About Our Optometrist at Austin Eye

Katherine Elkins, OD – Bio

Dr. Katherine Elkins is a skilled optometrist originally from Middleton, Wisconsin. She completed her undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University before obtaining her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry. Dr. Elkins further honed her skills and expertise by completing a residency program at the Illinois College of Optometry in Ocular Disease. She was grateful to serve as Clinical Associate at the University of Chicago Medicine following her training. During her time at the University of Chicago, she was able to assist in the creation of the first optometry residency program in academic ophthalmology and directed their student externship program in partnership with the Illinois College of Optometry.

With her exceptional training and educational experience, Dr. Elkins provides comprehensive eye care services to her patients, including vision exams, pre and postoperative care, and the diagnosis and management of eye disease. She is dedicated to expanding her knowledge base and providing a personalized patient approach through the use of multimodal imaging and evidence-based medicine, ensuring that her patients receive the best possible care.

Dr. Elkins is a member of several optometric organizations such as the American Academy of Optometry, Beta Sigma Kappa Honors Society, American Optometric Association, and the Academic Medical Center Optometrists Special Interest Group. 

In her free time, Dr. Elkins enjoys pursuing a variety of outdoor activities with her husband such as hiking, biking and snowboarding. Scuba diving has also been a recent passion of hers, as she loves to travel to new destinations and explore the underwater world. Additionally, she is an avid dog lover and enjoys fostering dogs to provide them with temporary homes and assist in finding their forever families. As someone new to the Austin area, she is thrilled at the prospect of exploring this vibrant city and all it has to offer!

Dr. Katherine Elkins is no longer a part of the Austin Eye Team. We wish her the very best as she returns to her home state of Wisconsin to be closer to her family and have posted her departure letter below.

Although we are sad to see Dr. Elkins move on, we continue to offer the very best in eye care treatment at the hands of some of the most skilled eye doctors and surgeons in Texas and the Greater United States.

If you are a past patient of Dr. Elkins, or have been referred to her care, we are happy to schedule a consultation with one of our other highly experienced professionals at your convenience so that you may continue to receive treatment at our state-of-the-art Austin facility.

Dear Valued Patients,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. It is with mixed emotions that I write to inform you that I will be leaving my position at Austin Eye effective May 20, 2026.

Over the years, it has been a privilege to serve as your optometrist and to be a part of your healthcare journey. The relationships we’ve built and the trust you’ve placed in me have been truly rewarding.

Please know that I hold your well-being in the highest regard, and I am confident that the medical team at Austin Eye will continue to provide you with the excellent care you deserve. I am confident that your eye care needs will be placed in the excellent hands of Dr. Ashley Deese OD and Dr. River Ficke, OD. You can review their bios on our website here.

If you have any questions or need assistance during the transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Austin Eye at 512-250-2020.

Again, thank you all for letting me be a part of your lives. I will take all the memories with me as I continue my career. It has been an honor to serve you, and I wish you all the best in your future health endeavors.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katherine Elkins, OD

Watch the Video to learn more about Dr. Elkins