Photos by
Kenny Richard
Photography
Over his nearly 40-year career, Dr. Labor has
gained a reputation as one of the most innovative eye surgeons in the U.S.,
having performed thousands of LASIK, PRK and cataract procedures. “It
has always been very important that I stay abreast of new technologies to
offer my patients the very best outcomes. At the same time, I’m very diligent
about ensuring that something ‘new’ will truly benefit them in the long
run,” he said.
Dr. Labor added, “Technology allows us
to reassure patients, take the very best care of their eyes, and give them
their personal best vision, but I can’t stress enough the importance of the
one-on-one doctor relationship.”
That type of mindset is why Dr. Labor and his
staff consistently earn high marks for the personal care his practice
delivers, ensuring patients are kept fully informed and are comfortable with
their prescribed treatment. “When I present surgical and treatment
options, I must do this in a way each patient can easily understand. That
includes their post-surgery care and available medications so they can
clearly comprehend what we’re doing and how it will benefit them,” he
said. “It’s our job to not only reassure patients, but deliver peace of
mind before, during, and
after treatment.”
Dr. Labor’s devotion to his patients is more
than just a long held belief, it stems from a life-changing medical event he
personally experienced many years ago. “Having your life in someone
else’s hands changes your perspective, and it most definitely changed me as a
physician and a person. I’m adamant about offering patients my full
attention, and never rush someone through my office. I want to give each
patient the opportunity to discuss their upcoming surgery whichever is most convenient
for them, in person or by phone.”
Since starting Eye Consultants of Texas over
two decades ago, Dr. Labor has expanded his practice into to a fully
state-of-the-art facility that includes LoneStar Ambulatory Surgery Center
for outpatient surgery. The facility was carefully planned and built from the
ground up, and allows exams, testing, and procedures to be conveniently
performed at the same location.
Dr. Labor’s commitment to innovation has more
than made a positive impact in DFW and beyond, as he has been the first,
locally, regionally, or nationally to adopt new technologies and perform new
procedures. This is especially true when it comes to the advanced intraocular
lenses (IOLs) he uses to replace the cloudy, cataract lens during
surgery.
One example is the RxSight® Light Adjustable
Lens (LAL). This is the only IOL that allows customization after cataract
surgery has been performed, and Dr. Labor was the first DFW eye surgeon to
implant it. “In effect, the patient can ‘test drive’ any adjustments I make
until they’re satisfied, greatly improving visual accuracy like no other lens
of its kind,” he said. Dr. Labor’s experience with this lens is unsurpassed,
given the fact that he participated in LAL clinical trials to secure its FDA
approval.
He was also the first in North Texas to
implant the Apthera, the first and only FDA-approved “small
aperture” IOL. “Apthera’s remarkable small aperture technology
uniquely filters away unfocused light, allowing you to see text, people, and
objects across a full range of focal distances like never before,” he
said. Dr. Labor is one of the top Apthera surgeons in the U.S. today. Because
of this, Eye Consultants of Texas is currently the only DFW practice where
patients have access to this lens.
In addition, Dr. Labor was the first in North
America to implant the RayOne EMV developed by Rayner, who produced the
world’s first IOL in 1949. “This lens has revolutionized visual results
for cataract patients who desire what’s referred to as ‘Blended
Vision’,” he said. “The EMV extends a patient’s depth of focus in
ways no other IOL is capable of doing.”
Dr. Labor achieved yet another milestone
regarding the laser technology he uses to perform the cataract procedure:
first in DFW and one the first five surgeons in the U.S. to acquire the
ALLY™ Adaptive Cataract Treatment System. “The ALLY™
uses next-generation femtosecond laser technology allowing me to more
precisely personalize a patient’s treatment like no other technology of its
kind,” he said.
In 2013, he established one of the first
specialty clinics in the U.S. focused on Dry Eye Disease: Dry Eye Institutes
or America™ (DEIA), a clinic within his practice. “Dry Eye
Disease is an often chronic, even debilitating, condition that affects
millions, yet it’s easily treatable in most cases,” he said. “I
started DEIA recognizing a critical need to do more for dry eye sufferers. At
the time, new technology was coming out to greatly advance treatment from the
standard over-the-counter eyedrops, and, today, we are able to diagnose and
treat this condition in ways no one could have imagined just 10 years
ago.”
Not only is Dr. Labor well-regarded in the
U.S., he has also been internationally recognized by his peers. In March
2023, for instance, the esteemed World College of Refractive Surgery and
Visual Sciences (WCRS) nominated him as a founding member and fellow in
recognition of his refractive surgery achievements. This places him in an
elite group of less than 1,000 refractive surgeons chosen from a field of
more than 280,000 ophthalmologists worldwide.
Dr. Labor has served on various healthcare
policy committees in Washington, DC. He is also past president of the
prestigious Society for Excellence in Eye Care (SEE), and was recently chosen
President-Elect of the American College of Eye Surgeons (ACES). In giving
back, Dr. Labor is a volunteer ophthalmologist for EyeCare America, which
provides eye care at little or no cost to qualified patients, and has made
two medical missions to Iraq.
When not on the job, Dr. Labor enjoys time
with his wife and their dogs, as well as playing guitar in his band “The
Machine” at venues locally and across the U.S.
2201
Westgate Plaza
Grapevine, Texas 76051
