Cornea-trained surgeon.
Dr. Shehz has specific training in CXL, CTAK, and keratoconus management.
CORNEA CARE
Corneal cross-linking near Richardson halts keratoconus early.
If keratoconus or corneal ectasia has been diagnosed in Richardson, FDA-approved cross-linking can halt progression — performed by Dr. Shehz, a cornea-trained surgeon 15 minutes north in Plano.
- 20/Happy Patient Guarantee
- Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, Board-Certified
- Aftercare included
- FSA/HSA + 0% APR financing
- 5.0★Google rating · 92 reviews
- FDA-approvedCorneal cross-linking
- ~15 minFrom Richardson via US-75
- One surgeonDiagnosis through treatment
Why Richardson patients come north for CXL
A keratoconus diagnosis raises one urgent question. Who has the corneal expertise to act on it?
Proximity to UT Dallas and the corporate corridor gives Richardson a younger-than-average keratoconus population — students, graduate researchers, and young professionals whose moving prescriptions or contact lens intolerance finally led to a topographic diagnosis.
Cross-linking uses riboflavin and UV light to strengthen the collagen bonds in a weakening cornea, halting the cone-shaped distortion. For many patients it preserves enough corneal integrity to avoid a transplant and keep functional vision with specialty contact lenses.
Dr. Shehz is a cornea-trained surgeon performing FDA-approved CXL at our Plano facility, about 15 minutes north on US-75. The consultation includes corneal topography, pachymetry, and an assessment of progression, which together decide whether CXL is appropriate now or whether monitoring is the right call. We accept referrals from Richardson optometrists directly, send reports back, and coordinate ongoing care.
Keratoconus is time-sensitive. The earlier CXL happens, the more corneal structure survives it.
Diagnostic-first evaluation.
Topography and pachymetry determine whether CXL is needed now — not every case requires immediate intervention.
Full-spectrum cornea care.
CXL, CTAK, and specialty lenses are all available at the same practice.
Beyond drops
Your cornea is weakening. Cross-linking can stop the damage.
Keratoconus thins and distorts the cornea progressively. Without intervention, it can lead to corneal transplant. Cross-linking strengthens the collagen structure and halts progression.
The decision to proceed depends on documented progression. Our evaluation includes the topography, pachymetry, and clinical assessment needed to determine timing.
Treatment optionsHalt progression Reshape without transplant See clearly now
Medical-grade treatment for what drops can't fix.
The right treatment depends on the root cause — meibomian gland dysfunction, aqueous deficiency, corneal irregularity, or a combination. Diagnostics come first; the plan follows.
Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)
FDA-approved treatment that uses riboflavin and UV light to strengthen collagen bonds in the cornea, stopping keratoconus and other ectasia from worsening.
CTAK (Corneal Tissue Addition)
A custom-shaped donor-tissue inlay placed inside your cornea to round the keratoconus cone back toward its natural shape — less invasive than a full corneal transplant.
Specialty Contact Lenses
Scleral and rigid gas-permeable lenses can restore functional vision while cross-linking stabilizes the cornea — often the bridge between diagnosis and long-term stability.
Getting here
The drive is the easy part.
The route
US-75 north — about 15 minutes from central Richardson. Ground floor with free parking.
The address
8080 Independence Pkwy, Suite 155
Plano, TX 75025
The visits
A cornea consultation includes topographic mapping — about 60–90 minutes. CXL is an outpatient procedure at our Plano facility.
Open Monday–Friday 8:00–5:00 and Saturday 9:00–3:00, with English- and Spanish-speaking staff. Questions before booking? Call 214-972-2020 and a human answers.
FAQ
Questions patients ask, answered straight.
Don't see your question? Call 214-972-2020 or book a visit and ask Dr. Shehz directly.
What is corneal cross-linking?
An FDA-approved procedure using riboflavin and UV light to strengthen a weakening cornea. It halts keratoconus progression.How far is Plano from Richardson?
About 15 minutes on US-75. Free parking, ground floor.Is cross-linking covered by insurance?
Most medical plans cover FDA-approved CXL for progressive keratoconus. We verify benefits before scheduling.I'm a UT Dallas student. Can I be seen?
Yes. We see patients of all ages. Keratoconus often presents in young adults, and early CXL preserves the most corneal integrity.What happens after cross-linking?
The cornea stabilizes over weeks to months. Scleral lenses or glasses optimize vision once stable.Can cross-linking restore my vision?
CXL halts progression. For reshaping, CTAK or specialty lenses may be appropriate after stabilization.
Still have questions?
Talk to our team, no pressure, no sales pitch. We answer the question, not the upsell.
Other options
Need more than stabilization? CTAK can reshape without a transplant.
If cross-linking stabilizes but doesn't correct your vision, CTAK tissue addition can reshape the cornea.
Related reading
Keep researching, on your terms.
Cost, safety, candidacy — the questions patients actually ask, answered in plain English in our patient education library.
- Cornea6 min read
Corneal Cross-Linking Recovery: Epi-Off vs. Epi-On
A protocol-specific CXL recovery guide for Plano keratoconus patients, including epi-off and epi-on differences, vision changes, follow-up, and warning signs.
Read article - Patient Guide7 min read
Do I Need CXL for Keratoconus?
Learn how serial corneal maps, thickness, age, documented progression, specialty lenses, and treatment protocol determine when CXL should be considered.
Read article - Patient Guide6 min read
CTAK for Keratoconus: Before Corneal Transplant
Learn when CTAK donor-tissue reshaping may be considered for selected stable keratoconus and how it differs from CXL, specialty lenses, and corneal transplant.
Read article - Affordability7 min read
Corneal Cross-Linking Cost and Insurance
CXL cost and coverage depend on keratoconus progression, corneal maps, insurance authorization, deductible status, treatment protocol, and the written estimate.
Read article - Procedures5 min read
Can I Get LASIK With a Thin Cornea?
Learn how corneal thickness and tomography affect LASIK candidacy and when PRK, EVO ICL, SMILE, CXL-first care, or monitoring may be safer.
Read article - Education6 min read
Told You Are Not a LASIK Candidate? You Still Have Options
A LASIK rejection does not end the discussion. Learn how the reason - corneal shape, thickness, prescription, dry eye, or age - guides safer alternatives.
Read article - Patient Guide5 min read
PRK With Dry Eyes and Thin Corneas
PRK with dry eyes in Plano: how tear-film stability, MGD, thin corneas, and EVO ICL alternatives affect laser vision correction candidacy.
Read article
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Keratoconus doesn't wait. Neither should you.
A cornea consultation determines whether cross-linking is the right step. About 15 minutes from Richardson. Call 214-972-2020 or book online.
- 7,000+
- Surgeries by Dr. Shehz
- 2×
- Board-certified
- 1
- Surgeon. Every case.
- 5★
- Patient-rated on Google
- 20/Happy Patient Guarantee
- Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, Board-Certified
- Aftercare included
- FSA/HSA + 0% APR financing