Ophthalmologist in Aurora, CO
Decades of
Comprehensive
Vision Care
- Emergency Eye Care Available
- Optometrist + Ophthalmologist On-Site
- LASIK, Cataracts & Beyond
- Part of the Hines-Sight Family
Experiencing an
Eye Emergency?
- Eye injury or foreign object
- Sudden flashes of light or floaters
- Sudden vision loss or blurring
- Eye pain, redness, or swelling
WHY PATIENTS CHOOSE BURCHAM
Some things only come with decades of doing it right. Burcham Eyecare Center has built its reputation on the name of a surgeon Aurora has trusted for 50 years. We are backed by a full team, emergency availability, and the kind of comprehensive care that means you never have to look elsewhere.
Emergency Eye Care, Ready Now
When something goes wrong with your vision, you can't wait weeks. Burcham Eyecare is one of the few Aurora practices that offers emergency eye care so you get seen when it actually matters.
50 Years of
Trusted Eye Care
Dr. James Burcham has been Aurora's go-to ophthalmologist for decades. Patients follow him for years (sometimes 25 or more) because board-certified surgical expertise and genuine care for your vision are hard to find in one place.
One office, Every Level of Care
From routine exams to complex surgery, our optometrist and board-certified ophthalmologist handle it all in-house. No referrals, no runaround, just the right care at the right time.
Why Patients
Give Us 5 Stars
Our Doctors
James Russell Burcham, MD
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
Dr. James Russell Burcham specializes in medical and surgical treatment of the eye. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Colorado Medical Society, Colorado Society of Eye Surgeons, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In 1975, he earned his medical degree at the University of Missouri Medical School. Dr. Burcham received both academic and clinical honors upon his graduation. In the years since, he has dedicated himself to remaining up-to-date with the latest techniques and advancements through postgraduate courses.
Justin Coco, DO
Medical Director
Dr. Justin Coco has performed comprehensive ophthalmology services including subspecialty rotations in retina, glaucoma, oculoplastics, pediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology, and cornea. Dr. Coco received his undergraduate degree in 2000 at the University of Iowa and his medical degree at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2006. He also earned board certification in osteopathic ophthalmology. He focuses on refractive surgery and cataract surgery.
Tessa Lau, OD
Optometrist
Tessa Lau, O.D., originally from St. Louis, MO, attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a dual bachelor's in health sciences and biology. She then went on to attend Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN, where she not only graduated Summa Cum Laude but also received an outstanding leadership award for her hard work and dedication to scope expansion in optometry. She served as SCO’s Student Government President and sat on the Board of Trustees as the student representative.
From Insurance to Financing
Patients Can Use Multiple Payment Options
Burcham Eyecare Center wants to improve how you see the world. That's why we accept multiple forms of payment, such as:
- Medical and vision insurance
- CareCredit® financing
- Major credit cards
- Cash
- Checks
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds
We can help you figure out your financing and verify if we accept your insurance. Got questions?
Conditions We Treat
At Burcham Eyecare Center, our Aurora eye doctors are trained to treat a wide range of eye problems and conditions. These include:
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when your cornea or lens is irregularly curved, causing blurry vision, eye strain, and headaches. It often accompanies nearsightedness or farsightedness. Glasses and contacts can correct your focus, and LASIK can reshape the cornea to permanently reduce or eliminate your dependence on corrective eyewear.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of your eye. As you age, the chance of developing cataracts rises. During regular appointments, we can monitor your eyes and offset the early effects of cataracts with glasses. Eventually, most patients require surgery to restore vision. We offer several premium intraocular lenses (IOLs).
Conjunctivitis
Pink eye develops when the membrane covering your eye becomes inflamed from a virus or bacteria. Symptoms include redness, itching, and a crusty discharge. It spreads easily, so wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes. Antibiotic drops or antivirals can shorten your contagious period.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes cause discomfort, light sensitivity, and difficulty wearing contacts. The condition can stem from many causes, including screen use, medications, or environmental factors. Our team can identify the root cause and recommend effective relief options, from prescription drops to more advanced in-office treatments.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration causes gradual vision loss, producing blurry or dark spots and distorted color perception. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and heart disease. While the condition is irreversible, early detection gives us the best tools to slow its progression and protect your remaining vision.
Retinopathy
Retinopathy results from damage to the retina caused by high blood pressure or high blood sugar. Both hypertensive and diabetic retinopathy can lead to serious vision loss or blindness if untreated. Routine visits and diabetic eye exams are essential, and surgical treatment options are available when needed.
Complete Services Available
at Burcham Eyecare
Our Aurora eye care practice offers a wide variety of services:
- Blepharitis
- Excisions
- Eye injuries
- Emergency eye care
- Cataracts
- Pterygium
- Contact lenses
- Contact lenses for dry eyes
- Contact lens exams
- Clear lens extractions
- Eye and vision exams
- Eye surgery
- Glaucoma
- Keratoconus
- LASIK eye surgery
- Lazy eye
- Macular degeneration
- Dry eye treatment
- Family eye care
- Sunglasses
- Sports vision
- Prescription glasses
- Computer vision treatment
Ophthalmologists vs. Optometrists
What’s the Difference?
| Ophthalmologist | Optometrist | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in eye and vision care and can perform medical and surgical treatment. | Doctor of Optometry (OD) trained to examine eyes, diagnose and manage many eye diseases, and prescribe glasses and contact lenses. |
| Undergraduate degree | 4 years | 4 years |
| Graduate degree | 4 years (medical school) | 4 years (optometry school) |
| Doctorate | MD or DO degree | OD degree |
| Postgraduate Training | 4-year residency in ophthalmology (1 year internship + 3 years ophthalmology). Many also complete 1–2 years of fellowship training. | No residency required |
| Diagnose eye problems and diseases |  | |
| Conduct routine eye exams | | |
| Prescribe glasses and contact lenses | | |
| Prescribe eye medications | | (Scope may vary slightly by state) |
| Perform eye surgery (cataract, glaucoma, LASIK) | |  |
| Treat complex eye diseases and conditions | | (Manages many conditions; refers when surgery or specialized care is needed) |
Both ophthalmologists and optometrists play vital roles in protecting your vision and ocular health. At Burcham Eyecare Center, they often work together to ensure you receive the right care at the right time.
