For almost 30 years, Dr. Stephen H. Means has been providing the best in eye care to the citizens of Huntsville and surrounding areas. Dr. Means and associate Dr. Lindsey Mills continue to stay informed on current developments of diseases and other anomalies of the eye, and using the most up-to-date diagnostic procedures, will provide early detection, diagnosis, and a treatment plan for any problems that are found.

Dr. Stephen Means received his Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Houston in 1991 and is grateful to have been able to establish his private practice in this family-oriented community. Dr. Lindsey Mills, a therapeutically licensed optometrist, joined the staff in 2017 after graduating from the Michigan College of Optometry in 2012. She, too, is thrilled to be in Huntsville and is enjoying the small-town community life and the many friendships she has made. Dr. Means, Dr. Mills, and their almost 20-member staff are ready to make your visit comfortable and productive as they provide the best in care for your vision.

“The eye is a powerful diagnostic aid for systemic disease,” according to Dr. Means, who adds, “A comprehensive eye examination allows us to look into your body and see living vascular, nervous, and connective tissue without making a cut. We have been the first to detect the presence of malignant brain tumors, renal failure, melanoma, leukemia, and lymphoma. And very commonly, we are the first to detect the presence of diabetes and hypertension.” Means states a full scope of systemic illnesses manifests themselves in the eye, including lupus and other auto-immune diseases. Any condition that affects vascular, neural, or connective tissue can affect the eye; therefore, periodic eye examinations are recommended.

According to Dr. Means, an eye exam is recommended before a child starts school and then, if healthy and no vision problems are present, an exam every other year is advised. As a person ages, physical conditions may require more attention to eye care and, for those patients with known eye diseases, more frequent visits become necessary. Patients who wear contact lenses should get a yearly exam. Other conditions may arise which necessitate an exam, and these include:

• Change in vision or double vision
• New sensitivity to light, sudden flashing lights, or floaters
• Eye irritation, stinging, burning or itchiness
• Visual distortions
• Discharge, redness, or pink eyes
• Inflammation or injury to the eye or surrounding tissue
• Any other concerns relating to the eyes or vision
  
  As a therapeutic optometrist, Dr. Means is licensed to use therapeutic and diagnostic pharmaceuticals, and as an optometric glaucoma specialist, the highest level of licensure in Texas, he can diagnose and manage most eye diseases pharmacologically, including glaucoma. “If surgery is needed, we have established good relationships with several ophthalmic offices, and these surgeons can perform whatever procedures are necessary. We co-manage those cases, including Lasik and cataract surgery, providing post-surgery care.” In fact, he shares that they do a steady amount of co-management of cataract surgeries every day. His office staff will help schedule these appointments and provide other patient support as needed.
  
  Another eye disease of concern is macular degeneration, which can cause loss of vision. With dry macular degeneration, the center of the retina deteriorates, while with wet macular degeneration, leaky blood vessels grow under the retina. A key symptom of this condition is blurred vision. HVC offers a state-of-the-art diagnostic analysis to detect this condition. A diagnostic device, AdaptDx, can detect macular degeneration up to three years earlier than any other technology. As with all other adverse findings, the diagnosis will be made, a treatment plan or the need for surgery discussed, and if needed, the proper referral to another specialist made. All treatments or surgical procedures will be followed up and co-managed by a plan to ensure the highest degree of eye health and vision possible.
  
  In addition to the professional attention to eye health and vision care Huntsville Vision Center offers, a highly trained optical staff and a wide selection of frames and lenses are available to complete the transition to better vision. Upon completion of an eye examination, a prescription for new lenses is available. The optical staff is ready to help you find the best frame and lenses to suit your style and comfort. Selections include:
•  single vision lenses
•  bifocal lenses
•  progressive lenses (no-line bifocals)
•  transitions (tinting when going into the direct sunlight)
•  polycarbonate (more impact resistant lenses)
•  high index (thinner and lighter weight lens material)
•  safety glasses and frames
•  specialty tints and lenses for various hobbies
  
  Specialty contact lenses are available for patients with problems associated with the cornea, including keratoconus, post-surgical corneal ectasia, and post-corneal transplant. These conditions and the possibility of appropriate lenses can be discussed with Dr. Means and Dr. Mills to see if this option would be beneficial.
  
  Your vision is important. A call to Dr. Stephen H. Means & Associates will ensure you receive the highest quality care for the health of your eyes, and possible early detection of other health risks and concerns. Dr. Means, Dr. Mills, and friendly staff members will do their absolute best to make you feel welcomed and cared for during a visit to their office. From the exam to the fitting of stylish frames or contact lenses–start to finish–your health and well-being are their focus. Medicare, Medicaid, and most local insurances are accepted. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, and an answering service is available for after-hours emergencies. Office info: 109 Medical Park Lane, Huntsville, TX 77340; 936-291-8282; www.huntsvillevisioncenter.com.
  
  Dr. Means expresses his thankfulness to his patients from Huntsville and the surrounding areas for their gracious acceptance of him. He and his family have enjoyed being involved with this community and are very thankful for all it has offered. His children have been involved with the Huntsville Youth Orchestra, and three of the four graduated from Sam Houston State University. He also expresses his thanks to Postcards Magazine and the Altoms. In fact, upon opening his practice here, his very first contact for advertising was from Karen Altom. He was also her first client with her advertising agency, and one of the very first to advertise in Postcards. Huntsville has been good for Dr. Means, and Dr. Means has been good for Huntsville—a classic win/win situation! Call today to make your appointment with Dr. Stephen H. Means & Associates!