Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute
UT Health Austin’s Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of eye conditions, from cataracts and diabetic retinopathy screenings to some of the most specialized ophthalmic care, in patients (13 years and older). We use the latest diagnostic imaging and treatment modalities to fully care for your eyes.
Many answers to the questions you have about the Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute can be found below.
Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute
At UT Health Austin, we focus on you, the whole patient, making sure you have the support you need throughout your care. We take a multidisciplinary approach to your care, meaning you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines. This multidisciplinary, coordinated care model makes it easier for you to get the care you need without having to make multiple trips to various locations. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized care to improve your vision and overall quality of life.
Our experienced healthcare professionals deliver personalized, whole-person care and treat each patient as an individual with unique circumstances, values, and beliefs. Working with you, the Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute care team creates an individualized care plan to help you reach the goals that matter most to you. Treatment plans commonly include advanced diagnostic testing, customized surgical options, post-operative care, and rehabilitation strategies designed to enhance your vision and eye health.
The Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute is dedicated to patient-centered care, ensuring each patient receives the highest level of care possible. Research shows that patients often wait months or even years to receive a diagnosis after reporting symptoms to a medical provider. To address this, we conducted a focus group to better understand the barriers patients face when navigating the healthcare system. The most common frustrations included a lack of care coordination and confusion surrounding the healthcare system.
Our multidisciplinary care model streamlines evaluation and treatment by bringing specialists together in one location. This approach reduces the number of visits patients would otherwise need across multiple facilities, improving both the efficiency of evaluation and the coordination of care.
We also collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to provide patients with an unparalleled quality of care.
The Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute care team includes fellowship-trained ophthalmologists, ophthalmic technicians, and more who work together to help patients get back to the things in their life that matter most to them.
UT Health Austin’s Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of eye conditions, from cataracts and diabetic retinopathy screenings to some of the most specialized ophthalmic care.
A list of conditions treated at the Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute can be found here.
UT Health Austin’s Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to ensure patients receive the highest level of specialized care.
A list of services provided at the Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute can be found here.
You do not need a referral for a cataract evaluation or general eye exam. However, some conditions or insurance plans may require one.
If you need assistance obtaining a referral, please call the Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute at 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737). We are happy to help.
Your first appointment will include a comprehensive eye exam, including dilation. Your physician will discuss any diagnosed conditions and recommend the best treatment options for you.
Patients receiving care may have the opportunity to participate in research. Participation is optional, and if you are eligible and interested, you will have an opportunity to learn more.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the clouded natural lens of the eye, known as a cataract, and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. The procedure is quick, safe, and performed under local or systemic anesthesia while you remain awake.
You may need cataract surgery if you experience:
- Blurry vision
- Glare or halos around lights
- Difficulty reading or driving at night
- Frequent prescription changes.
Your ophthalmologist will determine if surgery is necessary based on your symptoms and overall eye health.
Before surgery, your doctor will provide detailed instructions, which may include:
- Using prescribed eye drops
- Avoiding certain medications
- Arranging for transportation (you will not be able to drive immediately after surgery)
Yes, but your eye will be numbed with anesthetic drops to ensure you do not experience discomfort. Most patients receive mild sedation to help them relax.
Cataract surgery typically takes 10-15 minutes per eye, but you should expect to spend 2-3 hours at UT Health Austin’s Ambulatory Surgery Center to allow time for preparation and post-operative care.
Most patients notice improved vision within a few days, though it may take a few weeks for vision to fully stabilize. Mild discomfort, dryness, or light sensitivity is normal and usually resolves quickly.
You should avoid strenuous activities, including running and heavy lifting, for at least a week. Most patients can resume daily tasks, such as reading and watching TV, within a day or two.
Most patients can resume driving within a few days, once their vision has stabilized. Your provider will confirm when it is safe for you to drive.
It depends on the type of lens you choose. Standard IOLs often require glasses, while premium lenses, such as the Light Adjustable Lens, may reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
Yes, you should avoid:
- Rubbing your eye
- Bending over
- Straining
- Swimming
- Using eye makeup
- Exposure to dust or irritants
These restrictions typically last at least a week after surgery.
The artificial lens placed during cataract surgery is permanent and does not degrade over time. Most patients enjoy clear vision for the rest of their lives.
Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)
The Light Adjustable Lens is an advanced intraocular lens that allows your doctor to fine-tune your vision after cataract surgery using UV light treatments. This customization helps achieve the best possible visual outcomes.
After cataract surgery, you will undergo a series of light treatments in your provider’s office. These treatments adjust the shape of the implanted lens to fine-tune your vision to your personal needs. The light treatments are painless, and you will wear protective glasses between treatments to prevent unintended UV exposure.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Want the highest level of vision customization
- Have previously had LASIK or other vision correction procedures
- Want to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses
Most patients require 2-5 light treatments, each lasting approximately 90 seconds, over the course of several weeks. Each appointment lasts one hour, and your eyes will be dilated for each adjustment. Your provider will determine the exact number of treatments based on how your eyes respond.
Yes, the lens can be adjusted multiple times before the final vision is locked in. This flexibility allows your provider to fine-tune your vision until it meets your expectations.