An eye that's suddenly red, painful, or not seeing right is scary, and the ER usually isn't the fastest or best place for it. As your local optometrist, we have the equipment and same-day availability to diagnose and treat most eye emergencies on the spot, often for a fraction of an ER copay.
When to call us right away
- Red, painful or light-sensitive eye, possible infection, inflammation or abrasion
- Something stuck in your eye, metal, sand, a lash, a contact lens you can't find
- An eye injury, a scratch, a poke, a chemical splash, or a blow to the eye
- Sudden vision change, new floaters or flashes, a curtain or shadow, or blurry vision out of nowhere
- Pink eye, itchy, goopy, contagious conjunctivitis (we'll tell you if it's bacterial, viral or allergic)
Why an optometrist beats the ER for eyes
Most ERs aren't set up for eyes, they don't have a slit lamp or the tools to look closely at the cornea and retina. We do. You'll be seen by a doctor who works on eyes all day, get a precise diagnosis, and leave with the right drops or treatment plan. If you ever need a surgeon, we'll get you to the right one fast.
Already a patient elsewhere? That's fine, we treat urgent eye problems for new patients too. And if it turns into ongoing care, you can keep seeing us for comprehensive exams.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really be seen the same day?
Yes. We hold same-day slots for urgent eye problems. Call (512) 271-6677 and describe what's going on, we'll get you in as soon as possible.
Should I go to the ER or to you?
For most eye problems, red eye, infections, foreign bodies, scratches, sudden changes, an optometrist is faster and better equipped than a general ER, and usually far less expensive. For major trauma or chemical burns, call us or 911 immediately.
Do you remove things stuck in the eye?
Yes. We routinely remove foreign bodies (including metal and rust rings) and embedded contact lenses, then treat the eye so it heals properly.
Is pink eye contagious, and can you treat it?
Some types are very contagious. We'll examine your eye, tell you whether it's bacterial, viral or allergic, and start the right treatment, often the same day.