ASU Trailblazer: Dr. J. Warren Brasher

A native of nearby Robert Lee, Brasher followed his dad, mom, sister, and several aunts and uncles in attending ASU. It was the first step in a journey that ultimately led to him becoming one of the leading eye doctors in West Texas.

Larae Russell Photography “I guess it’s a family tradition,” Brasher said. “I even married an Angelo State grad! I had grown up hearing great stories about how good Angelo State was for my family. I also remember being impressed that Angelo State was always listed among the top schools in the nation for academics in the U.S. News & World Report magazine at the time.”

“I especially enjoyed attending Rams football games,” he added. “My dad, Jody, played football for Angelo State in 1964-68, so I always felt a special attachment to the football program.”

Around all the football games, Brasher took a full course load every semester at ASU and also worked full time to pay for his education on his own. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1995 and had already figured out his chosen medical field.

“In the four years that I attended Angelo State, I worked as an emergency room technician at St. John’s/Concho Valley Regional Hospital in San Angelo,” Brasher said. “During my work there, I was exposed to all disciplines of medicine, and it was there that I found I had a special interest in eyes and ocular health.”

“ASU did an excellent job of providing me the educational base needed to prepare me for my next degree,” he added. “After graduating from Angelo State, I was accepted into several optometry schools and decided to pursue a doctorate in optometry at the University of Houston College of Optometry. Once there, I found that my educational base allowed me to easily excel in my doctoral studies.”

“I just enjoy meeting new people and talking with them about their work and daily lives.”

After earning his doctorate in 1999, Brasher spent a year working in neuro-ophthalmology, seeing patients at MD Anderson Hospital, Baylor Medical Center and Methodist Medical Center in Houston. He then returned to San Angelo to begin private practice, and he is now the therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist at Advanced Eye Care, with offices in San Angelo and Brady.

In his dual role, Brasher specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease and neuro-ophthalmic disease, treatment of glaucoma and retinal disease, and cataract and LASIK eye surgery. And he likes to provide care with a personal touch.

“I just enjoy meeting new people and talking with them about their work and daily lives,” he said.

Away from work, Brasher enjoys carpentry and metal work. He and his wife, Kristi (ASU Class of 2001), have three daughters – Gemma (12), Gia (12) and Melania (10). At their young ages, the Brashers don’t know yet whether their daughters will follow them to Angelo State, but they do attend numerous Rams and Rambelles sporting events together, so there is definitely a chance.

In the meantime, Brasher has a message for prospective students about his family’s alma mater.

“ASU can provide you with a great education and learning environment over a broad spectrum of professional career fields,” he said. “ASU can also help you achieve your goals and succeed in your professional endeavors. It certainly did for me.”