By Dee Leone
When Dr. Matthew Adams opened Texas Macula & Retina in Plano, he wanted more than just a state-of-the-art medical practice. He also wanted a place where patients felt seen, understood and genuinely cared for — not rushed through a system that too often forgets the patient behind the pathology.
“I think modern medicine has become cold,” he laments. “Too often, you hear stories of patients who wait three hours to see the doctor for three minutes. That’s not the case here. At Texas Macula & Retina (TM&R), the patient experience is a top priority.”
That philosophy has helped the clinic grow faster than anyone expected. What began as a dream became a thriving practice serving patients across North Texas in less than two years by customizing care to meet unique individual needs and schedules. For instance, TM&R is the only retina specialty practice in the Metroplex offering Saturday appointments — a small but meaningful way to accommodate patients who can’t afford to miss work or school.
As Adams explains, the clinic operates on what he calls the “Triple A” standard — availability, affability and ability.“These are the qualities that define us.”
Where vision meets precision
A board-certified ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon, Dr. Adams specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment repair, and age-related macular degeneration — the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older Americans. His credentials are matched only by his personal commitment to excellence.
“The thing that I want to impress on all my patients is that when you come here, you’re going to get the best quality care, the best technology, and the best treatment options,” he says. “You’ll understand what’s happening, so you don’t have to be afraid.”
A Grapevine native, Dr. Adams earned his bachelor’s degree in biomedical science from Texas A&M University, graduating summa cum laude in just 3 years. He went on to receive his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, then completed his ophthalmology residency at the college’s world-renowned Cullen Eye Institute. A fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery followed at the Mayo Clinic, where he also served as Instructor of Ophthalmology. Along the way, he added an MBA from Rice University, earning the prestigious Owl Award for leadership and scholarship.
Adams’ career has included more than 25 clinical trials advancing treatments for retinal disease. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists.
Putting patients first
From design to staffing, everything about TM&R reflects Dr. Adams’ patient-centered approach. The waiting area feels more like a futuristic coffee shop than a clinic, with soft natural lighting and a welcoming atmosphere. Front-desk staff greets every visitor by name, and each patient leaves with a full understanding of their diagnosis and treatment plan.
“It means a lot to patients that we take all the time they need to make sense of everything,” Adams says, “and that makes people feel safe.”
It’s also not uncommon for patients and physicians alike to express surprise when they reach him directly after hours. “Many referring providers have my personal cell phone number,” he adds. “When you have an issue with your retina, time is vision.”
That level of access and care has earned Texas Macula & Retina a devoted patient base and steady referrals from Optometrists and Ophthalmologists across the region. Adams often says his top customer is the referring provider, whose trust he works hard to earn with every glowing report. Further, he has been awarded Living Well Magazine’s “Top Doc” honor in both his first and second years of practice — an accolade determined by votes from the magazine’s readers and rarely achieved in a physician’s first year.
Building something bigger than himself
Dr. Adams says the name Texas Macula & Retina was deliberate. The clinic doesn’t bear his name — a choice rooted in humility and teamwork. “This is about serving people, not building an ego,” he says. The practice was designed to outlast its founder, becoming a trusted regional destination for retinal care.
Building the clinic demanded uncommon grit and sacrifice. While waiting for construction to be completed, Adams took on temporary work to help cover payroll for his associates. He later reflected that the experience was exactly what he needed to stay grounded and focused on his purpose.
Those lessons in humility continue to shape how he leads his team. From the office manager who relocated from Wisconsin to his lead technician who moved from Florida, everyone shares a sense of purpose that transcends titles. The staff’s camaraderie shows in every patient interaction — a culture of warmth, precision and mutual respect.
A visionary approach to science
Behind the personal connection lies an unwavering commitment to clinical innovation. Dr. Adams spends much of his time studying medical journals and participating in research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with advanced retinal disease.
In 2026, the practice will expand to Prosper with a new clinic offering access to emerging gene therapy trials — treatments that could transform how doctors approach inherited retinal diseases. It’s a monumental step that reflects Adams’ dual priorities: scientific advancement and patient accessibility.
“Our mission is to give patients options they can’t find anywhere else,” he says. “We’re building a place where cutting-edge technology meets compassion.”
A light in the community
For Adams, service doesn’t stop at the clinic door. He also partners with Texas Native Health, an Urban Indian Organization that provides accessible and culturally sensitive care for Native American communities across Texas. Together, they are launching a free eye-care program for underserved families — an initiative that reflects both his medical expertise and his commitment to equitable care.
A man of deep faith, Adams considers his work a calling. “I know I’m on this earth to serve people,” he says with quiet conviction. That sense of purpose extends to his patients, many of them older adults who don’t always receive the attention they deserve. “I want to be a light for my patients,” he adds.
To that end, a verse from Mark 8:25 displayed on the clinic wall serves as daily inspiration for both doctor and clients: “His eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.”
An eye toward balance — and the future
Colleagues describe Dr. Adams as both exacting and approachable — a rare hybrid in a field defined by rigorous objectivity and precision. Whether reviewing imaging results or coaching new technicians, Adams balances accuracy and empathy in equal measure.
Between surgeries, patient visits and research, Adams still makes time to exercise daily and maintain a sense of equilibrium — no small feat for one who admittedly forgets to “stop and smell the roses.” Though he gave up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to protect his hands, the discipline continues to shape his core values of focus, respect and relentless improvement. He now channels that same intensity into scuba diving, skydiving and performing as a percussionist — pursuits that remind him to stay present, breathe deeply and find rhythm beyond the operating room.
Looking ahead, Dr. Adams envisions a bold future for Texas Macula & Retina. A future where innovation and compassion join forces to help change the face of modern medicine. A future guided, above all, by a calling to serve with skill, compassion and purpose.
Texas Macula & Retina
6843 Communications Pkwy., Suite 810
Plano, Texas 75024
(972) 440-2020
