced procedures
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual vision needs
- Comprehensive care for both routine and complex eye conditions
- Three convenient locations serving Austin and surrounding areas
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Ophthalmology
What people say
Excellent doctor
Professional yet friendly
Sunny days back
Extremely friendly staff
Confident in abilities
Services
Cataract Surgery
Our cataract surgery removes clouded lenses and implants advanced intraocular lenses to restore clear vision. Using premium IOL options like multifocal and toric lenses, we address astigmatism and presbyopia while eliminating cataracts. The outpatient procedure typically takes less than 20 minutes per eye, with most patients reporting immediate visual improvement. Our surgeons utilize femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision and faster recovery times.
LASIK
LASIK reshapes the cornea using precise laser technology to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Patients achieve 20/20 vision or better in most cases, with rapid recovery within 24-48 hours. Our pre-operative evaluations ensure optimal candidacy through corneal mapping and pupil size measurements. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes per eye, with long-term results reducing dependence on glasses or contacts.
Glaucoma Management
We employ comprehensive diagnostic tools including tonometry and optic nerve imaging to detect glaucoma at its earliest stages. Treatment options range from medicated eye drops to advanced laser procedures like selective laser trabeculoplasty. Our team monitors intraocular pressure regularly to prevent optic nerve damage, combining medication management with lifestyle modification counseling for long-term disease control.
Dry Eye Treatment
Our dry eye specialists use advanced diagnostics to identify underlying causes including meibomian gland dysfunction. Treatment plans may include prescription medications like Restasis, punctal plugs, or in-office thermal expression procedures. We also recommend environmental modifications and nutritional supplements to improve tear production. Customized regimens address both evaporative and aqueous-deficient dry eye conditions effectively.
Implantable Contact Lenses
ICL surgery provides a permanent vision correction alternative for patients with high myopia unsuitable for LASIK. These biocompatible lenses are implanted between the iris and natural lens without corneal alteration. The reversible procedure maintains natural corneal structure while achieving excellent visual acuity, particularly beneficial for patients with thin corneas or extreme refractive errors.
People
Kristen M. Hawthorne
M.D.
Dr. Hawthorne specializes in comprehensive ophthalmology with expertise in cataract surgery and corneal disease management. She graduated from the University of Texas Medical School and completed her residency at Emory University. Her patient-centered approach emphasizes clear communication and personalized treatment plans.
Scott D. Kelly
M.D.
Dr. Kelly brings 25 years of experience in medical and surgical eye care, with particular interest in glaucoma management and LASIK procedures. A graduate of Baylor College of Medicine, he remains active in clinical research to advance vision correction techniques while maintaining a strong commitment to community eye health.
Nadja I. Torres
M.D.
Dr. Torres focuses on diabetic eye disease and retinal disorders, combining her expertise in internal medicine with ophthalmology. After completing her dual residency at Johns Hopkins, she has developed specialized protocols for early detection of diabetic retinopathy, emphasizing preventive care and multidisciplinary treatment approaches.
Questions
What eye conditions do you treat?
We diagnose and treat all major eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, corneal diseases, and refractive errors through both medical and surgical interventions.
Do you offer emergency eye care?
While we don't provide 24/7 emergency services, we prioritize urgent cases during business hours and have immediate availability for acute vision-threatening conditions like chemical burns or retinal detachments.
Are your doctors board-certified?
All our ophthalmologists are board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, with additional subspecialty training in areas like corneal surgery, glaucoma management, and refractive procedures.
What financing options are available?
We offer CareCredit financing for vision correction surgeries and work with major insurance providers. Our financial counselors help patients understand coverage details and payment plans during initial consultations.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Schedule online through our patient portal, call any of our three locations during business hours, or request an appointment through our website for routine exams, surgical consultations, or urgent eye care needs.
Reviews (7)
Rhonda Bliss
Jun 22, 2022
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Dr. Hawthorne is the finest. After a very thorough exam she took time to explain what was happening, give options as to what might possibly continue to occur, and how we would be able to address the issue and proceed with the next visit. I'd recommend her to everyone who wants the finest in eye care.
Lupe Williams
Jun 22, 2022
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Alot of patience and courtesy I appreciate them. My only eye Dr's don't have to look nowhere else. Thanks
Jesse Mendoza
Jun 11, 2022
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Dr. Torres is just there to get a paycheck and is not there to help her patients get to the root of they eye condition. She refused to look at medical evidence that I presented her that showed a link between my vision issues and Covid. She said that she was not an cornea expert but was adamant that my vision issues were not caused by Covid. I guess she is an expert enough to make that conclusion. When I asked her assistant Melissa why Dr. Torres would not review my evidence, she said that my insurance does not pay for that.
Brian Smith
Apr 25, 2022
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Just completed my second eye cataract surgery. Dr Kelly is a very skilled surgeon and his staff is very efficient and provide excellent care. The next day follow up visit went well. I highly recommend Dr Kelly and his staff.
Lauren DeMates
Apr 13, 2022
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Dr. Hawthorne and team were amazing! Got me in same day, professional, solved my issue, and are very nice people.
Kristi Awtrey
Mar 12, 2022
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The staff are friendly, nice, knowledgeable and professional. For some reason, the wait between eye dilation and seeing the doctor was longer than it should have been. Other than this wait time, everything was great.
Glory P. Iverson
Mar 03, 2022
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Dr. Hawthorne is a great Dr. Honest, concerned, and professional. Overall, there can be some improvement with the wait time.
