The Best Optometrists in Birchwood, TN
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Birchwood. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. James L. Baird
Baird Family Eyecare
Dr. James Baird operates one of the highest-rated family optometry practices in the Cleveland area, serving Birchwood residents with comprehensive eye care services. The practice is known for its thorough examinations, advanced diagnostic technology, and personalized patient care. Patients consistently praise Dr. Baird's expertise in managing complex eye conditions, his gentle approach with children, and the practice's efficient scheduling. With over three decades of experience, they offer specialized services including myopia control, dry eye management, and emergency eye care with same-day appointments often available.
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Dr. David W. Walde
Walde & Associates Eye Center
Dr. David Walde leads a well-established optometry practice serving the greater Cleveland area including Birchwood. The practice is recognized for its comprehensive eye health evaluations and management of ocular diseases. Patients highlight the practice's modern equipment, extensive frame selection, and staff professionalism. Dr. Walde specializes in fitting complex contact lens cases including multifocal and toric lenses, and provides co-management for cataract and LASIK surgeries. The practice maintains strong relationships with local ophthalmologists for specialized referrals when needed.
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Dr. Christopher J. Totherow
Cleveland Eye Care
Cleveland Eye Care provides advanced optometric services to the Birchwood community with a focus on medical eye care and vision therapy. Dr. Totherow and his team are particularly noted for their expertise in managing diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. The practice features state-of-the-art diagnostic technology including retinal imaging and visual field testing. Patients consistently commend the thorough explanations of eye health conditions, friendly staff, and the practice's ability to handle complex medical eye cases while maintaining a comfortable, patient-centered environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Birchwood, TN?
Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or your primary care doctor in the Birchwood area. You can also search online directories like the American Optometric Association's doctor locator, filtering for Birchwood, TN. Checking reviews on platforms like Google or Facebook for local practices, such as those serving the Birchwood and surrounding Meigs County communities, is very helpful. Many Birchwood residents also find trusted eye doctors in nearby larger towns like Cleveland or Athens, which are a short drive away.
What specific eye care services should I look for in a Birchwood optometry practice?
Look for a practice that offers comprehensive eye exams, which are essential for detecting vision changes and eye health issues. Given Birchwood's proximity to Watts Bar Lake and outdoor activities, services like sports vision assessments, prescription sunglasses, and dry eye management (common in changing Tennessee seasons) are valuable. Also, ensure they provide fittings for contact lenses and glasses, and can manage conditions like glaucoma or cataracts, with referrals to specialists in Chattanooga or Knoxville if needed.
Do optometrists in Birchwood accept my vision or medical insurance?
Insurance acceptance varies by practice. Most optometrists in and around Birchwood accept major medical insurance (like BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Medicare) and vision plans (such as VSP or EyeMed). It's crucial to call the specific office ahead of your appointment to verify they are in-network with your plan. Some smaller, independent practices in the area may also offer affordable self-pay options or payment plans for those without insurance.
What is the typical cost of an eye exam with an optometrist in the Birchwood area?
Without insurance, a comprehensive eye exam in the Birchwood area typically ranges from $80 to $150, depending on the complexity of the exam and the specific practice. Contact lens fittings usually cost an additional $50 to $100. Prices may be slightly higher at practices with advanced diagnostic technology. For the most accurate and current pricing, contact local offices directly, as costs can vary between independent optometrists in Birchwood and larger optical chains in nearby cities.
How far in advance do I need to book an appointment with an optometrist in Birchwood, TN?
For routine eye exams, it's advisable to schedule 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially for popular times like after-school hours or Saturdays. Due to the smaller number of optometry practices directly in Birchwood, appointment availability can be limited. For urgent issues (like sudden vision changes or eye injuries), most local practices will try to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments. Consider looking at optometrists in neighboring communities like Georgetown or Cleveland for potentially more flexible scheduling options.