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Our Team
THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRIST, GLAUCOMA SPECIALIST
Kris Thorton, O.D.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Optometric Association
Texas Optometric Association
East Texas Optometric Association
EDUCATION
Winnsboro High School: 1997
McMurry University: 2001
University of Houston College of Optometry: 2007
GET TO KNOW DR. Kris
Kris grew up in Winnsboro, Texas. After high school, he attended McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. There he played football and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Dr. Thornton then attended the University of Houston College of Optometry and graduated in 2007. He was involved in the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, played on many intramural sports teams, and participated in other school organizations. He also received multiple awards for clinical excellence.
After graduation from UHCO, Dr. Thornton joined Dr. Jeff Jones at Vision Source Longview in the summer of 2007. In 2013, Dr. Thornton and Dr. Jones entered a partnership at Vision Source Longview. They decided to sell their practice to MyEyeDr. in 2020, where Dr. Thornton was employed until January 2025. From there, he transitioned to Ward Eye Associates.
Kris has been married to his wife, Emily, since 2005 and lives in Hallsville. They have 3 children: Zack, Noah, and Maeleigh. In his free time, he likes spending time with his family, such as camping, hunting, and attending live sporting and band events. He loves the Lord first and foremost and strives to portray His image in patient care. He is a member and deacon of Mobberly Baptist Church.
THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRIST
Jackie Hardin, O.D.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Optometric Association
Texas Optometric Association
EDUCATION
High school: White Oak High School, 2015
Undergraduate: University of North Texas, 2019
Graduate: University of Houston College of Optometry, 2024
GET TO KNOW DR. JACKIE
Jackie grew up in the East Texas area and graduated from high school in White Oak, TX. She attended the University of North Texas and graduated with a BS in Biology and minor in Chemistry. While working on her undergraduate degree she was the president of the Pre-Optometry Club, tutored Organic Chemistry, and worked part time as an Optician selling and adjusting glasses. Jackie then attended school at the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Doctorate of Optometry.
During optometry school, she was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa honor society and was the Vision Screening Coordinator for Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH). Dr. Hardin’s rotations in her final year of optometry school included an inner-city charity clinic caring for the diseased indigent population in Dallas, TX and a primary care practice in San Antonio, TX. Her in-house rotations at UHCO included various specialty clinics, such as vision therapy, neuro-ophthalmology, specialty contact lenses, ambulatory surgery center for pre- and post-operative care, pediatric care, and low vision.
In her free time, she enjoys working out, reading, swimming, and going on walks with her dog, Leoti. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family. She is excited to be back in her hometown caring for the East Texas community!
OWNER & CEO, THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRIST, GLAUCOMA SPECIALIST, LOW VISION SPECIALIST
Justin Ward, O.D.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Optometric Association
Texas Optometric Association
East Texas Optometric Association
Leadership Longview Class of 2018
EDUCATION
High school: Fort Bend Baptist Academy, 2000
Undergraduate: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 2004
Graduate: University of Houston College of Optometry, 2008
Low Vision Residency: University of Houston College of Optometry, 2009
GET TO KNOW DR. JUSTIN
Justin grew up in Sugarland, Texas. He attended University of Mary-Hardin Baylor in Belton, Texas, where he graduated with a BS in Business. There he was involved in many campus organizations. Justin then graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2008. While in optometry school he led the weekly meetings for the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, and he was in the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society.
Upon graduation from optometry school, Justin completed a residency in Low Vision Rehabilitation. This specialized training focused on enhancing the functional vision of patients with visual impairment from developmental and progressive eye diseases. He worked at the Baylor Medical Center, The Institute for Rehabilitation Research, and Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas.
He currently provides Low Vision services for multiple Educational Service Centers for the state of Texas, for the areas surrounding Lufkin/Nacogdoches, Longview, Mount Pleasant and Texarkana. Dr. Ward is also involved with Under the Same Sun, which provides eye care and low vision services to children with ocular albinism in Tanzania, Africa.
In his free time he enjoys running, traveling with his family, and playing electric and acoustic guitar. He and Sarah lead a small group and are involved in the worship ministry at their church. He loves having Nerf fights and building forts with his sons, Crosby and Crockett.
The Marshall Eye Associates family specializes in helping everyone see better and look their best.
Our team of doctors are highly trained in fitting glasses and contact lenses, as well as providing full-scope diagnostic medical eye care. Over 40 years ago our practice was founded by Dr. David Nelson, who is a well-respected optometrist in Marshall, Texas. Drs. Justin and Sarah Ward of Longview Eye Associates purchased the practice in the Spring of 2021, to build upon the legacy of Dr. Nelson. Their goal is to bring the latest diagnostic tools to a larger region of East Texas, enhancing the lives of the community. Each provider brings a special focus to their patients to enhance their individual lifestyles.