1043 N. Judge Ely Blvd., Abilene, TX 79601 Open Mon–Thu, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Facebook (opens in a new tab)
Texas Midwest Optical home

Frequently asked questions

35 answers about our hours, frames, lenses, repairs, insurance and eye health. Can’t find yours? Call (325) 672-9000.

Visiting the optical

Where is Texas Midwest Optical located?

We are at 1043 N. Judge Ely Blvd., Abilene, Texas 79601, in the Texas Midwest Eye Center building. Look for the big "OPTICAL" sign.

What are your hours?

Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. We are closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Around holidays, please call ahead.

How do I make an appointment?

Call (325) 672-9000 and let us know what you need: new glasses, a fitting, an adjustment, a repair or a medical eye exam with Dr. Troy Carter at Texas Midwest Eye Center.

Do I need an appointment just to look at frames?

You are welcome to come by during open hours to browse the showroom. If you want dedicated time with an optician for a fitting, a quick call first helps us plan for you.

What should I bring when I come in for glasses?

Bring your current glasses prescription (or have it sent to us), your current glasses if you have them, and your insurance or benefits information. If you are getting prescription sunglasses or computer glasses, tell us how and where you will wear them.

Is the optical open on weekends?

No. Our published hours are Monday through Thursday. For news and seasonal specials, follow us on Facebook.

Frames & sunwear

What kinds of frames do you carry?

Designer and boutique frames displayed in our showroom, fashion-forward prescription sunwear, magnetic and clip-on shade styles, and a full line of children’s frames.

Which eyewear brands do you carry?

Brands featured at Texas Midwest Optical include Silhouette, Titanflex, Line Art by Charmant, OVVO Optics, Tura, Di Valdi, Scott Harris, Greg Norman Eyewear, Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Bradley and Jessica McClintock, plus EnChroma color-blind glasses. Selection changes, so call if you are looking for a specific frame.

Do you carry children’s glasses?

Yes. We carry a full line of children’s frames and provide fittings and lens guidance for kids as well as adults.

Can I get prescription sunglasses?

Yes. We offer fashion-forward prescription sun shades, plus magnetic and clip-on shades that pair with many frames.

Do you sell EnChroma glasses for color blindness?

Yes. EnChroma makes eyewear designed for red-green color vision deficiency. Ask our team about EnChroma options for adults and kids.

Can someone help me choose a frame that suits me?

Absolutely. Personal attention is the heart of what we do. We help with fit, comfort, your prescription and your style, so the frame works for your face and your day.

Lenses & coatings

Where are your lenses made?

Our lenses are made by HOYA Vision at an off-site lab. Fittings, measurements and final adjustments happen here at the optical.

What lens materials can I choose from?

Standard plastic, polycarbonate (great for sports and recreation), HOYA Phoenix and high-index. We’ll help you pick the right one for your prescription and lifestyle.

What is a high-index lens?

High-index lenses bend light more efficiently, so they can be thinner and lighter. They are often recommended for stronger prescriptions.

Do you offer anti-glare or anti-reflective coatings?

Yes. Anti-reflection coating reduces glare from headlights, screens and overhead lights and makes your lenses look clearer to others.

Do you have lenses for computer and phone use?

We offer BluTech lenses, which are designed to filter some blue light. Tell us about your screen time and we’ll talk through options.

Do you offer lenses that darken in the sun?

Yes. Transitional (light-adaptive) lenses darken outdoors and clear indoors, so one pair can do double duty.

How long does it take to get new glasses?

Because lenses are made at an off-site lab, timing depends on your prescription, lens material and coatings. We’ll give you an estimate when you order.

Fittings, adjustments & repairs

Can you adjust my glasses if they slip or pinch?

Yes. Frame fittings and adjustments are part of our full-service optical. Stop by and we’ll check how your glasses sit.

Do you repair glasses?

Yes, we handle frame repairs. Whether a repair is possible depends on the frame and the damage, so bring them in and we’ll take a look.

Should I try to bend my frame back myself?

It’s best not to. Bending near hinges or lens edges can crack frames or pop lenses. Bring them to us instead.

Can I put new lenses in a frame I already own?

Often, yes, if the frame is in good condition and suits your prescription. We’ll inspect it and let you know.

Insurance, payment & pricing

What insurance do you accept?

We accept Children’s Medicaid and MQMB. Please call (325) 672-9000 to confirm your plan and benefits before your visit.

What payment methods do you accept?

Most major credit cards and Flex Health Plan (FSA/HSA) cards.

Do you offer a price match guarantee?

Yes. We will match or beat any competitor’s price on eyewear. Some restrictions apply; ask our team for details.

How much do glasses cost?

It depends on the frame, your prescription, the lens material and any coatings. We’ll walk you through options and give you a clear quote before you order.

Eye health questions

Is there an eye doctor in the same building?

Yes. Texas Midwest Optical is in the Texas Midwest Eye Center building, home to ophthalmologist Dr. Troy L. Carter, who owns the optical. That makes it a one-stop facility for eye care and eyewear. Call (325) 672-9000 for medical eye appointments.

Why is my vision getting blurrier as I get older?

Prescription changes are common, but blur can also come from cataracts (clouding of the eye’s natural lens), age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma. Glaucoma is often painless and slowly steals side vision, which is why regular exams matter. If glasses no longer seem to help, see an eye doctor.

What are floaters, and when should I worry?

Floaters are small specks or strands that drift through your vision. They become more common with age and are often harmless. A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light or a dark curtain over your vision can signal a retinal problem: get seen by an eye doctor right away.

I see dark spots or a missing area in my vision. What should I do?

Dark spots, clouding or blurring that doesn’t go away can be linked to conditions of the macula, such as macular degeneration, a macular hole or a macular pucker. Have it evaluated by an eye doctor promptly.

Why do people with diabetes need regular eye exams?

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopathy), often in both eyes and often before you notice symptoms. Vision loss from it can be permanent, so regular dilated exams are important.

Can you help with very dry eyes?

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough quality tears. Causes include hormonal changes, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, climate and some medications. Dr. Carter’s team at Texas Midwest Eye Center can assess the cause and discuss relief options.

When should adults get a baseline eye exam?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline eye exam at age 40 for adults with no signs or risk factors of eye disease, and sooner if you have symptoms or risk factors.

What should I do about sudden vision loss or eye pain?

Treat it as an emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Don’t wait for the optical to open, and don’t use Facebook messages for urgent problems.

Ready for a clearer view?

Bring your prescription, browse the showroom and let us fit you properly.