Erica S. Ballard, OD

  • Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
4.71 out of 5

Specialties

Conditions

  • Glaucoma
  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  • Dry Eye Syndrome
  • Refractive Error - Glasses and Contact Lenses
  • Low Vision/Blindness

Procedures Performed

  • Diabetic Eye Exams
  • Acute/Urgent Eye Care
  • Plaquenil Eye Exams

About

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

Insurance policies can vary widely. Please check with your doctor/clinic for specific insurance information before your visit or procedure to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

See list of insurers

Ratings & Reviews

4.71 out of 5
25 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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    Like my Doctor.

    Patient Review

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    Erica is the best doctor I've seen at this clinic

    Patient Review

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    Very thorough

    Patient Review

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    This was the best eye exam and explanation I ever had. It may due in part to the fact that I have a better understanding of my vision needs and was able to explain my concerns. My care provider understood my concerns and explained to me in details my decreased visual acuity. And explained the follow-up process.

    Patient Review

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    I would not recommend this doctor to my friends because I know there time is valuable to them and being made to wait beyond a reasonable amount of time without an apology or explanation is not professional at all.
    • Patient Review

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      The provider seemed to minimize the trouble that I experience seeing out of my right eye.
    • Patient Review

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      The wait time really annoyed me so I'm not sure I would recommend this practice.
    • Patient Review

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      Very good visit
    • Patient Review

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      The doctor prescribed a medication that presumably because of its high cost no pharmacy in Madison County had in stock. I was not able to consult the eye clinic because my appointment was late in the day and uk clinic was closed.
    • Patient Review

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      My reading vision seemed better with the first lens than with the subsequent pair. Maybe I didn't make this clear but I did not understand the change that was made.
    • Patient Review

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      Good
    • Patient Review

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      Good experience. I liked seeing the nurse's company. She was very attentive
    • Patient Review

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      Great experience.
    • Patient Review

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      I spend most of my time with the PA and student. I only got to see the physician for about 5 minutes. The student did not have all the answers to my questions.
    • Patient Review

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      Everyone was friendly and helpful towards any of my questions.
    • Patient Review

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      She appeared impatient... As if there is something urgent she needed to attend to after seeing me....
    • Patient Review

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      Dr. Smith is a good professional. Waiting over an hour and a half to have a 10 minute visit isn't desirable as a patient.
    • Patient Review

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      Very informative, understanding with much kindness
    • Patient Review

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      For my first visit with her as a new patient, Erica Smith didn't take any time to ask about me why I was seeing her just seemed very rushed and had no clue what my office visit was for.
    • Patient Review

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      First time to see Dr. Smith. She was terrific - answered all my questions and set me at ease.
    • Patient Review

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      I would definitely recommend the eye doctor to family & friends.
    • Patient Review

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      Very courteous and knowledgeable people at every point of my eye care.
    • Patient Review

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      The doctor is/was wonderful. I would however hesitate to recommend this location to anyone for fear they too would have to jump through hoops to get seen in an emergency.
    • Patient Review

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      Ophthalmologist was new to me and she showed a lot of concern. She spent the right amount of time with me. She showed a lot of concern for my condition.
    • Patient Review

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      Though I liked the doctor, I could not recommend this facility in good faith. Business operations could use some improvement from start to finish.