Texas Retina Associates

The Optical Shop in Athens, TX, is dedicated to delivering expert eye care, focusing on comprehensive eye exams and preventative care to maintain the health of your eyes. Their highly trained team of professionals is committed to ensuring patients receive personalized treatment options tailored to their specific needs. In addition to vision care, the facility also includes The Hearing Center at EyeCare Associates of East Texas, which provides specialized services for hearing loss and offers various hearing aids. Combining experience and a patient-centered approach, they strive to enhance the quality of life for their clients through improved vision and hearing. Generated from the website

Dr. Vanessa Garcia-Balok, originally from Elko, Nevada, developed an early passion for optometry after being diagnosed with amblyopia at age 3. She overcame vision challenges through glasses and patching therapy, which influenced her decision to pursue a career in optometry. Dr. Garcia-Balok earned her B.S. in Biology from Idaho State University and her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University College of Optometry. After practicing in Reno, NV, for six years, she moved to Texas in 2021 and began serving nursing home residents in Houston as a traveling optometrist. She has a special interest in pediatric optometry and enjoys working with patients of all ages. A Spanish speaker, Dr. Garcia-Balok loves connecting with her Spanish-speaking patients. She and her family now reside in Tyler, TX, where they enjoy outdoor activities and football.

EyeCare Associates of East Texas has provided contacts, eyeglasses, LASIK, and cataract surgery to patients in the surrounding communities for more than 20 years. Our team of doctors offers the highest level of care and the latest in eye surgery technology.