Bencho Stephen Jr, OD in Chattanooga: Full-Service Optometry with On-Site Eyewear Lab

Dr. Bencho Stephen Jr runs an independent optometry practice that combines comprehensive eye exams with an in-house optical lab, allowing patients to receive prescriptions and finished eyeglasses on the same day. The practice sits on Gunbarrel Road near the center of Chattanooga and serves patients across a range of vision needs, from routine refractive care to management of chronic eye conditions.

What Bencho Stephen Jr, OD actually is

This is a full-scope optometry clinic operated by a single practitioner. Unlike franchise or corporate chain optometries, the practice handles exams and eyewear dispensing under one roof, without routing prescriptions to external labs or commercial partners. Patients can see Dr. Stephen for new-patient exams, contact lens fittings, dry eye evaluation, glaucoma screening, and management of diabetic eye disease. Eyeglasses are made on-site, cutting the typical two-week wait to hours.

Services and pricing

Dr. Stephen performs standard comprehensive eye exams, which typically include refraction (determining prescription strength), intraocular pressure testing, visual field screening, and dilated retinal exam. Exam fees run between $120 and $175 depending on complexity and whether imaging (optical coherence tomography, or OCT) is included; confirm current pricing directly. Contact lens fitting carries a separate charge of $50 to $75 on top of the exam fee, and includes trial lenses and follow-up evaluation.

Eyeglasses are priced competitively with larger chain optometries. Standard single-vision frames and lenses typically start at $150 to $250 for basic frames and plastic lenses, and climb to $400 to $600 for designer frames or advanced lens options (progressive bifocals, high-index materials, or coatings). The on-site lab advantage means no shipping delays; most orders are ready within 24 hours.

Most insurance plans, including VSP, EyeMed, and Aetna vision coverage, are accepted. Confirm your plan's coverage before your visit; many vision plans cover one exam per year and provide a fixed eyewear allowance ($100 to $150 typical) that applies directly to frame and lens purchases.

How it compares to other Chattanooga optometries

Dr. Stephen's practice differs meaningfully from larger optometry chains like Pearle Vision or LensCrafters, which operate on a franchise model with centralized labs. Those chains offer greater frame selection, extended hours, and walk-in availability but typically send eyeglasses orders to remote fulfillment centers, extending delivery to 7 to 10 days. For patients prioritizing same-day or next-day turnaround on glasses, Dr. Stephen's on-site lab is the decisive advantage.

Independent optometries in Chattanooga, such as those affiliated with local independent eye care centers, vary widely in their lab capability and scope. Some rely on external labs; others maintain in-house capability comparable to Dr. Stephen's. The key difference is that Dr. Stephen's single-doctor practice means more consistent care continuity and often shorter appointment waits than multi-doctor groups, but less flexibility in scheduling emergency appointments outside posted hours.

Hospital-affiliated optometry clinics, including those within Erlanger Health System or Parkridge, integrate ophthalmology referral pathways more tightly and may be preferable if you have a history of retinal disease or glaucoma requiring frequent specialist coordination. Dr. Stephen does not employ an on-site ophthalmologist but maintains referral relationships for surgical or advanced cases.

Who it suits and who it does not

Choose Dr. Stephen's practice if you prioritize convenience, local continuity, same-day eyeglasses, or a low-pressure, independent optometry experience. The on-site lab is particularly useful if you need glasses quickly, have a high prescription that benefits from customized lens options, or simply prefer not waiting weeks for delivery.

This practice may not be ideal for patients requiring extensive frame selection (luxury designer brands or hard-to-stock specialty frames are less likely in stock than at larger chains) or those who need evening or weekend hours. The practice operates standard weekday hours with limited Saturday availability, so patients with inflexible work schedules may find greater convenience at chain optometries offering extended hours.

What the first visit involves

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete a health history and vision questionnaire. Dr. Stephen will perform a refraction to determine your current prescription, use a tonometer to measure eye pressure, review your retinal health with dilated eye drops (plan for 2 to 3 hours of blur after the visit), and discuss findings. If you are a new contact lens wearer or need a refitting, trial lenses are inserted during the exam.

After the exam, you will review eyeglass options with the optician. Frames are displayed in-house; if your prescription is straightforward, lenses can be ordered into the lab and ready the next business day. More complex prescriptions (very high myopia, progressive lenses) or special coatings may require 24 to 48 hours.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The practice is located on Gunbarrel Road, with ample parking directly adjacent. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with limited Saturday availability (typically one Saturday per month). Call ahead to confirm the current Saturday schedule. There is no walk-in availability; appointments are required and typically available within 3 to 7 days for routine exams.

Dr. Stephen's on-site lab and same-day eyewear capability set it apart in a Chattanooga market dominated by chain optometries and hospital-affiliated clinics. For patients who value consistency with a single provider and minimal waiting time for glasses, it fills a clear local niche.