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Eye Doctors and Ophthalmologists Joplin

The eye doctors at Missouri Eye Institute offers patients in the greater Joplin area a full range of eye care services including:

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure designed to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During the procedure, we use a highly precise laser to gently reshape the cornea—the clear front part of the eye—so that light entering the eye focuses more accurately on the retina. The entire process takes about 15 minutes for both eyes, and most patients experience significantly clearer vision within 24–48 hours. It’s an outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort and a fast recovery, allowing you to return to your regular activities quickly.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a common outpatient procedure where we remove the clouded natural lens of the eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). This is done through a tiny incision using ultrasound energy to break up the cataract. The new lens restores clarity and can also improve your overall vision depending on the type of lens selected. Recovery is generally quick—most patients resume normal activities within a few days and experience improved vision within a week.

Corneal Transplant Surgery

A corneal transplant is a procedure used to replace a damaged or diseased cornea—the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of your eye—with healthy donor tissue. This may be necessary if you’ve suffered from an eye injury, keratoconus, corneal scarring, or infection that has led to vision loss. Depending on the severity, we may perform a full-thickness (penetrating) or partial-thickness (lamellar) transplant. Recovery can take several weeks to months, but many patients experience a dramatic improvement in vision.

Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma is a progressive condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to elevated pressure inside the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Our goal is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and preserve your vision. We typically start with medicated eye drops, but depending on how advanced the glaucoma is, we may also recommend laser therapy or surgical options like trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Regular monitoring is key to keeping the disease under control.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a procedure we perform to remove or reposition excess skin, muscle, or fat from the upper or lower eyelids. This can be done for cosmetic reasons—to reduce puffiness or sagging—or for functional reasons when drooping eyelids interfere with your vision. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia with light sedation and has a relatively short recovery time. Most patients notice both improved vision and a more refreshed appearance.

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Doctors at Joplin

Daniel R. Osborn, MD

Lucas T. Lenci, MD

Andrew R. Osborn, MD

Chad L. Carter, OD

Bethany Whitesell, OD

Brittany Setzer, OD