FORT HOOD, Texas  –   For many patients, visiting the eye clinic is about more than just updating a prescription. It can mean restoring sight, improving quality of life, and regaining independence.

At Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, the ophthalmology team works together to deliver that care for Soldiers, family members, and retirees.

Maj. Brandon F. Harris, chief ophthalmologist at CRDAMC, has spent more than a decade practicing medicine, including the past seven years caring for patients at the hospital.

"I have been a doctor for 11 years and have been practicing ophthalmology at CRDAMC for seven years," Harris said.

While advanced medical care is critical, Harris believes personal connections play an equally important role in the patient experience.

"One simple thing I have found to be very positive for patient care is displaying photos of my family in my exam room," he said. "It shows my patients that I am not just a doctor but also a father and a spouse."

Those small touches help make the exam room more welcoming, giving patients something familiar to focus on while he reviews their information.

Harris said these personal details often spark conversation and help patients feel seen as individuals.

"My patients love asking about my boys and what trouble they have been getting into lately," he said.

Listening carefully and remembering details about patients can make a meaningful difference during appointments, Harris said.

"Listening is important. Making eye contact is important. Body language matters," Harris said. "Patients love it when you ask them specific, pointed questions about their lives."

One patient noted, "Outstanding staff and service, they explained all procedures before they did them. I had a great visit with Dr. Harris."

These conversations reinforce that patients are more than just appointments on a schedule.

"This shows that you remember them as a person rather than just another patient," Harris said.

Harris said patient care in the clinic is a team effort that includes staff across multiple roles.

"I am very honored that our patients appreciate the care we provide here at CRDAMC," Harris said. "I am a part of a team, and my team deserves most of the credit."

One patient echoed that sentiment, writing, "Great support staff. Extremely professional, knowledgeable, and helpful."

He said the clinic relies on a wide range of professionals to support patients throughout their visit.

"We are blessed to have wonderful medical support assistants who check in our patients, as well as technicians, Soldiers, and nurses who help screen and test them," Harris said. "We are blessed to have three gifted expert surgeons in our clinic who are all supported by our team."

Highlighting the coordination required for surgical care, Harris added, "Our operating room logistics team, nurses, and scrub techs are great and are critical to all our surgeries. It takes years of training to become an eye surgeon and more time to become an expert."

Another patient reflected on that teamwork: "Everyone in the office is outstanding."

"We strive to provide Soldiers and patients with the very best care," Harris added. "Our surgeries have a very high success rate and high satisfaction."

For Harris, the most rewarding moments often come after a successful surgery or treatment.

"There is nothing better than seeing our patients regain their sight," Harris said. "I've seen patients cry tears of joy, give bear hugs, and even sing their favorite hymns after getting their vision back."

He said caring for Soldiers and their families carries special meaning, and that when patients leave the clinic, he hopes they feel valued and supported.

"Soldiers and their families have made sacrifices for our country, it is a privilege to provide top-notch ophthalmic care to them," Harris said. "I hope they know that their country values their sacrifice, and one way to show our gratitude for their service is providing free, world-class eye care."