BRENHAM’S DR. MARY KATE WALTERS NAMED YOUNG OPTOMETRIST OF THE YEAR

  

Brenham native and practicing optometrist Dr. Mary Kate Walters has been awarded the highest honor for optometrists under the age of 40 in Texas.

Dr. Walters was named by the Texas Optometric Association (TOA) as the 2026 Young Optometrist of the Year.  The TOA says the award recognizes a member who has “demonstrated outstanding leadership at the local, state, or national level; upheld the highest ethical standards of the profession; and reflected credit upon optometry through service, advocacy, and professional excellence.”

Dr. Walters is the owner of VIEW Brenham.  Under her leadership, the practice has expanded services to provide care for patients of all ages, including medical eye disease management, contact lens care, pediatric vision services and surgical co-management. 

Dr. Walters also serves in leadership roles within organized optometry and has been actively involved in state and federal advocacy efforts to protect and expand patient access to eye care.  She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves as a Benedict Professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry, where she mentors future doctors of optometry in clinical excellence and practice leadership. 

Dr. Walters says, “Brenham is home.  Everything I do at the state and national level ultimately strengthens the care we are able to provide right here in our community.”