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OWNER & CEO, THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRIST, GLAUCOMA SPECIALIST, LOW VISION SPECIALIST
Justin Ward, O.D.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Optometric Association
Texas Optometric Association
East Texas Optometric Association
Leadership Longview Class of 2018
EDUCATION
High school: Fort Bend Baptist Academy, 2000
Undergraduate: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 2004
Graduate: University of Houston College of Optometry, 2008
Low Vision Residency: University of Houston College of Optometry, 2009
GET TO KNOW DR. JUSTIN
Justin grew up in Sugarland, Texas. He attended University of Mary-Hardin Baylor in Belton, Texas, where he graduated with a BS in Business. There he was involved in many campus organizations. Justin then graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2008. While in optometry school he led the weekly meetings for the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, and he was in the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society.
Upon graduation from optometry school, Justin completed a residency in Low Vision Rehabilitation. This specialized training focused on enhancing the functional vision of patients with visual impairment from developmental and progressive eye diseases. He worked at the Baylor Medical Center, The Institute for Rehabilitation Research, and Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas.
He currently provides Low Vision services for multiple Educational Service Centers for the state of Texas, for the areas surrounding Lufkin/Nacogdoches, Longview, Mount Pleasant and Texarkana. Dr. Ward is also involved with Under the Same Sun, which provides eye care and low vision services to children with ocular albinism in Tanzania, Africa.
In his free time he enjoys running, traveling with his family, and playing electric and acoustic guitar. He and Sarah lead a small group and are involved in the worship ministry at their church. He loves having Nerf fights and building forts with his sons, Crosby and Crockett.
OWNER & CEO, THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRIST, GLAUCOMA SPECIALIST, PRIMARY PEDIATRIC EYECARE
Sarah Ward, O.D.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Optometric Association
Texas Optometric Association
East Texas Optometric Association
EDUCATION
High school: MacArthur High School, 2002
Undergraduate: Dallas Baptist University, 2006
Graduate: University of Houston College of Optometry, 2010
GET TO KNOW DR. SARAH
Sarah grew up in Irving, Texas and is the youngest of five children. She graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2006 with a BS in Biology. In college, Sarah was involved in many campus activities including Resident Assistants, leading New Student Orientation, Baptist Student Ministry, and Alpha Chi academic honor society. She then attended the University of Houston College of Optometry, and graduated in 2010. While in optometry school, Sarah received several letters of excellence on her clinical performance.
She and Justin Ward married in 2008, and have two sons: Crosby and Crockett. Together they enjoy traveling and camping. Dr. Sarah loves to travel! She's been to South Africa, Kenya, France, Italy, Austria, Ireland, and different regions of Canada. She and Dr. Justin also love to take trips to Disneyworld.
THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRIST, GLAUCOMA SPECIALIST
Shelby Tomek, O.D.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Optometric Association
Texas Optometric Association
TOA: FOLD Program
EDUCATION
High School: White Oak High School, 2013
Undergraduate: Texas A&M University 2016
Masters: Mississippi College, 2017
Graduate: University of Houston College of Optometry, 2022
GET TO KNOW DR. SHELBY
Shelby grew up in White Oak, Texas. She attended Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas where she graduated with a BS in Biomedical Science and a minor in mathematics. There she was involved in many campus organizations. Shelby then completed a Master of Science of Biomedical Science at Mississippi College before graduating Summa Cum Laude with her Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry. While in optometry school, she received the Optelec low vision excellence award, was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa honor society, and a recipient of the FERV Dave and Judy Perrigan scholarship.
Upon graduation from optometry school, Shelby joined a private practice in the Houston area where she provided patient care for general optometry, specialty contact lens fittings, ocular disease management for conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and dry eye disease, pediatrics, and low vision care. She also has experience in handling post-op care for various surgical procedures such as cataract surgery, LASIK, ptyergium removals, and corneal transplants.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling. She is married to her husband Brandon and they have 2 young children.
Shelby is excited for the opportunity to be back in the East Texas area and provide patient care to the community who helped shape her into the person she is today.
DRY EYE DISEASE, GLAUCOMA, ADVANCED LASER PROCEDURES - Willis Knighton Hospital - Shreveport, Louisiana
Blake Williams, O.D.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Texas Optometry License - Active
Louisiana Optometry License - Active
Willis-Knighton Eye Institute Medical Staff Member
EDUCATION
High School: Lufkin High School, 2006
Undergraduate: Texas Christian University, 2010
Doctorate: UIW Rosenberg College of Optometry, 2014
GET TO KNOW DR. BLAKE
Dr. Williams was born and raised in Lufkin, Texas as a 5th generation East Texan with East Texas roots dating back to the late 1800’s, and is the proud great-great-great grandson of former Texas State Representative Joe Thomas. He graduated in the top 1 percent of his class from Lufkin High School while receiving All-District honors in District 15 5A baseball. After high school Dr. Williams was recruited to play collegiate baseball by Jim Shelton at Southwestern University where he was named to the All-Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference First Team. After the 2008 season, he transferred to Texas Christian University where he majored in Biology and Chemistry.
During his 4 years of Doctoral training, Dr. Williams received extensive training in the areas of Glaucoma, Retina, and Ocular Surface Disease where he completed clinical rotations through the VA Hospital System in Orlando, Florida, Bond-Wroten Eye, and outpatient clinics in San Antonio. After graduating with his doctorate in 2014, he was recruited to come back and practice in East Texas where he has served patients in Longview, Carthage, Marshall and Henderson.
One Dr. Williams favorite quotes is by John Maxwell. “What is a dream? A dream is an inspiring picture of the future, that energizes you to do everything you possibly can to achieve it. You know it's your dream when you start betting on yourself and begin to take ownership”. Blake has always envisioned his dream as pursuing an avenue in life where he can add lasting value, cultivate lifelong relationships, improve the quality of life for East Texans, and leave a lasting footprint that will support and carry the test of time for future generations. This starts with transformational leadership, servanthood, and a sincere level of intentionality. Pursuing a career in Optometry has allowed him to make a difference by positively impacting patient’s lives as there is no greater joy in life than the gift of giving sight.
THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRIST
Jackie Hardin, O.D.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Optometric Association
Texas Optometric Association
EDUCATION
High school: White Oak High School, 2015
Undergraduate: University of North Texas, 2019
Graduate: University of Houston College of Optometry, 2024
GET TO KNOW DR. JACKIE
Jackie grew up in the East Texas area and graduated from high school in White Oak, TX. She attended the University of North Texas and graduated with a BS in Biology and minor in Chemistry. While working on her undergraduate degree she was the president of the Pre-Optometry Club, tutored Organic Chemistry, and worked part time as an Optician selling and adjusting glasses. Jackie then attended school at the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Doctorate of Optometry.
During optometry school, she was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa honor society and was the Vision Screening Coordinator for Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH). Dr. Hardin’s rotations in her final year of optometry school included an inner-city charity clinic caring for the diseased indigent population in Dallas, TX and a primary care practice in San Antonio, TX. Her in-house rotations at UHCO included various specialty clinics, such as vision therapy, neuro-ophthalmology, specialty contact lenses, ambulatory surgery center for pre- and post-operative care, pediatric care, and low vision.
In her free time, she enjoys working out, reading, swimming, and going on walks with her dog, Leoti. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family. She is excited to be back in her hometown caring for the East Texas community!
The Longview Eye Associates family specializes in helping everyone see better and look their best.
Our team of doctors are highly trained in fitting glasses and contact lenses, as well as providing full-scope diagnostic medical eye care. 30 years ago our practice was founded by Dr. Mark Little, who was a well-respected leader in the eye care field for the Longview area.
Drs. Sarah and Justin Ward joined the practice in 2010 and took over ownership in 2014. Under their leadership, Longview Eye Associates has continued to expand and grow while still offering the same excellent care that our patients have come to expect over the past 30 years.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you and your family. Please feel free to call us with any questions or to make an appointment.