Our Story
At Hillside Ophthalmology, we believe every patient deserves personalized care that feels like a conversation with a trusted friend.
Joyce Varkey, DO
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Varkey developed an early passion for the pursuit of wholeness in health and a deeper understanding of the connection between health and quality of life. That perspective was shaped by her own childhood experience with an illness that periodically left her disabled. After numerous visits to Western physicians in the 1980s left her feeling worse rather than better, she traveled to India in search of healing through Ayurveda. As she matured, she ultimately found healing through her Christian faith and through a broader understanding of health—one that recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit.
Dr. Varkey believes that true health encompasses the whole person. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, emotional and mental well-being, and spiritual health can all play an important role in a person’s overall wellness.
These convictions are deeply aligned with the principles of osteopathic medicine, which led Dr. Varkey to pursue her medical education at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCUMB). The osteopathic philosophy recognizes four fundamental principles:
1. The body is a unit.
All systems of the body interact and influence one another. A problem in one area can have effects throughout the entire body.
2. The person is a unity of body, mind, and spirit.
Physical health is interconnected with psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
3. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
The human body possesses remarkable mechanisms for recovery, adaptation, and maintaining balance.
4. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
The structure of the body influences how it functions, while impaired function can, in turn, affect its structure.
Today, Dr. Varkey brings this whole-person perspective to her practice of ophthalmology. She especially enjoys the detailed precision and technical expertise required in caring for the eyes. She is committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care while staying current with advances in ophthalmology through continuing medical education and attendance at multiple professional conferences each year.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Varkey treasures time with her family. She enjoys life with her husband, Jacob, their two young boys, and their extended family. Her Christian faith and church community remain an important part of her life.
For Dr. Varkey, medicine is more than treating a particular condition—it is an opportunity to care for the whole person with compassion, precision, and purpose.
Ready to See the World More Clearly?
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Hillside Ophthalmology today and experience expert care tailored to your needs.