Serving patients with state-of-the-art equipment is a top business goal for Dr. Mohan Poole, an optometrist and the owner of Eyecare for the Family in Marble Falls. Which is why he recently acquired a Cirrus HD-OCT, a high-resolution imaging device for eyes.

The technologically advanced scanning instrument compiles data more than five times the speed of previous methods, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of various macular diseases. The macula is in the central portion of the retina — the back wall of the eye — and is responsible for central vision. The macula makes seeing fine details possible and is needed to read, drive a car and recognize colors, faces and other objects. Macular degeneration affects more than 10 million Americans.

Dr. Poole hopes to reduce the risk of the disease. He described the function of the OCT device as similar to an MRI for the optic macular. It diagnoses glaucoma and macular degeneration without using pupil dilation.

“The beauty of the machine is that it keeps the patient information in a database, and we can track any changes in the eye just by clicking on the patient name,” he says.

Big city services in a small-town atmosphere

Eye pathology processes, such as the above described conditions, pink eye and eye injuries can be treated at Eye Care for the Family. General optometrist services such as Lasik consultation, eyeglasses and contact lens fittings and prescriptions also are offered. Many contact lenses are in stock, and one-day service is provided for glasses.

In addition, nutriceuticals, a dietary supplement or food that can provide protection against chronic diseases, are available for healthy eye care.

“It’s neat that we can address the aging eye process that way,” says Dr. Poole, who opened his optometry practice in 2008 and serves patients from ages infant to 90 years and older.

“I moved to a smaller town so I could develop relationships with patients so they never feel rushed and can be relaxed about eye treatment,” Dr. Poole adds.

Eye Care for the Family is located at 614 Seventh St. in Marble Falls and can be reached at (830) 693-3292 or found online at www.eyecareforthefamily.com.