Meet Our Austin Cataract & LASIK Eye Surgeons & Staff
Texan Eye was founded by highly respected eye surgeons who have a continued commitment to excellence in surgical eye care. Our eye surgeons have been instrumental in the introduction and development of advanced surgical techniques, and have lectured around the world on their research and surgical advancements. As a result, Texan Eye has become the practice of choice for vision correction in Central Texas.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with one of our Central Texas or Austin area eye surgeons, please contact Texan Eye today.
Tom R. Walters, MD
Dr. Tom Walters is the most experienced eye surgeon in central Texas, specializing in cataract, LASIK, and refractive lens implant surgery for vision without glasses from near to far. Austin-area doctors and their patients choose Dr. Walters as their consulting surgeon more often than any other, benefiting from his unmatched expertise of having performed more the 30,000 surgical procedures. When more than 45 thousand Texas doctors and nurses were asked by a Texas Monthly poll, “To whom would you refer a loved one or a patient for medical diagnosis and/or treatment?”, Dr. Walters was chosen by his peers as one of the few ophthalmologists to be selected for the highest distinction of “Texas Super Doctor”.
Dr. Walters is recognized as an international leader in developing new advancements in ophthalmic technology. With a dedication to the highest-quality surgical results, Dr. Walters is the first doctor in central Texas to offer LASIK patients the highest technology available with blade-free Intralase FS60 with the Wavefront® CustomCornea® LADARVision® excimer laser. This all-laser LASIK system provides Dr. Walters’ patients the safest and most technologically advanced corneal refractive surgery in the world.
Trusted more than any other to assist in the development and advancement of ophthalmic science, Dr. Walters has served as principal investigator for over 175 FDA-approved research studies. His dedication to excellence contributes to the continued development of advanced surgical techniques in cataract and lens surgery, new technology in multifocal lens implant design, astigmatism correction, LASIK, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. These advanced innovations are used to better treat eye conditions including cataracts, near and far sightedness, astigmatism, or just problems reading without glasses.
With a reputation for achieving outstanding surgical results, Dr. Walters is often chosen to launch new ophthalmic technologies and to mentor eye doctors regarding the application of new surgical technologies, devices, and pharmaceuticals. Dr. Walters was the first doctor in Texas to implant the FDA-approved ReSTOR® multifocal lens implant, enabling cataract and refractive lens patients to be glasses free for both near and far vision. Dr. Walters continues to play an active role of instructing and mentoring other ophthalmologists in the application of new ophthalmic innovations and holds consulting and advisory positions with global ophthalmic companies.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Tom Walters, please contact Texan Eye today.
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Julia B. Sargent, MD
Dr. Julia B. Sargent is considered one of the top ophthalmologists in the country. Named among "The Best Doctors in America," and selected as one of "America’s Top Ophthalmologists" by the Consumer’s Research Council of America, Dr. Sargent enjoys widespread recognition in her field. She is also regarded as one of Austin’s premier eye surgeons and is included in the "Texas Super Doctors" edition of Texas Monthly.
Dr. Sargent has been in private practice with Texan Eye since 1989. She specializes in the care of the adult eye, specifically cataract surgery, Crystalens® and ReSTOR® vision correction.
Dr. Sargent is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a member of the following organizations: the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the Texas Medical Association, the Travis County Medical Association, the Texas Ophthalmology Association, the Austin Ophthalmological Society, and the Cordes Society.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Julia B. Sargent, please contact Texan Eye today.
Steven J. Dell, MD
Dr. Steven J. Dell has earned a reputation as an internationally recognized leader in the field of refractive and cataract surgery. In fact, Dr. Dell has twice been elected one of the Top Fifty Opinion Leaders in the field of Cataract and Refractive Surgery by the worldwide physician readership of the medical journal "Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today". As Director of Refractive and Corneal Surgery for Texan Eye and Medical Director of Dell Laser Consultants in Austin, Dr. Dell has performed more than 20,000 surgical procedures. More Central Texas and Austin eye doctors have chosen Dr. Dell for their own eye surgery than any other surgeon. In 2008, Dr. Dell was named a Super Doctor by Texas Monthly Magazine for the fourth year in a row. He has also been named one of America's Top Ophthalmologists by the Consumers' Research Council of America, and one of Austin’s Best Doctors by Austin Monthly magazine.
Dr. Steven Dell is an award winning lecturer, textbook author, editor and a noted clinical researcher. In addition to personally training several Austin area eye surgeons, Dr. Dell has elected to share his expertise with other doctors by sponsoring popular externships and lecturing on the topics of refractive surgery and cataract surgery at ophthalmology meetings around the world. He has personally trained over 500 surgeons on his advanced surgical techniques.
Throughout his career, Dr. Steven J. Dell has conducted research on the latest advances in eye surgery, often serving as an investigator for studies sponsored by the FDA. In this role, Dr. Dell has been instrumental in bringing new technology to the United States. He continues to work closely with ophthalmic companies in the development of new products and instruments, and is himself the inventor of several innovative medical devices used by hundreds of LASIK and cataract surgeons.
Dr. Dell maintains his status as one of the premier LASIK and cataract surgeons in the United States by continuing to update his knowledge of surgery. Dr. Dell currently holds positions on the editorial boards of several well-known ophthalmology journals and serves in a leadership role as a member of the Refractive Surgery Clinical Committee of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He is also a member of the American Board of Ophthalmology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Dell features some of the most sophisticated technology in the world at his practice in Austin. His consulting partnerships with leading ophthalmic companies allow him to utilize multiple laser systems to achieve the best results with LASIK and ASA eye surgeries. Patients can count on Dr. Dell to choose the best technology available to fit their individual needs.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Steven J. Dell, please contact Texan Eye today.
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Robert Marquis, MD, PhD
Dr. Robert Marquis is both a glaucoma specialist and a cataract surgeon. Born in Austin, he is a graduate of the University of Texas with a B.S. in Zoology and B.A. in Biochemistry. He received his M.D. and Ph.D from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center after completing his thesis work in Neuroscience at Rockefeller University of New York. His Ophthalmology Residency and Glaucoma Fellowship training were also completed at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Marquis joined Texan Eye in 2004 and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He focuses on sight-saving early detection and treatment of glaucoma, and the restoration of visual function and clarity utilizing premium intraocular lens implants such as ReSTOR® and AcrySOF® Toric during cataract surgery.
Dr. Marquis uses the latest technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT) to diagnose and treat glaucoma and to prevent vision loss. He offers the safest and most effective medical, laser (selective laser trabeculoplasty, or SLT), and surgical therapies available for glaucoma management. Surgical options include canaloplasty, trabeculectomy, and tube-shunt placement as well as experimental devices available through the several FDA clinical trials for which he is an investigator. As glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States and worldwide, Dr. Marquis is a staunch advocate of research and development. Advancing new therapies aimed at preventing vision loss secondary to glaucoma, Dr. Marquis has also served as an investigator in two recent FDA clinical trials that involve two entirely new classes of glaucoma medication. These new surgical and medical research therapies add to the expanding armamentarium of glaucoma treatment that offers new promise and hope for the more than four million Americans with the eye disease.
Dr. Marquis is equally dedicated to utilizing the latest advances in lens technology for cataract surgery. With more than three million Americans undergoing cataract surgery yearly, applying such innovative intraocular lens technologies grants patients the best possible results for clear vision at all ranges spanning distance, intermediate, and near.
Please contact Texan Eye today if you are interested in scheduling a glaucoma or cataract consultation with Dr. Marquis.
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Theresa E. Wagner, MD
A Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Born in New Orleans, LA, she is a graduate of the University of Texas. She received her medical degree and completed her ophthalmology residency from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. She has a Fellowship in Anterior Segment Surgery (Corneal, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery). Before joining Texan Eye in January, 1996, Dr. Wagner practiced in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Wagner currently provides ophthalmic services and LASIK surgery in the Georgetown area.
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Isaac (Ike) A. Loose, MD
A Board Certified Ophthalmologist who sub-specializes in diseases of the retina and vitreous. He received his medical degree and internship training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, TX. Dr. Loose completed his residency at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. In 1994, Dr. Loose completed a 2-year Retina/Vitreous Fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. Dr. Loose joined the staff of Texan Eye in 1998.
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Donald A. Hollsten, MD
A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Dr. Hollsten received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1977. He is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship trained in Eye Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is a full Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and was selected by his peers to appear in The Best Doctors in America publication.
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Douglas E. Lewis, MD
A Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Born in Beaumont, TX, he is a graduate of Texas Christian University. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX. His internship was done in pediatrics at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. Dr. Lewis completed his ophthalmology residency at Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport, LA. Before joining Texan Eye in 1999, Dr. Lewis was in private practice in Fort Worth, TX.
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Kimberly Keeland, MD
A Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Born in Houston, TX, she is a graduate of the University of Texas. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX. Her ophthalmology training was done at the University of Texas Medical School, San Antonio, TX. Dr. Keeland joined Texan Eye as a medical ophthalmologist in July, 2001, and she has practiced in Austin since 1986. Dr. Keeland is fluent in Spanish. In addition to her special interest in treating children, Dr. Keeland welcomes patients of all ages. She has been listed in the Texas Monthly edition "Texas Super Doctors" five years in a row and was also named by her peers to appear in the Best Doctors in America publication for several years.
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Kristin A. Sargent, MD
A Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Born in Houston, TX, she is a graduate of Stanford University. She received her medical degree from Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Her internship was completed at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston and residency at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas. Before joining Texan Eye in 2004, Dr. Sargent was an assistant professor with the Department of Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern for five years.
Dr. Sargent is a comprehensive ophthalmologist with a special interest in cataract surgery. She is conversant in Spanish. She sees adults and children for eye disease, as well as routine care for glasses and contact lenses.
Dr. Sargent is currently a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a member of the following associations: the Texas Medical Association, the Travis County Medical Association, the Texas Ophthalmology Association, and the Austin Ophthalmology Association.
Yen Nieman, MD
Dr. Nieman returned to her home state to join Texan Eye as a Cornea & External Disease specialist. She received a Bachelor degree from Baylor University and a Medical degree from the University of Texas – Houston Medical School. She completed an Ophthalmology residency at Tulane University Medical Center and a fellowship in Cornea, External Disease and Keratorefractive Surgery at the University of Texas – Southwestern in Dallas. Upon completion of her training in 2004, she was recruited to be an Assistant Professor and Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. During this time, she also served as a consulting physician at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Assistant Medical Director for the Arkansas Lions Eye Bank and Laboratory.
Dr. Nieman specializes in disease of the cornea and ocular surface in adults and children: dry eye, keratoconus, corneal infection, dystrophy and malignancy…etc. In addition to cataract and refractive surgery, she performs both the conventional corneal transplant and the new partial thickness corneal transplant (DSAEK), as well as other ocular surface treatments: superficial keratectomy and phototherapeutic keratectomy with the excimer laser. Dr. Nieman is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. She is a member of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, the Paton Society of the Eye Bank Association of America, and the Castroviejo Cornea Society.
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Lara Dudek, MD
A Board Eligible Ophthalmologist. Dr. Dudek is a graduate of the University of Arizona. She received her medical degree from Oregon Health and Science University and completed her internship at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, both in Portland, Oregon. Her residency training was completed at the University of Texas Health Sciences Medical Center at San Antonio in 2008. Dr. Dudek's interests lie in comprehensive ophthalmology and surgery and she welcomes patients of all ages. Dr. Dudek is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the Texas Medical Association, and the Travis County Medical Society.
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Neil R. Gurwitz, OD
A Therapeutic Optometrist. Born in Laredo, TX, Dr. Gurwitz graduated from Texas A&M University and the Southern College of Optometry. He went on to complete his therapeutic training at the University of Houston College of Optometry. Before he joined Texan Eye in 1996, Dr. Gurwitz worked in private practice and with the Texan Eye Center in Bastrop, TX. He retired from the Texan Eye clinic in Bastrop in 2007.
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Robin K. Watson, OD
A Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. Raised in Minnesota, Dr. Watson graduated from the University of Texas Austin, cum laude, and the University of Houston College of Optometry with Beta Sigma Kappa honors. She comanages refractive and cataract surgery, and performs comprehensive eye exams for glasses and specialty contact lenses. Before joining Texan Eye in 1995, Dr. Watson held several positions as a therapeutic optometrist in the Austin area.
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Mark A. Licatino, OD
A Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. Born in Port Arthur, TX, Dr. Licatino attended Lamar University and the University of Houston College of Optometry. He performs comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses. Before joining Texan Eye in 1995, Dr. Licatino held several positions as a therapeutic optometrist in Austin and Dallas.
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Jeffery R. Lane, OD
A Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. Originally from Ardmore, OK, Dr. Lane received his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and is a graduate of Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. At Texan Eye, he co-manages cataract and refractive surgery patients. He also sees patients for routine vision care including examinations for glasses and specialty contact lenses. He has served as an adjunct assistant professor for the University of Houston College of Optometry and is a volunteer with Vision USA. Before joining Texan Eye in 1999, he was a family practice optometrist in Killeen, TX. Dr. Lane is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Central Texas Optometric Society.
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David R. Tauch, OD
An Optometrist. Born in Flatonia, TX, Dr. Tauch is a 1966 graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry. He performs routine eye exams for glasses and contact lenses. Before joining Texan Eye in 2002, he held various positions in Central and South Texas.
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Sylvian H. Ung, OD
A Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Dr. Ung graduated from the University of Central Florida, magna cum laude, and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. She comanages refractive and cataract surgery, and performs comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses. She is the Advertising and Public Relations liaison for Texan Eye, and oversees patient communication through our website. She volunteers locally and abroad, doing eye exams for Prevent Blindness, and eye care mission work with VOSH International. Before joining Texan Eye in 2006, she worked at Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, LA. She is fluent in Vietnamese.
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Pamela S. Solly, OD
A Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. Born in Toledo, OH, Dr. Solly is a 2006 graduate of the Ohio State University College of Optometry. Before joining Texan Eye in 2006, she was a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist. She performs comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Solly is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Texas Optometric Association, and the Central Texas Optometric Society. She volunteers with InfantSEE, a public health program for infant eye and vision wellness, and Prevent Blindness, an non-profit organization dedicated to preserving sight.
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Sara R. Langer, OD
A Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. Born in Durham, NC and raised in Syracuse, NY, Dr. Langer graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens and worked as an Environmental Specialist for the state of Georgia before returning to school. She graduated from the Southern College of Optometry and joined Texan Eye in 2008. Dr. Langer performs comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses. She has volunteered with VOSH International and is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Texas Optometric Association, and the Central Texas Optometric Society.
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Erica S. O'Brien, O.D.
A Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. Born in Austin, Texas, Dr.O'Brien graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, and received her Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry. She has received the "Excellence in Neuro-Ophthalmology" and "Excellence in Medical Eye Service" awards from the University of Houston College of Optometry. She performs comprehensive eye exams for glasses and contact lenses. Dr. O'Brien is a member of the American Optometric Association, Texas Optometric Association, and the Central Texas Optometric Society.
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Please fill out the following form to schedule a consultation with our Austin eye surgeons.
- 1700 South Mopac Expy.
- 5717 Balcones Dr.
- 7000 N. Mopac, #110
- (512) 327–7000
- (800) 252–2020
- 950 West University #108
- (512) 930–3434
- (800) 722–7567
- 85 Loop 150 West
- (512) 303–7300
- (512) 321–2106
- 2801 South Water St.
- (325) 247–2020
- (512) 756–2131
- (800) 252–2020