Marlen Mata, O.D.
Ocular Disease & Dry Eye Optometrist in San Antonio .
Therapeutic Optometrist & Optometric Glaucoma Specialist
Dr. Marlen Mata is a residency-trained therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist serving patients in San Antonio, Texas. She is passionate about medical eye care, ocular disease management, and providing thoughtful, patient-centered solutions for complex vision and eye health conditions.
Originally from Georgia, Dr. Mata has proudly called San Antonio home since 2012. Her journey into optometry began during a high school visit to Dialogue in the Dark, an immersive exhibition designed to help participants experience the world without sight. That experience sparked her commitment to protecting and preserving vision.
Dr. Mata earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with Honors from The University of Texas at San Antonio before completing her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry. She then advanced her clinical expertise by completing a highly competitive Ocular Disease and Glaucoma Residency at a Veterans Affairs medical center in Illinois, where she received extensive training in managing complex eye conditions.
Dr. Mata has advanced training in diagnosing and managing:
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic eye disease
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Dry eye disease
- Ocular surface disease
- Retinal pathology
Her residency background gives her deep experience in medical optometry, allowing her to confidently manage both chronic and acute eye conditions.
As part of the medical team at Sitterle Vision Source & Dry Eye Center, Dr. Mata works closely with patients suffering from:
- Chronic dry eye
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
- Ocular inflammation
- Recurrent styes and chalazia
She believes dry eye is often underdiagnosed and undertreated and is committed to helping patients find lasting relief through comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans.
Dr. Mata remains actively involved in the profession as a member of the American Optometric Association and the Texas Optometric Association. She is dedicated to staying current with advancements in ocular disease management and evidence-based treatment strategies.
Outside the office, she enjoys running, crocheting, and spending time with her Sphynx cat, Nori.
“This was my first visit, and I was pleasantly surprised! I was greeted with a smile, helped immediately. Each person I spoke to or worked with told me what they were doing and what would happen at each machine. Sitterle Vision Source has up-to-date equipment, which makes your exam that much easier. The doctor (Mata) was wonderful, throughout the exam, she was explaining everything to me and made sure I understood everything. Finally, they have an incredible number of designer glasses to choose from, so you are sure to find the pair perfect for you. My visit was great, we will make Sitterle our go-to for eye exams from now on.” ~Richard W.