Susie A. Crittenden Optometry in Chattanooga: Full-Service Eye Care with On-Site Lab
Susie A. Crittenden Optometry is an independent optometry practice offering comprehensive eye exams, eyewear dispensing, and contact lens services in Chattanooga. The office handles routine vision care and corrective lens fitting for patients across the city, with an on-site optical laboratory that can produce glasses quickly without outsourcing to regional labs.
What Susie A. Crittenden Optometry Does
The practice functions as a combined optometry clinic and eyewear retailer, eliminating the step of sending prescriptions elsewhere to fill them. The optometrist conducts standard eye exams to assess vision correction needs and screen for common eye conditions. The on-site lab allows same-day or next-day delivery of glasses in many cases, a significant convenience compared to sending work out. The practice also fits contact lenses and carries a stock of frames in various price ranges, meaning patients can complete both exam and purchase during a single visit.
Services and Pricing
Comprehensive eye exams typically cost $100 to $150, though exact pricing should be confirmed directly. Eyeglass frames range widely depending on material and brand; basic plastic frames start around $60 to $100, while designer or high-end brands run $150 to $300 or more. Lens costs vary by prescription complexity and material (standard plastic, polycarbonate, high-index); single-vision lenses generally cost $80 to $150 per pair, while progressive (no-line bifocal) lenses run $200 to $400. Contact lens exams carry a separate fee from regular eye exams, usually $50 to $80. Most major insurance plans are accepted; patients should confirm coverage before the appointment, as out-of-pocket costs depend on their specific plan.
How It Compares to Other Chattanooga Optometry Options
Susie A. Crittenden Optometry operates as an independent practice, contrasting with larger optical chains and medical eye care centers in the city. Large chains like Lenscrafters and Walmart Vision Centers offer faster frame selection and potentially lower prices on basic eyewear, but they typically send lens work to regional labs, adding 5 to 10 days to delivery times. Smaller independent practices like those within the Chattanooga area offer similar personalized service; the distinguishing factor here is the on-site lab, which cuts turnaround time significantly. If you need glasses urgently or prefer local production, the in-house lab is the key advantage. If you require specialist care beyond optometry (retinal disease, glaucoma management at an advanced level), an eye clinic affiliated with a hospital system like Erlanger or Parkridge may be better suited, though those tend toward longer wait times for routine exams.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
This practice works well for patients seeking straightforward vision correction, frame selection, and quick eyewear production without referrals to outside labs. It suits people with standard prescriptions, astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related focusing difficulty) managed through glasses or contacts. Those with complex medical eye conditions, eye surgery needs, or severe dry eye requiring specialized treatment should expect referral to an ophthalmologist; optometrists are trained to detect these issues but cannot perform surgical procedures. Similarly, if you need urgent same-day eye care for injury or sudden vision loss, an emergency room or urgent care center is the appropriate first step, not an optometry office.
What the First Visit Involves
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete a patient intake form including medical history and current medications. The exam itself lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes a visual acuity test, refraction (determining your prescription), eye pressure measurement, and external and internal eye health assessment. The optometrist will discuss results, explain any findings, and write a prescription if correction is needed. If you are interested in glasses, frame selection and fitting happen immediately afterward. If you choose the on-site lab, lens production and final fitting typically occur within one to three business days; during this time, you can pick up your finished glasses or arrange delivery if offered.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Confirm current hours by phone, as optometry practices sometimes adjust scheduling seasonally. Street or lot parking is typically available near the office; call ahead if you have mobility concerns and need accessible parking information. The practice accepts most major insurance; bring your insurance card and a photo ID. If you do not have an updated prescription and want to purchase contact lenses or glasses, the exam fee will apply on top of product costs.
Susie A. Crittenden Optometry fills a practical niche for Chattanooga residents who want routine eye care and eyewear without the delays of sent-out lab work, making it valuable for people on tight schedules or those who simply prefer local production.
