Eye care professionals specialize in understanding how the human eye really works, as well as diseases and conditions that affect your vision – many of which do not have obvious symptoms. New Braunfels Eye doctors know how age and risk factors affect vision over time for young and old, and they understand the benefits and features of corrective lenses including eyeglasses and contacts.
Meet Your Local New Braunfels Eye Doctor:
Our New Braunfels optometrist takes the time to explain the results of your eye exam, describe your options and listen to your eye care needs. Because maintaining good eye health is an ongoing partnership, we encourage you to ask questions and share your health information, which could be vital to monitoring, diagnosing and treating potential vision problems.
Dr. Leigha M. Nielsen graduated with honors from the University of Houston College of Optometry. She also holds degrees in Biology and Business Management. During the course of her studies, she participated in research focusing on keratoconus, a degenerative eye disease, which was presented at the Associates for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) and the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).
Her professional memberships include the Texas Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and the Bexar County Optometric District Society. Dr. Nielsen practices full-scope Optometry and works with patients of all ages, specializing in standard and specialty contact lens fittings, minor ocular surgeries, diagnosis and treatment of amblyopia, anterior segment pathologies, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal pathologies. She also handles a great deal of refractive corrective surgery co-management and cataract surgery co-management.
A strong believer in community and family, Dr. Nielsen plays an active role in the city of Schertz where she owns and practices at Texas State Optical, and is excited to take that same approach to her new location in New Braunfels. This location will more than ever highlight the importance of caring for the eyes of the entire family with specific pediatric care designed to provide children with comprehensive testing and therapy to give them every advantage in life.
Children having that ability to confidently go to school and learn without the struggles and disadvantages vision related problems can incur is why she has relocated her full-service vision therapy clinic, Nielsen Vision Development Center, to be housed at Texas State Optical – Oak Run. By providing every option to parents and their families under one roof, we can ensure that no half measures are taken when treating a child’s vision.
Dr. Nielsen will always take the time to explain the results of your eye exam, go over your options and listen to your eye care needs. Because maintaining good eye health is an ongoing partnership, we encourage you to ask questions and share your health information, which could be vital to monitoring, diagnosing and treating potential vision problems.
It is her pleasure to welcome you into our practice here at Oak Run.
Dr. Jennifer Blaschke is a graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry. She has earned her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M in College Station.
Dr. Blaschke has received extensive training in the treatment and management of ocular disease, foreign body removal, contact lens fitting, and co-management of refractive and cataract surgery.
Her professional memberships include the Texas Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.
Meet Your Local New Braunfels Eye Care Staff:
Our exceptional, friendly staff is our greatest asset. They are excited about what they do and they care personally about getting the best results for our patients.
Queta – Office Manager
Queta has been in the optical business ten years this year. She is ABO certified and loves every aspect of the field, but her expertise and passion is in the optical. She enjoys helping her patients find the perfect frame and lenses to suit their lifestyle.
Enriqueta is a mother of two young ladies age 12 and 10 and when she is not at work she enjoys spending time with them and doing fun activities like going bowling or watching Disney/Pixar movies.
Erica – Vision Therapist
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. In May 2014 the opportunity to become a Vision Therapist opened up. Looking forward to a change of scenery and new career I moved to San Antonio and began working Dr. Nielsen’s Texas State Optical and her Nielsen Vision Development Center (NVDC). I have since completed several courses including the OEPF Curriculum. I absolutely love working with my kids/patients and their families. This is a rewarding field both for myself and all those who go through the program.
When home I like to spend my time outdoors, keeping busy with various art projects, as well as tending to a spoiled cat and one wonderful dog. I also love spending time with my family, watching movies, reading and listening to music.
Erica – Patient Care Coordinator
Meet our second Erica! We introduced Erica to the world of vision therapy in 2017. She is your ideal point of contact at NVDC. She will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding insurance, our evaluation process, and scheduling. She will try to find the best available time for you to come in, as well as help you understand your insurance coverage. Erica will be there for you every step of the way while you are coming to NVDC, so do not hesitate to contact her with any questions or concerns you may have.
When not at work, she spends her time with her family, friends, and pets. She has a daughter and two dogs, one is a Saint Bernard!
Misty – Optometric Technician
I began my career in the Optical field in 2012 while located in Abilene, Texas where I lived with my husband and two daughters. I became a certified medical assistant and scribed for a team of four doctors at a large retinal clinic. After my husband’s retirement from the United States Air Force in 2018, we relocated to New Braunfels where I am continuing my education in Optometry and Vision Therapy with Texas State Optical – Oak Run. I really enjoy working in the pediatric field and learning new methods to assist in therapy sessions for patients.
When not working, I enjoy relaxing at home with my family and having cookouts with good company!
Rachel – Vision Therapist
Hello, my name is Rachel Kirby and I have been working for Dr. Nielsen for almost 4 years now as an Optometric Technician, but just recently began my career as a Vision Therapist. I enjoy working in the optometry field because I get to help others have the best optical experience, enriching them with vital information about their ocular health and making sure that they are well taken care of. Now that I’ve started working as a therapist and helping children, it’s amazing to me how powerful of a tool Vision Therapy is and I’m loving having a role in changing these kids’ lives.
I just got married to the love of my life, Aaron, this year and married life is pretty awesome. We love to travel, hike, eat, and visit different coffee shops. I love spending time with my family and friends and serving at my church.
Michael – Executive Assistant
Michael has worked with Dr. Nielsen for over two years, helping manage all aspects of her businesses and acting as her representative. With over 11 years of experience as a personal and executive assistant, Michael brings peace of mind and structure to our doctor’s busy life, allowing her to focus on providing excellent patient care for you and your family. While currently spending the majority of his time in our new Oak Run location, he can also be found at Dr. Nielsen’s Texas State Optical in Schertz where we continue to bring multi-generational family eye care to our neighboring community.
Michael and his wife have two dogs, a labrador and maltese, and are currently building a house in the New Braunfels area where they are looking forward to calling home. When scheduling free time, he and his wife love traveling, exploring different cultures and foods, and meeting new people.
