Personalized eyecare isn’t just about getting the “right” prescription—it’s about having a doctor who takes time to understand what your vision needs to support in real life. That’s often the difference patients notice when they compare a doctor-owned practice to a box-store model built for speed and volume.
At Custom Eye Care at the Rim, that “local and independent” story isn’t just a tagline—it’s part of how the practice shows up for patients and the community. The team has been intentional about building a true local, small-business identity in San Antonio, TX, with roots and outreach that reflect long-term investment. Dr. Vlasik shared that while she didn’t grow up in the area, her family has been in the region since the 1850s. Dr. Chui described outreach through her church health fair and a growing goal to connect with local schools—especially around myopia control for kids—while also noting Dr. Vlasik’s continued commitment to the optometry school one day each week.
More Time With Patients Leads To Better Solutions
Dr. Chui shared that she routinely spends an extra five to ten minutes simply talking with patients at the start of the visit. That time matters because it reveals how someone uses their eyes every day—at work, on screens, in hobbies, and in everything in between.
She gave a great example: a radiologist who spends the day looking at computer screens needed stronger, more functional computer-distance vision than a standard progressive lens was providing. Instead of forcing a “one-size-fits-all” solution, Dr. Chui recommended dedicated computer glasses—because clear vision should work where you actually need it most. Patients may only be in the exam room for part of an hour, but they rely on their eyes 365 days a year.
Why Box-Store Eyecare Can Feel Rushed
Both doctors spoke candidly about how corporate settings often run on strict time expectations. When a practice is built around volume—sometimes 40 to 50 patients in a day—there simply isn’t room to dig deep into concerns, investigate root causes, or fine-tune comfort.
Dr. Chui referenced the reality many doctors face in corporate environments: an expectation of only seven to eight minutes per patient. In that kind of schedule, visits can become a quick pass through the basics—without the extra conversation that often reveals the real issue.
Personalized Care Means Listening First
When asked what personalization looks like, Dr. Chui’s answer was simple: listen—face to face—and ask better follow-up questions.
That might mean asking about a work setup, the exact distance from a screen, or what “blurry” really means in daily life. She even described asking a patient to bring in their music so she could better understand the visual problem they were trying to solve. The goal isn’t to rush to the finish line—it’s to understand the problem clearly enough to fix it well.
Thorough Vision Care Goes Beyond “Clear Enough”
Dr. Vlasik added that personalization isn’t only about conversation—it’s also about precision. She described taking extra time refining refraction and paying close attention to how the patient responds, aiming for vision that’s not just clear, but comfortable.
She also contrasted deeper investigation with the “quick check” approach. Instead of stopping at a basic photo or a fast measurement, the practice uses higher-quality imaging and encourages patients to do what’s needed to get real answers—like dilating the eyes when a complaint warrants a closer look. When you’re not racing the clock, you can be more thorough.
The Goal Is Long-Term Relationships, Not One-Time Visits
One of the most meaningful parts of the conversation was how both doctors described long-term care. Dr. Vlasik talked about how fun and rewarding it is to see patients grow—from childhood to college to marriage to having kids of their own.
Dr. Chui shared that this kind of relationship is exactly what inspired her to become an optometrist. Her own optometrist cared for her for nearly two decades and remembered personal details along the way. That sense of continuity and trust is something patients can feel—and it’s a big part of what makes doctor-owned eyecare different.
Ready For A More Personal Eyecare Experience?
At the end of the day, Dr. Vlasik wants patients to feel welcomed, have their questions fully answered, and leave with a product they genuinely love using—something they’ll talk about afterward and confidently recommend to others.
Dr. Chui put it even more simply: she hopes patients walk out thinking, “The doctor really cares—and really listened.”
To schedule an appointment, visit 17503 La Cantera Parkway #115, San Antonio, TX 78257, or call 210-981-3937. If you’ve been looking for eyecare that feels more personal, more thorough, and more relationship-driven, this is the kind of visit designed to make you feel heard—and supported long after your exam ends.
Saturday hours are available by appointment only as our hours vary*