The best eye doctors in Guadalajara

Eye Doctors In Guadalajara: Top Opticians & Ophthalmologists

ByPaul Hudson Posted on Updated on

Guadalajara is a major destination for medical tourism in North America. There are excellent hospitals, renowned medical schools, and lots of excellent eye doctors.

I recently had an eye infection and needed to learn about the different types of eye doctors. Opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists work on different parts of the eye and have different educational tracts. Additionally, there are some major differences between opticians in the United States and Mexico

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eye and vision care, and usually has a specialization like retina, cornea, or glaucoma. They can prescribe medicine and operate.

Optometrists are not medical doctors but obtain a doctor of optometry degree which is an additional four years of study after a bachelor’s degree. The optometrist provides regular vision care and primary health care for the eye.

Opticians are not medical doctors. They usually spend 4.5 years in school plus another year of social service but they can not prescribe medicine. Their specialty is in vision and glasses.

In Mexico, there is a good deal of cross-over between an optician and an optometrist.

In the United States, opticians have a one or two-year degree and do not do vision tests. In Mexico, an optician has four more years of school and is trained to do vision tests and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Many good opticians are a part of the eye care community and can make introductions to specialists in other areas. They know who the best doctors are.

An Overview of the Best Eye Doctors in Guadalajara

This is a short list based on my personal experience and that of my family and circle of friends. I have visited eye doctors for an eye infection. My wife has worn glasses and gone to the same optician for over ten years. Doctor José Luis Briones operated on my mother-in-law. I have a solid understanding of the best eye doctors in Guadalajara.

If you are looking for another type of specialist, I recommend starting at Entre Lentes. They know all the best doctors in this part of Mexico.

The additional caveat is that all of these eye doctors in Guadalajara speak English.

The Best Opticians in Guadalajara

Opticians specialize in vision and eyeglasses. There are two types of Opticians in Guadalajara. The best opticians can test vision, prescribe corrective lenses, and find frames that you absolutely love.

Entre Lentes – Best Optician in Guadalajara

My wife has been buying her eyeglasses and getting her eyes tested here for more than ten years. She loves them.

Additionally, this is the optician that I most often see recommended in the English language Facebook expat groups.

Lucia, Gabriel, and Goyo (the dog) are some of the nicest people in the eyeglass business. They have built the cutest studio in one of the coolest and most under-the-radar neighborhoods in Guadalajara with easy parking.

Lucia has a Licenciatura en Optometría from the Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes which has an excellent reputation. She spent an additional year in Aguascalientes doing her social service in an optician’s office before returning to Jalisco.

After college and social service, she has more than 15 years of experience working as an optician and is genuinely enthusiastic about optometry and glasses.

Additionally, she comes from a family of ophthalmologists in Ocotlán, Jalisco (45 minutes outside of Guadalajara next to Lake Chapala). She is very well-connected with the best eye doctors in the region. If you are having a problem with your eyes or vision, she is a great first contact to see if you need to adjust a prescription or need to talk to a specialist.

Entre Lentes’ old studio was off Chapultepec. It was tiny and parking was challenging. In 2022, they moved into a lovely space in a much better neighborhood.

Vallarta San Jorge has a lot of mid-century modern architectural charm. It is easily accessible from Av. México and Av. Vallarta and the parking is so much easier than it is around Chapu. Plus, one of the best coffee roasters in Guadalajara is two doors down. I love coming down here.

If you are looking for stylish new frames from classic to fashion-forward, you need to check out Entre Lentes.

The Best Ophthalmologists in Guadalajara

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors. They go to school for a long time and the best Ophthalmologists have specializations in pediatrics, retina, or glaucoma.

The ophthalmologists that I have included on this list are also surgeons who operate on the eye. These operations are significantly less expensive in Mexico than they are in the United States.

Booking a surgery in Guadalajara and spending a few days recovering at a luxury hotel might save you a few thousand dollars.

Dr. José Luis Briones Oftalmólogo

Doctor José Luis Briones is one of the best young ophthalmologists in Guadalajara. His career trajectory is sure to elevate him to one of the best ophthalmologists in Western Mexico.

Originally from Aguascalientes, Doctor Briones attended the Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes. After college, he went to work at the IIMS National Health Service in Veracruz, Puerto Vallarta, and later Guadalajara. While working for the IIMS, he specialed in retina, microsurgery, and laser surgery.

Both Doctor Briones and his wife speak excellent English and are some of the nicest people you will meet in Guadalajara.

My son had a small problem with his eye when he was two years old. Dr Briones is not only comfortable working with kids but has the temperament to help relax a child who is already scared of the doctor’s office.

I was so happy with my son’s experience that I went back when I had a problem with my eye.

If yo are looking for an excellent ophthalmologist in Guadalajara, I highly recommend calling Dr. José Luis Briones’ office.

Final Thoughts On The Best Eye Doctors in Guadalajara

This list is just a first draft of the best eye doctors in Guadalajara. It is a big city and there are lots of excellent doctors in town.

I feel very fortunate to have excellent medical care in Guadalajara. In the United States, having a vision procedure done can be prohibitively expensive. Just going to the doctor was a challenge at certain points in my life.

The English-speaking eye doctors in Guadalajara are filling the gap in the United States healthcare crisis. It is good care at an affordable price. You don’t have to suffer through eye problems because of the cost. Guadalajara is an excellent place to plan some medical tourism.

Paul Hudson is a food, travel, and surf enthusiast who writes about Mexico on his blog Playas y Plazas. Originally from Southern California, Paul has lived in Guadalajara since 2009. He has a BA in Global Economics from UC Santa Cruz (Go Banana Slugs!) and speaks English and Spanish fluently. He can often be found exploring the Pacific Coast of Mexico looking for isolated beaches, fun waves, and exotic foods.