Set Your Sight On The Eye Clinic Of Texas

Nearly 30 years ago, Bernard Milstein, M.D. dreamed of providing the highest quality eye care to the citizens of Galveston.  This dream became reality when he launched The Eye Clinic of Texas.  Today, this successful practice features four, top-notch ophthalmologists who rotate throughout the clinic’s three locations in Galveston, Texas City and League City providing a full-range of eye care services.

Bringing Vision into Focus

The Eye Clinic of Texas truly is a one-stop-shop for eye care needs.  From annual check-ups and prescriptions for glasses to cataract removal and glaucoma treatment, the physicians provide quality care across a comprehensive list of services.

One of The Eye Clinic of Texas’ most recognized services is laser vision correction surgery, including laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).  In 1991, the clinic was one of 10 clinics in the country to participate in the clinical trials of the first type of laser vision correction known as PRK.  Furthermore, Milstein and his colleague, Daniel H. Gold, M.D., were two of 15 physicians in the country – and the only ones from Texas – to actually perform the clinical trials.  The results helped to establish the safety and effectiveness of the excimer laser that is used for all laser vision correction procedures.

“Because the Eye Clinic of Texas was the first to introduce laser vision correction into the state, we have a level of creditability that is unsurpassed in the market,” Milstein said.  “We are committed to further perfecting the procedure and staying on top of the latest technology in order to ensure the best results for our patients.”

A History of Service

The Eye Clinic of Texas began in 1972 when Milstein opened an office on Tremont Street in Galveston known simply as The Eye Clinic.  One year later, Allan Fradkin, M.D. joined the team.  In 1974, Milstein and Fradkin opened a second office in Texas City.  This growth prompted the doctors to seek a third partner, Daniel Gold, M.D. 

After years of operating two successful clinics, the doctors decided to open an office in League City in 1991 and expand into a new area – laser vision correction.  During this time, Milstein and Gold were intricately involved in the PRK clinical trials, and over the next three years, treated patients for nearsightedness using the procedure.  Research findings by Milstein and Gold were used in the Federal Drug Administration’s approval of the procedure. 

“Over the next couple of years, The Eye Clinic of Texas was continually selected as one of a few clinics in the nation to test advancements in laser vision correction, thereby setting a standard for excellence and remaining on the cutting edge of technology in the field,” Gold said.

Since 1991, The Eye Clinic of Texas has performed thousands of laser vision correction surgeries and uses the most advanced technology available for its patients.  They also provide general eye care for their patients at three, full-service clinics located throughout Galveston County.

Superior Talent

The Eye Clinic of Texas is powered through the expertise of four, highly-trained ophthalmologists.

Milstein graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston.  An original investigator of the excimer laser used to correct nearsightedness, he has more than a decade of experience using the laser.  He currently serves as the director of the Ophthalmic Laser Center in League City, a part of The Eye Clinic of Texas.  In addition to his clinic duties, Milstein is also a clinical professor of ophthalmology at UTMB and serves on the university’s development board.  He founded the Gulf Coast Branch of Prevent Blindness Texas, and is also active in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the Texas Ophthalmological Association, where he served as past president.

Gold earned his medical degree with honors from University of Michigan and after completing training in a fellowship on retinal vascular diseases, he turned his attention to laser surgery, cataract surgery and ocular complications of systemic diseases.  Currently, Gold has over 10 years experience performing laser vision correction.  In addition to his work duties, he is a clinical professor of ophthalmology at UTMB, a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has authored and edited several ophthalmic textbooks.

Fradkin specializes in cataract surgery and pediatric ophthalmology.  He is a fellow UTMB graduate who graduated with highest honors, and also teaches at the university as a clinical professor of ophthalmology.  Fradkin is very active in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the Texas Ophthalmological Association.

Dawn C. Buckingham, M.D., is the newest addition to The Eye Clinic of Texas team.  A general ophthalmologist with a particular interest in refractive surgery, she joined the staff after completing her ophthalmology residency at UTMB.  A consistent honors scholar all throughout her academic career, Buckingham served in numerous leadership positions, including delegate to the Galveston County Medical Society Executive Committee and was the first resident to represent a county medical society as delegate to the Texas Medical Association.

A tremendous team of assistants and administrative staff, who have worked for the clinic for several years, supports the doctors at The Eye Clinic of Texas. Some of the staff with more than 15 years experience, includes Mary Jane Caddell, Joni Schirmer, Nora Bessire and Myrna Benson. 

“What makes our clinic great is that it truly is a team environment,” Fradkin said.  “It takes doctors, assistants and office staff working together to give the patient the best care possible.  This philosophy has allowed us to stand the test of time and become the successful and thriving business we are today.”

Looking Ahead

In July, The Eye Clinic of Texas will celebrate its 30^th anniversary.  What began as a small doctor’s office has now grown into three, full-service ophthalmology clinics, along with a high-tech laser center that utilizes the most advanced technology in laser vision correction.  Throughout the years, the clinic has maintained a solid reputation for quality, state-of-the-art and comprehensive eye care in the Galveston-Houston area. 

For more information about The Eye Clinic of Texas, call (800) 423-3937.

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