Business Details
47 Years
experience
Expert Eye Care in Austin, TX
Howerton Eye is a comprehensive medical and surgical eye care practice serving Austin, Southwest Austin, and Kyle, TX. Since 1979, we have provided high-quality vision care through board-certified ophthalmologists and state-of-the-art facilities. Our practice combines leading-edge technology with personalized patient care, offering services ranging from routine eye exams to complex surgical procedures.We maintain an on-site surgery center specializing in cataract surgery, retinal surgery, and oculoplastic procedures. Our team of registered nurses and surgical technicians ensures optimal patient outcomes. With three convenient locations and a commitment to ethical medical care, we serve as a trusted eye care destination for Central Texas residents.
Services
Cataract Surgery
LASIK
Glaucoma Management
Dry Eye Treatment
Diabetic Eye Care
Corneal Transplants
Pterygium Surgery
Implantable Contact Lenses
Comprehensive Exams
Optical Shop
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- Board-certified ophthalmologists with decades of combined experience
- State-of-the-art on-site surgical center for eye procedures
- Comprehensive care from routine exams to complex surgeries
- Personalized treatment plans for individual patient needs
- Advanced technology for accurate diagnoses and effective treatments
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Ophthalmology
What people say
Excellent doctor
Accurate diagnosis
State-of-the-art
Personalized care
Successful surgery
Services
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery removes clouded lenses and replaces them with intraocular implants. Our surgeons use advanced techniques to restore clear vision while addressing astigmatism and presbyopia. Patients benefit from pre-operative consultations to select optimal lens implants based on lifestyle needs. The outpatient procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes per eye with rapid visual recovery.
LASIK
LASIK reshapes the cornea using laser technology to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Our Austin-based surgeons perform comprehensive evaluations to determine candidacy. The procedure offers rapid visual improvement with most patients achieving 20/20 vision within 24 hours. We utilize wavefront-guided technology for customized treatment plans.
Glaucoma Management
We provide comprehensive glaucoma screening and treatment to prevent optic nerve damage. Diagnostic tools measure intraocular pressure and retinal health. Treatment options include medicated drops, laser therapy, and microsurgical procedures. Regular monitoring helps control progression of this asymptomatic condition.
Dry Eye Treatment
Our specialists diagnose and treat chronic dry eye conditions using advanced therapies. Treatment plans may include prescription medications, punctal plugs, and lifestyle modifications. We address underlying causes like meibomian gland dysfunction through targeted interventions to restore ocular surface health.
Diabetic Eye Care
We offer specialized monitoring for diabetic retinopathy through comprehensive dilated exams. Early detection prevents vision loss through timely interventions like anti-VEGF injections or laser photocoagulation. Our team coordinates care with primary physicians to manage diabetes-related ocular complications.
People
Kristen M. Hawthorne
M.D.
Dr. Hawthorne specializes in comprehensive ophthalmology with expertise in cataract surgery and corneal diseases. She graduated from University of Texas Medical School and completed residency at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. With over 15 years of clinical experience, she focuses on personalized vision correction solutions.
Scott D. Kelly
M.D.
Dr. Kelly brings extensive experience in medical and surgical retina care. After graduating from Baylor College of Medicine, he completed vitreoretinal fellowship training. His practice emphasizes diabetic eye disease management and macular degeneration treatment using the latest diagnostic imaging technologies.
Nadja I. Torres
M.D.
Dr. Torres specializes in glaucoma management and pediatric ophthalmology. A graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine, she completed specialty training at Wills Eye Hospital. She implements minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries and comprehensive childhood vision screening programs.
Questions
What eye conditions do you treat?
We diagnose and manage comprehensive eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eye syndrome, and corneal disorders. Our surgeons also perform LASIK and implantable contact lens procedures.
Do you offer emergency eye care?
While we don't provide 24/7 emergency services, we prioritize urgent eye concerns during business hours. Our doctors treat acute conditions like chemical burns, foreign body removal, and sudden vision changes.
What financing options are available?
We offer CareCredit financing for qualified patients seeking elective procedures like LASIK. Major credit cards and insurance plans are accepted for covered medical services.
Are your doctors board-certified?
All our ophthalmologists hold board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology and maintain ongoing continuing education requirements.
Do you accept my insurance?
We participate with most major medical insurance plans. Contact our billing department to verify coverage details for your specific eye care needs.
What technology do you use?
Our facilities feature advanced diagnostic equipment including OCT imaging, corneal topography, and visual field analyzers. Surgical suites utilize femtosecond laser technology for precision procedures.
Reviews (6)
K. Pappan
Oct 31, 2021
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Highly recommend Howerton Eye Clinic. Dr.Kristen Hawthorne MD. and her staff gets five stars. From the initial visit to the final consultation all procedures were explained in detail and all questions answered. Had I more than two eyes, Dr. Hawthorne would be my physician of choice for corrective vision surgery. Her medical staff was exceptionally friendly and went out of their way to make the visits as comfortable as possible.
Janice Powell
Oct 26, 2021
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The receptionist was very professional and really knew how to deal with a very rude person. The dr was thorough on the exam and explained what was going on with my eyes to where I would be able to understand
Cindy Pfeiffer
Oct 04, 2021
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Took my Mother In-law who has dementia for a eye check. Kristen Hawthorne and all her staff were warm and caring. We were able to get her a new prescription for glasses and Im sure will improve her vision.
Cruzzy T.
Sep 18, 2021
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Two months after my visit (first and last), I received a $50.00 bill. I called and I was told by the billing person that I signed the paper. Apparently they did a refraction. Before I left the office, I did ask the front desk if I owed anything else, I was told no, you are good to go. You bet, I will never go there neither recommend anyone. I'm also filing a complaint with BBB regarding this bill because I do not recall them doing anything special to me besides normal ey exam which my insurance covers.
Tiago Garcia
Aug 29, 2021
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The wait on this place is ridiculous. They use the word APPOINTMENT very loosely. I had an appointment, but I was told there were 11 patients in front of me to see the same doctor. They are dishonest and they schedule MULTIPLE patients for the same time slot. They do this because they have no respect for your time. They are banking that once they collect you co-pay, you will stay and just wait. Being that I was born and raised in one of those "wonderful" universal healthcare infernos, I am used to wait a while for an "appointment" with a doctor. However, once I left that craphole, I didnt expect
Jamie F.
Aug 20, 2021
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Front office staff was pleasant.
COVID protocols in place and being followed. Front lobby was clean as was the restroom. Appointment was scheduled for 3:15pm on a Friday afternoon. As of 4:15 still had not been called back.
Was anticipated to be another 30 to 45 minutes before anyone could see me. Appointment scheduled was supposed to last 1.5 to 2 hours per email received and confirmed by front desk.
Meant I would have been in their office until 6:30pm or 7:00pm. I left.
COVID protocols in place and being followed. Front lobby was clean as was the restroom. Appointment was scheduled for 3:15pm on a Friday afternoon. As of 4:15 still had not been called back.
Was anticipated to be another 30 to 45 minutes before anyone could see me. Appointment scheduled was supposed to last 1.5 to 2 hours per email received and confirmed by front desk.
Meant I would have been in their office until 6:30pm or 7:00pm. I left.
