About Columbus Eye Associates · Columbus
Columbus Eye Associates is a long-standing Central Texas ophthalmology practice providing comprehensive eye care since 1953. With four locations — Columbus, La Grange, Sealy, and the Methodist West Houston Medical Office Building — the practice serves patients across rural and suburban Texas with a team of board-certified ophthalmologists specializing in cataract surgery, glaucoma, retina disease, oculoplastics, and routine vision care. The affiliated Columbus Optical, established in 1960, provides an on-site optical lab with frames, lenses, and contact-lens fitting.
Founded in 1953, Columbus Eye Associates has grown into one of the most established ophthalmology groups in Central Texas, now operating four clinic locations staffed by board-certified ophthalmologists Arun G. Nayar, M.D., F.A.C.S.; Lori J. Learned, M.D.; Beena M. Shah, M.D.; John P. Wooten, M.D.; and Todd Hovis, M.D., with consulting retina specialists Keith A. Bourgeois, M.D. and John W. Miller, M.D. The practice provides the full spectrum of medical and surgical eye care, from routine eye exams and pediatric vision care to advanced cataract surgery using premium intraocular lenses (Tecnis Toric, Tecnis Symfony multifocal, Alcon Restor), minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), and treatment of macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Columbus Optical, the in-house optical dispensary and lab founded in 1960, supplies frames, safety eyewear, and specialty contact lenses (toric, multifocal, monovision, rigid gas permeable, and lenses for keratoconus and post-refractive surgery), staffed by a National Contact Lens Certified technician. The practice is also notable for its community involvement: staff annually deliver gift bags to residents of the TLC and Columbus Oaks nursing homes in Columbus, and Dr. Nayar serves on the board of Benevolent Missions International, providing pro bono eye care and surgery on medical missions to Belize since 2011. The main office in Columbus, Texas is located at 100 Sweetbriar Drive.
- In business
- Since 1953 (over 70 years); affiliated Columbus Optical since 1960
- Owner
- Practice founded in 1953 (founding physician not named on current website); physicians include Arun G. Nayar, M.D., F.A.C.S., Lori J. Learned, M.D., Beena M. Shah, M.D., John P. Wooten, M.D., Todd Hovis, M.D.
- Serves
- Central Texas — Columbus, La Grange, Sealy, and West Houston / Katy (Methodist West Houston Medical Office Building); Colorado, Fayette, Austin, and Harris Counties
- Rating
- 4.5 stars on Birdeye (6 reviews); Dr. Arun Nayar 5.0 on Vitals (1 rating); Dr. Todd Hovis 4.5 on WebMD (6 ratings)
Practice Overview & History
Columbus Eye Associates has delivered comprehensive ophthalmology services to Central Texas residents since 1953. The affiliated Columbus Optical dispensary has been fitting patients with fashionable, functional eyewear since 1960. Today the practice operates four clinic locations — Columbus (100 Sweetbriar Dr.), La Grange (124 N. Washington), Sealy (2879 Hwy 36 South), and the Methodist West Houston Medical Office Building (18300 Katy Freeway, Suite 415) — making specialty eye care accessible across a wide swath of rural and suburban Texas.
- Founded 1953
- Columbus Optical founded 1960
- Four locations: Columbus, La Grange, Sealy, Methodist West Houston
Meet the Doctors
The physician team consists of board-certified ophthalmologists with overlapping sub-specialties, joined by consulting retina specialists.
- Arun G. Nayar, M.D., F.A.C.S. — glaucoma specialist; trained at University of Missouri–Kansas City, UTMB Galveston, and Conner Glaucoma Institute / Houston Eye Associates; with the practice since completing fellowship; member of AAO, ASCRS, Texas Ophthalmological Association, TMA, and AMA.
- Lori J. Learned, M.D. — comprehensive ophthalmologist, joined the practice in 2002; daughter of two US Navy nurses; Baylor College of Medicine M.D. 1994; nine years in the Navy including service at USNH San Diego, Sasebo Japan, and Navy Hospital Camp Lejeune; practices in La Grange; active at First United Methodist Church and La Grange Band Boosters.
- Beena M. Shah, M.D. — board-certified cataract and glaucoma specialist; native of Katy, TX; finance graduate magna cum laude from Baylor University; M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine; residency at UTMB Galveston; glaucoma fellowship at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, Birmingham; sees patients in Columbus, Sealy, and Methodist West offices.
- John P. Wooten, M.D. — born and raised in Columbus, TX; Columbus High School alumnus; biochemistry degree from Southwestern University; M.D. from UT Health San Antonio (contributed a chapter to Decision Making in Ophthalmology); residency at UT Health Houston; returned home to serve his hometown community.
- Todd Hovis, M.D. — ophthalmologist with the practice since July 1993; M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine (1985–1989); residency at UTMB Galveston (1990–1993).
- Keith A. Bourgeois, M.D. and John W. Miller, M.D. — consulting board-certified ophthalmologists providing retina services.
Services & Specialties
The practice provides the full continuum of medical and surgical eye care, from routine pediatric and adult vision examinations to advanced cataract and glaucoma surgery. Cataract surgery uses contemporary intraocular lens implants including the Tecnis Toric, Tecnis Symfony multifocal, and Alcon Restor lenses to reduce patients' dependence on glasses after surgery. Glaucoma care is supported by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) testing, medical therapy, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).
- Cataract surgery with premium IOLs
- Glaucoma diagnosis, SLT, MIGS
- OCT and Humphrey Visual Field imaging
- Retina and oculoplastics (Bourgeois & Miller)
- Diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration
- Eye emergencies
- Routine pediatric and adult eye exams
- Therapeutic and cosmetic Botox
Eye Exams
A comprehensive eye exam at Columbus Eye Associates evaluates all aspects of the visual system and overall eye health. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, adults under 60 should have an eye exam at least every two years; at-risk patients and those over 60 should be examined annually. Routine exams at the practice are listed at $145.
- Corneal exam
- Eye muscle testing
- Glaucoma testing (intraocular pressure)
- Retina and blood-vessel examination
- Color vision analysis
- Visual field (peripheral vision) testing
- Refractive evaluation
- Visual acuity testing
Columbus Optical & Contact Lenses
Columbus Optical has provided fashionable, functional eyewear for Central Texas since 1960. Its in-house lab can cut lenses to fit most frame shapes and provides all current lens materials and coatings. The optical carries frames for all prescriptions and ages, including OSHA-approved safety eyewear. A National Contact Lens Certified technician and qualified opticians fit single-vision, toric, multifocal, monovision, rigid gas permeable, and specialty contact lenses — including lenses for keratoconus, post-refractive surgery, and post-corneal transplant patients.
- On-site optical lab (since 1960)
- All prescription frame styles and ages
- OSHA-approved safety eyewear
- National Contact Lens Certified technician
- Specialty lenses for keratoconus and post-surgical corneas
Office Locations & Hours
All four locations share the same weekday schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The offices are closed Saturday and Sunday and observe closures on major U.S. holidays as well as Good Friday.
- Columbus — 100 Sweetbriar Dr., Columbus, TX 78934 — 979-732-5771
- La Grange — 124 N. Washington, La Grange, TX 78945 — 979-968-3953
- Sealy — 2879 Hwy 36 South, Sealy, TX 77474 — 979-885-0665
- Methodist West Houston — 18300 Katy Freeway, Suite 415, Houston, TX 77094 — 281-829-3937
Community Outreach & Charitable Care
The practice and its staff are active in local community service. In December 2024, billing manager Jessica Ross organized delivery of 148 gift bags containing blankets, socks, lotion, and ChapStick to residents of the TLC and Columbus Oaks nursing facilities. Dr. Arun Nayar serves on the board of directors of Benevolent Missions International and has participated in numerous medical missions to Belize since 2011, providing pro bono eye care and surgery to underserved populations. Dr. Learned contributes to the La Grange community through the First United Methodist Church, La Grange Band Boosters, and the Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter.
- Annual nursing-home gift delivery to TLC and Columbus Oaks
- Dr. Nayar — board, Benevolent Missions International; Belize missions since 2011
- Dr. Learned — First United Methodist Church, La Grange Band Boosters, Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter
Patient Testimonials
Reviews on the practice website and third-party sites (Birdeye, Google, Vitals) consistently praise the doctors' clarity in explaining conditions and treatment options, the welcoming front-desk staff, and efficient scheduling. Dr. Beena Shah is singled out for her expertise and kindness; Dr. Nayar's cataract-surgery patients (some followed for 13+ years) emphasize his attention to detail and accessibility after hours.
- Birdeye: 4.5 stars (6 reviews)
- Dr. Arun Nayar — 5.0 rating on Vitals
- Dr. Todd Hovis — 4.5 rating on WebMD
Scheduling & Contact
Patients may request appointments by calling their preferred location during weekday business hours. The general inbox is monitored at info@columbuseye.org. Same-week appointments and accommodating scheduling are repeatedly noted in patient feedback.
- info@columbuseye.org
- Columbus: 979-732-5771
- La Grange: 979-968-3953
- Sealy: 979-885-0665
- Houston: 281-829-3937