Meet the incredible Doctors at First Eye Care Central Texas

Larry E. Kocian, Jr., O.D.

Dr. Larry E Kocian, Jr. attended the University of Houston College of Optometry, earning the Doctor of Optometry degree in 2017. Dr. Kocian completed undergraduate studies at Baylor University where he obtained the Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Forensic Science and a minor in Anthropology. During his time at the University of Houston, Dr. Kocian earned academic recognition as a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society and recognition of leadership and service as a member of the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society.

Michael Reyes, O.D.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Dr. Reyes received his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University in 1998 and obtained his optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2004. Dr. Reyes served as an active duty Air Force optometrist from 2004-2007 and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserves where he serves as Chief of Optometry for the 489th Aerospace Medicine Flight, Dyess AFB, Texas.

After working in The Woodlands, Plano, and San Antonio from 2007-2010, Dr. Reyes moved to Belton in 2010 to join Belton Eye Care Center and later founded Enlighten Vision & Eye Care in Copperas Cove in 2015 prior to merging his practice with Dr. Lucas and First Eye Care in August 2018.

Michelle Ma, O.D.

Dr. Ma was raised in Houston, Texas where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from the University of Houston. She continued her studies at the University of Houston College of Optometry where she received her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2016. While in school, she was selected to be a member of the Optometric Honor Society and a teacher’s assistant.

Thomas A. Lucas, Jr., O.D.

Dr. Thomas A. Lucas Jr. was raised in Houston, Texas, and from an early age was interested in science studies. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University where he majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. In 2006, he received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Dr. Lucas is licensed by the Texas Optometry Board as a Therapeutic Optometrist and an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist. He takes pride in providing Central Texas with the highest levels of eye care at our Killeen and Salado locations. Caring for his patients’ eye health and vision is his highest professional priority.

John Branch, M.D.

John William Branch, M.D. was raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the east Tennessee town of Kingsport. He grew up playing baseball and football, as well as hiking along the Appalachian Trail and the several national parks of the area. He obtained his bachelor’s degree at Clemson University where he was an active Young Life leader and assistant football coach of the area’s high school football team.

Sean Paul, M.D.

Dr. Sean Paul grew up in South Texas. After graduating near the top of his class, he was accepted into the highly prestigious Business Honors Program (BHP) at The University of Texas at Austin. During college, he was named Student of the Year by the Cactus Yearbook and awarded Outstanding Business Senior upon graduation.

David Z. Gay, M.D.

Dr. David Gay decided to become a surgeon at the age of eight. During his high school years he began doing rotations in hospitals and scrubbing in to observe surgeries first hand. As soon as he was eighteen he trained as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). He did his undergraduate training at the University of Utah successfully completing a double major in Exercise Physiology and German Literature.