Look Inside
Doctors

Dr. Dora E. Cantú
Over the past 25 years, Dr. Cantu has been helping people see the world differently.
Board certified in ophthalmology, she is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, as well as a respected member of numerous medical associations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and Christian Ophthalmic Society.
Treating all diseases of the eye, Dr. Cantu performs treatments and surgeries for strabismus, cataracts, diabetes, glaucoma and plastic surgery for the eye lid. State-of-the-art technologies at Northwest Eye Associates, as well as the operating room, combined with extensive experience, allow Dr. Cantu to provide the best possible medical service to her patients.
Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson
Dr. Fredrickson is a board-certified ophthalmologist practicing comprehensive ophthalmology.

Including cataract surgery, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, pterygia, ocular infections and dry eye. Dr. Fredrickson also performs cosmetic ophthalmology including Botox, Juvederm and blepharoplasty surgery (eyelid surgery).

Dr. Steven J. Garza
Dr. Steven J. Garza was born in Brownsville, TX. Dr. Garza is also a veteran of the United States Navy.
His undergraduate education is from the University of South Carolina where he holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. His post-graduate work is from the University of Houston College of Optometry where holds a degree of Doctor of Optometry. Practice began in 2004 (11 years ago) and Dr. Garza gained much experience in treating most eye conditions. He is a glaucoma specialist and therapeutic optometrist.
Facility

Glasses Selection and Adjustments
Everyone’s needs are unique when choosing eyeglass frames. Proper fit or comfort and a style that suits you are probably your main concerns. There is so much to consider. The great news is, our opticians and vision experts are specially trained to assist you in your frame selection.
Patients can come into our optical shop without an appointment to select eyewear. We also accept eyeglass prescriptions provided by physicians that are not from our practice. We offer competitive prices.

The Cirrus Photo 800
At Northwest Eye Associates, we pride ourselves in using state of the art technology to accurately diagnose and treat our patients. With the Cirrus Photo 800, we are able to quickly and precisely photograph and analyze images of the eye.
The data collected from the photos allows us to confirm and provide in depth insight to our diagnoses of conditions such as: glaucoma, clinically significant macular edema, macular degeneration, retinal detachments macular drusen.

Optometry Room
Using state of the art technology our Doctors will evaluate the overall health of your eyes. By providing you with glasses and treating eye conditions we will ensure that you have the best possible vision for many years to come.
History

History of the Practice
Northwest Eye Associates was founded in 1979 by Dr. James A. Smelley. Dr. Smelley is a Houston native who attended Rice University where he played football. He then moved on to the Ophthalmology program at UTHSC-Houston. Once he graduated, he opened the practice and built it from the ground up until he was joined by Dr. Dora E Cantu. Dr. Cantu is a native Texan who attended the University of Texas at Austin which catapulted her to attend the ophthalmology program at UTHSC-Houston. In 1994, Joseph Block M.D. sold his 30-year-old practice to Dr. Cantu. She kept both practices alive by working in both offices until she decided to combine the two in 2004. Dr. Smelley retired the same year that the offices combined and moved to our current location just behind the Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital.
After doing many renovations and decor at the unit in the Hospital Medical Plaza, Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson PhD joined Dr. Cantu. Dr. Fredrickson graduated from the Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine. She has stayed with Dr. Cantu ever since and is a vital part of the practice. Dr. Bao T. Hoang, graduate of the Optometry program at University of Houston, joined the two ophthalmologists shortly after Dr. Fredrickson arrived. Dr. Hoang sees his patients as well as aids in the patients that come see the ophthalmologists. Lastly, Dr. Steven J. Garza, graduate of the University of Houston Optometry program has been our newest addition to the practice--since early 2014.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you open on Saturdays?
Unfortunately, for now, we are NOT open on Saturdays.
Do the doctors speak Spanish?
All of our doctors are capable of performing an eye exam in Spanish. Our staff is also versed in Spanish.
Can I schedule an appointment about cataract surgery?
Of course! You should make this appointment with either Dr. Cantu or Dr. Fredrickson so that you can speak with the doctor who will be performing the surgery.
I have an emergency. Can I come in ASAP to see a doctor?
Yes! Come on in as soon as you can. We always regard emergencies with the utmost care. We will never turn away someone who is coming in with an emergency.
Where do I park for my appointment?
There is a parking garage located on 26th street named Parking Garage 2. This is the easier place to park to get to our office. Unfortunately, we do not validate for parking so please be expecting to pay a nominal fee to use the parking garage.
Can I talk to Dr. Cantu about cataract surgery?
Absolutely! Dr. Cantu would love to speak with you about cataract surgery. Give us a call and make sure to tell us that you want to talk about cataract surgery so that we can have our surgical coordinator assist you during your visit.
Can I have LASIK surgery at my age?
This is a question that is specific to each person, make an appointment with us for an in-depth evaluation.
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