Erica S. Ballard, OD

I grew up in Manchester in Clay County in the southeast region of Kentucky. I attended Eastern Kentucky University and obtained a BS in pre-medical biology before setting off to Birmingham, Alabama for optometry school at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Optometry. After living in the big cities of Birmingham and Lexington (and Richmond was pretty big to me too!) I now live in Georgetown, KY with my husband.

Personal Statement

Growing up in Appalachia, I've always had a strong desire to serve others, especially those in the community I grew up in and around. Whether it's the middle school kid trying to see the board at school or the sweet grandmother struggling to thread her embroidery needle, our vision plays a huge role in everything that we do. Optometry, both in the Primary Eye Care and Low Vision clinics, has been an awesome way to meet people where they are and treat the whole person, not just a pair of eyes. I love getting to treat common (and not-so-common) eye conditions and supporting my patients through all phases of their ocular and systemic health. I hope to provide the small-town feeling of friendliness and support even in a busy setting like UK.

Outside of eyes, I love live music and vinyl record collecting and have been known to travel quite a distance for a good show. I love my mountains, my family, and my Kentucky Wildcats (with an honorable mention for my EKU Colonels and UAB Blazers). Food is also important to me, whether it's the dishes I cook with my husband at home, the variety of the Lexington and Georgetown food scene, or the hearty meals my family make when I return home to Clay County.

Faculty Rank

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

Training & Education

Degree

University of Alabama Birmingham School of Optometry

Insurance Information

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See list of insurers

Ratings & Reviews

4.82 out of 5

34 Reviews

The star rating is a calculation based on feedback from our patients using our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Learn more about our survey process. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

Patient Review
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Dr. Ballard is outstanding. I specifically asked her if she was staying at the clinic. There have been some turn over there. I like my Doctors!

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Erica is awesome. She takes time to answer questions during my exam and is very thorough.

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I have grown to really like UK health care

Patient Review
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Excelente

Patient Review
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My doctor and her assistant were efficient and caring. I was apprehensive. Aging is a new experience and is challenging. I was relieved to be in UK. My previous Ophthalmologist has retired. This was reassuring. Thank you!
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  Good
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  Care provider was very easy to talk to and she easy to understand answers.
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  Dr. Ballard was thorough, knowledgeable, and spproachable
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  Will be telling all family and friends about the quick and great service
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  Very thorough and attentive to all details. Also very considerate and very nice.
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  I have high hopes for the addition of the toric lens and bifocals in both eyes. I am currently doing monovision.
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  Good.
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  Just surprised that a refraction exam wasn't done. Only realized that later. Return to ask the desk person. She sent a message to Dr. Ballard and the reply was it was not needed. I will ask about this in person next visit.
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  Erica Ballard was friendly and listened attentively to my concerns and discussed treatment options. She conducted a thorough examination of my eyes and after the exam, she escorted me to the person, who scheduled my next appointment and provided a copy of my eyeglass prescription.
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  Dr. Was honest, whatever the out come.
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  GREAT STAFF and *Dr. Ballard was excellent in explaining exam and findings.
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  Dr Smith was very thorough and helpful.
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  She addressed my eye exam results.
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  She is great, very attentive and thorough.
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  The care provided by the optometrist was excellent. She answered every question I had, worked efficiently, but made sure to dedicate their time and attention to my needs.
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  Staff went over and beyond call of duty!
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  She was interested in me!
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  She was great. She offered suggestions, information and showed she cared about results.
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  I enjoyed meeting Dr Erica Smith. She listened and seemed to care about my questions and concerns.
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  The provider listened carefully to all my concerns. She was not rushed. There were clinical findings of some concern and she explained what she was seeing and what the best next steps should be.
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  No complaints, best group ever.
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  Both the nurse and doctor were friendly and helpful.
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  AmazingAwesome
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  I already recommend them.
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  Like my Doctor.
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  Erica is the best doctor I've seen at this clinic
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  My husband used Erica (Smith) Ballard first. Our whole family now only wants to see her. She is very intelligent and competent, but she is also a kind and compassionate person. We find that is a rare combination.
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  Erica Ballard listens so well. I always read the notes from the appointment on MyChart afterwards. I think they were the most accurate appointment notes I have read after a visit. She is clearly listening.
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  Very thorough