J. FRANKLIN HOWELL, JR., M.D.

Board of Ophthalmology
Fellow: American Academy of Ophthalmology
Founding Member: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Member: Texas Ophthalmological Association., Texas Medical Association, Potter-Randall County Medical Society, Past President of Potter-Randall County Medical Society

INFORMATION ABOUT DR. HOWELL

Dr. Howell is the middle child of three children whose father was a family doctor who practiced in a small ranching community in southwest Texas. He grew up there graduating from Sonora High School in 1951.  He matriculated to Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana where he attended the School of Arts & Science entering the School of Medicine after three years. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955 & a Medical degree in 1958.

Dr. Howell studied Ophthalmology post graduate of medical school at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He served two years as a Captain in the US Air Force at Wilford Hall USAF Hospital in San Antonio, Texas where he was a staff Ophthalmologist and an instructor in the residency program.

He moved to Amarillo, Texas in July 1964 to practice with the group of Striet, Murphy, Alpar & Taylor. He opened a solo practice in September 1984 at his present address. He has been an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology with Texas Tech Health Science Center (Medical School) since 1973.

He practiced general ophthalmology with an emphasis on cataract surgery until refractive surgery became a procedure with promise and reduced risk. In 1985 he began to perform radial keratotomy surgery (RK) in Amarillo and has combined refractive surgery in his practice since. When Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) using the Excimer laser for correcting nearsightedness (myopia) was approved in 1995 he became certified to perform this surgery. When the LASIK procedure seemed a safe operation, he became certified to perform this in January 1998. He now performs LASIK & PRK on patients with hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism who wish to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses to see clearly in the distance. RK is rarely performed at this time.

He still practices general ophthalmology with emphasis now on refractive & cataract surgery. He sees patients for routine eye examinations as well as any needed surgical or disease treatment.

He is a fellow (member) of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Diplomat (board certified) of the American Board of Ophthalmology, founding member of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, past president and member of the Potter-Randall County Medical Society, member of the Texas Ophthalmological Association, member of the Texas Medical Association.

Dr. Howell attends meetings and courses regularly in order to keep abreast of the latest innovations in ophthalmology which he might incorporate in his practice. This is so his patients will have the latest diagnostic information, treatments, and surgical procedures available. In addition to LASIK & PRK refractive surgery, he is also well qualified to treat the full spectrum of eye disorders, including:

• Cataract removal
• Corneal transplants
• Repair of eye muscles, tear sacs and eyelids
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Macular degeneration

Dr Howell has recently been chosen to 2007 edition of The Global Directory of Who’s Who for his leadership, dedication, & knowledge of his profession.  He has also been selected as one of America’s Top Ophthalmologists in 2007 for the fifth year in a row.

Dr. Howell is married to the former Lynn Spradling Baker since 1977.  He is the father of four children, three sons & one daughter.  His oldest son, Jack, practices Law in Amarillo with the Sprouse Law Firm having three children of his own with his wife, Kerry.  Another of his sons, Clemmons, lives in Amarillo with his wife, Becky.  The youngest son, Henry, lives in the San Francisco Bay area working in the music industry.  Lesley, his daughter who has three children of her own is studying for her Masters Degree in English at Texas Tech University at the present time.  He regularly attends St Andrew's Episcopal Church serving as an usher & lay reader in the services.  His hobbies are photography, playing on the computer, bird hunting & golf.