Frequently asked questions

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

The optical is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Dr. Carter’s eye clinic is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Both are closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Around holidays, please call ahead.

For an eye exam or medical eye appointment with Dr. Troy Carter, call (325) 672-9000. For glasses, sunglasses, fittings, adjustments or repairs, call the optical at (325) 670-0500.

The optical, (325) 670-0500, handles frames, lenses, sunglasses, fittings, adjustments and repairs. Dr. Carter’s office, (325) 672-9000, books eye exams and medical appointments.

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.

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

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

Designer and boutique frames led by our featured Silhouette collection, fashion-forward prescription sunwear, Chem-Clip magnetic clip-on sun lenses, and children’s frames.

Silhouette is our featured collection. We also carry Interface, Kate Spade, Ann Taylor, Tura, Stetson, Flexon and Carrera. Selection changes, so call the optical at (325) 670-0500 if you are looking for a specific frame.

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

Yes. We offer fashion-forward prescription sunglasses, plus Chem-Clip magnetic clip-on sun lenses that turn your everyday glasses into sunglasses.

Chem-Clip clip-ons (from Chemistrie) are sun lenses custom cut to the exact shape of your frame. They attach with small magnets, so your everyday glasses become prescription sunglasses in seconds. Ask us whether your frame is a good match.

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.

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

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

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

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

We offer blue-light filtering lens options, designed to filter some blue light. Tell us about your screen time and we’ll talk through options.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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 Dr. Carter’s office at (325) 672-9000 for appointments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.