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Our Team

Meet Our Team

Welcome to the Texas State Optical eye doctors and eye care staff page! Our optical team is dedicated to providing quality eye care to the people of Texas. We pride ourselves on being professional and knowledgeable, and we are committed to working with patients of all ages to ensure that their eye health is properly taken care of. Whether you need a routine eye exam or have a more serious eye condition that requires attention, our experienced eye doctors are here to help. Our eye care staff is friendly and welcoming, and we strive to make every patient feel comfortable and at ease during their visit. Thank you for choosing Texas State Optical for your eye care needs.

Dr. Judy Hughes

Optometrist

My name is Dr. Judy Hughes.  I was born and raised in Livingston, Texas.  I have always felt a strong connection to the East Texas community.  After earning my Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry in 1995, I dedicated my career to helping people maintain their eyesight and overall eye health.  I provide comprehensive eye care, including eye exams, glasses, and contact lens prescriptions with a special focus on preserving vision as the years go by.  My passion lies in holistic approaches to eye health, integrating lifestyle and wellness strategies to support long-term visual well-being.

Beyond optometry, I have a deep appreciation for nature and enjoy spending time outdoors.  I am currently training to become a Texas Master Naturalist, furthering my commitment to conservation and environmental education.  In my free time, I also love visiting my daughter Christina, who lives in Austin and works as a software engineer. 

I look forward to continuing to serve my patients with personalized, compassionate care for years to come.

Dr. Gary Golden

Optometrist

 

If you are looking for a doctor who is genuine and pure in heart, Dr. Gary Golden is truly that.  He is a family man and a great pappy; therefore, he is one of the best doctors for putting small children at ease during their eye exams.  He is a doctor who will listen to your concerns and address them professionally.  You will get top care with Dr. Gary Golden.  Dr. Gary is a Christian man and walks in the love, joy, and peace of the Father.  You will feel a caring, friendly, and easy-going personality.

Dr. Gary Golden has been married for 43 years to Jeanette.  Together they have 3 sons and 5 grandchildren.  Dr. Gary is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and the University of Houston College of Optometry. He has been practicing for 39 years.  Dr. Golden has his own practice in Hemphill, Texas, and recently retired.  He wanted to live his dream of working with his brother Dr. Dixon Golden at Texas State Optical of Nacogdoches.

Dixon Golden

Optometrist

When it comes to something as important and precious as vision, experience makes all the difference in the world.  Dr. Dixon Golden has served the East Texas area for over 49 years.  He is trained in the latest ocular diagnostic and treatment techniques.  He is a Therapeutic Optometrist and an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist.  In addition to providing eye care services at Nacogdoches Texas State Optical, he has lectured extensively to professional organizations.  He is an adjunct associate professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry.  Dr. Golden has been married to his wife, Melody, for over 40 years.  They have 3 children and 2 grandsons.  Dr. Golden is also a deacon for the First Baptist Church of Center. 
Rebecca

Office Manager

My Name is Rebecca.  I am the Office Manager and I am a ABO Certified Optician.  I have worked for Dr Golden for 26 years.  I have been married for 30 years and have 2 daughters and 2 grandbabies.  I love helping people and I find my job very fulfilling.  We have a great staff and I consider them my work family.
Juliet

Head Receptionist

My name is Juliet and I am the Head Receptionist.  I have worked for TSO the past 5 years.  I have a 1 year old son named Jameson.  I enjoy spending time with him, my family and my friends.
Na'Taya

Head Technician

My name is Na'Taya and I have worked at TSO for the past 3 years.  I love my position as Head Technician and all the people I get to work with everyday.
Idalia

Receptionist

Hi, I'm Idalia, and I've been with TSO for over 2 years as a receptionist.  I am married with 2 children, James & Ilena.  In my free time, I enjoy watching K-dramas,  reading and spending quality time with my family. I strive to give patients the best customer service.
Shelley

Optician

My name is Shelley.  Having over 10 years of experience, I joined the TSO Nac family in February 2024.  My main reason was their sincere commitment to patient care while working in a kind and pleasant environment.  Along with spending time with my husband of 25 years, my passions are my fur kids, gardening and arts/crafts.
Monserrat

Receptionist

My name is Monserrat but everyone calls me Monse.  I've worked at TSO a little over a year as a receptionist.  I have learned a lot.  I can't wait to continue to grow here at Texas State Optical.
Ariel

Optician

My name is Ariel.  I am an Optician and have been at TSO for 1 year.  I have been in healthcare for 8 years. I love spending time with my two kids, Alaina and Emilo and my husband, Leo
Samantha

Optician

My name is Samantha.  I am an optician at Texas State Optical.  I joined in October of 2024.  I am grateful to my TSO family for their patience with me as I continue to grow as an optician.  When I'm not at work I am usually reading, playing games with my family, or spending time with my dog.
 
Maci

Optical Manager

Hi, my name is Maci and I am the TSO Optical Manager.  For the past 2 years I've grown into this role, which has allowed me to provide quality care to our patients. My future career plans will always include a strong commitment to our loyal patients.  In my free time, I enjoy taking long walks with my dog Diesel, along with baking and shopping. 
 
Courtney

Scribe

My name is Courtney and I am the scribe for the doctors here at TSO.  I have been working at TSO for 2 years.  I love the staff and I love interacting with our patients every day.
Jessica

Technician

My name is Jessica and I have worked at TSO for 2 years as a Technician.  I've been married to my HS sweetheart for 12 years and we have 3 beautiful children.
Karina

Bilingual Technician

My name is Karina.  I have been a bilingual technician at Texas State Optical for 1 year. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and my fiance.  I look forward to continuing to grow at Texas State Optical.