Meet The
Doctors
Meet our experienced and dedicated physicians at Heart of Texas Eye Care. Ophthalmologist Lara Dudek and optometrist Erica Payne are passionate about patient care and have the knowledge and experience to provide you with top-of-the-line vision care.
Lara Dudek is a board-certified ophthalmologist from the American Board of Ophthalmology and licensed by the Texas Medical Board. Dr. Dudek received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona in Electrical Engineering, followed by her medical degree at Oregon Health and Science University. She completed a general medicine internship at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon, before coming to San Antonio for her ophthalmology residency at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center. In 2019, she completed her Physician-CEO certification at Northwestern Kellogg School of Business.
After graduation, Dr. Dudek practiced general ophthalmology in Austin, Gonzales, San Antonio, and Eagle Pass. Now, in her hometown of Dripping Springs, she welcomes patients of all ages with a wide variety of eye problems, including diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, infections, inflammatory disorders, and dry eye. She offers the latest surgical techniques in cataract surgery, cosmetic procedures, and medical laser procedures. Dr. Dudek is passionate about the patient experience and providing a caring environment for patients and employees alike.
Throughout her career, Dr. Dudek has participated in many research projects in general medicine, dermatology, and ophthalmology. She has volunteered in several projects, including Hurricane Katrina, the HAMM eye clinic in Austin, and multiple medical missions taking her to Central and South America. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Texas Ophthalmology Association, Austin Ophthalmological Society, Texas Medical Association, and the Travis County Medical Society.
Lara lives with her husband and two children in Dripping Springs, where she participates in community projects, is active in a local church, and is a busy mom. She enjoys many hobbies and interests, is an avid traveler, and enjoys cooking and photography.
Erica Payne was born in Houston and raised in Sealy, Texas. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. She then went to Chicago to attend optometry school at the Illinois College of Optometry and earned her Doctorate of Optometry with clinical honors. Dr. Payne is a licensed therapeutic optometrist by the Texas Optometry Board. She enjoys being a member of the Central Texas Optometric Society.
After graduation, she returned to Texas to begin practicing as an optometrist. Dr. Payne is happy to serve patients with a passion for all areas of optometry, including vision care, dry eye, disease management, specialty contact lenses, and myopia control. In her free time, you will find her exercising, reading, cooking, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.
Lara Dudek is a board-certified ophthalmologist from the American Board of Ophthalmology and licensed by the Texas Medical Board. Dr. Dudek received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona in Electrical Engineering, followed by her medical degree at Oregon Health and Science University. She completed a general medicine internship at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon, before coming to San Antonio for her ophthalmology residency at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center. In 2019, she completed her Physician-CEO certification at Northwestern Kellogg School of Business.
After graduation, Dr. Dudek practiced general ophthalmology in Austin, Gonzales, San Antonio, and Eagle Pass. Now, in her hometown of Dripping Springs, she welcomes patients of all ages with a wide variety of eye problems, including diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, infections, inflammatory disorders, and dry eye. She offers the latest surgical techniques in cataract surgery, cosmetic procedures, and medical laser procedures. Dr. Dudek is passionate about the patient experience and providing a caring environment for patients and employees alike.
Throughout her career, Dr. Dudek has participated in many research projects in general medicine, dermatology, and ophthalmology. She has volunteered in several projects, including Hurricane Katrina, the HAMM eye clinic in Austin, and multiple medical missions taking her to Central and South America. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Texas Ophthalmology Association, Austin Ophthalmological Society, Texas Medical Association, and the Travis County Medical Society.
Lara lives with her husband and two children in Dripping Springs, where she participates in community projects, is active in a local church, and is a busy mom. She enjoys many hobbies and interests, is an avid traveler, and enjoys cooking and photography.
Erica Payne was born in Houston and raised in Sealy, Texas. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. She then went to Chicago to attend optometry school at the Illinois College of Optometry and earned her Doctorate of Optometry with clinical honors. Dr. Payne is a licensed therapeutic optometrist by the Texas Optometry Board. She enjoys being a member of the Central Texas Optometric Society.
After graduation, she returned to Texas to begin practicing as an optometrist. Dr. Payne is happy to serve patients with a passion for all areas of optometry, including vision care, dry eye, disease management, specialty contact lenses, and myopia control. In her free time, you will find her exercising, reading, cooking, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.
Clearer Vision
Starts Here
If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.
If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.
