Richard J. Breazeale MD in Chattanooga: Optometry with Medical Focus
Richard J. Breazeale MD operates as an optometrist in Chattanooga with board certification in ophthalmology, positioning him at the clinical intersection of routine eye care and medical eye treatment. Unlike optometrists who refer complex cases elsewhere, Breazeale handles both standard refraction and disease management within his practice.
What Breazeale offers
Breazeale's training as an MD distinguishes his scope from typical optometrists licensed as ODs. He performs comprehensive eye exams, writes prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, and age-related macular degeneration. Patients who would need a second appointment at an ophthalmology practice for treatment of a detected condition can often receive that care in the same visit. This is especially relevant in Chattanooga, where ophthalmology appointment delays frequently exceed six weeks at larger practices.
Services and typical costs
Comprehensive eye exams at independent optometry practices in Chattanooga generally run $100 to $150 without insurance, though this should be confirmed when scheduling. Contact lens fitting fees, if charged separately, typically add $50 to $100. Treatment of ocular conditions such as glaucoma management or injection therapy for macular degeneration costs vary widely depending on whether procedures are performed and the type of medication or laser used; these should be discussed in advance. Insurance plans that cover optometric care generally apply the same copay or deductible as they would at any other optometrist, and many plans cover an eye exam once yearly. Verify coverage specifics with your plan before your first visit.
How Breazeale compares to other Chattanooga optometrists
Most Chattanooga optometrists (OD-licensed) manage refractive care and basic disease screening but refer patients with glaucoma, retinal disease, or other complex conditions to ophthalmologists. This means a patient diagnosed with early glaucoma during a routine exam would need a separate referral and second appointment. Breazeale's MD credential allows him to initiate treatment directly, which reduces delay and coordination burden. For patients with straightforward vision correction needs and no eye disease history, an OD optometrist in a retail setting (such as those at chain vision centers) may offer more flexible scheduling and walk-in availability, though their ability to manage disease is narrower. Patients with known ocular disease or who value consolidated care benefit from Breazeale's model.
Who is this practice suited for
Breazeale's practice serves patients with a history of or risk for eye disease (family history of glaucoma, diabetes, age-related vision changes), those who prefer to consolidate eye care into one visit, and patients already under his care who value continuity. Patients seeking quick, budget-conscious vision correction without disease concerns and who value extended hours or weekend availability may be better served by retail optometry chains. Patients requiring complex vitreoretinal or corneal surgical care will still be referred to subspecialists.
What to expect on a first visit
A comprehensive eye exam with Breazeale includes measurement of visual acuity, refraction to determine lens prescription, intraocular pressure measurement (critical for glaucoma screening), dilated retinal examination, and assessment of ocular health. If you have a known condition or are coming for management of an existing diagnosis, bring relevant records and a list of current medications. The exam typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. If a disease is detected or suspected, Breazeale will discuss findings and treatment options during that visit rather than sending you elsewhere for diagnosis confirmation.
Hours and logistics
Confirm current hours and parking details directly with the practice, as optometry schedules often vary seasonally and by day. Many independent practices in Chattanooga operate Monday through Friday with limited Saturday availability; few offer evening appointments. Street or lot parking is standard in most Chattanooga medical offices.
Breazeale's MD-level training and disease management scope make him valuable for Chattanooga patients who want eye care beyond refraction and want to avoid the referral delay built into typical optometry practices.
