Lawwill Stewart Jr MD FACS in Chattanooga: Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants
Dr. Lawwill Stewart Jr. is an ophthalmologist in Chattanooga specializing in cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implants, serving patients who need surgical intervention beyond routine eye exams or glasses adjustments. Unlike optometrists who perform refractions and prescribe corrective lenses, ophthalmologists like Dr. Stewart hold an MD or DO and perform surgical procedures. His focus on cataract care positions him for patients whose vision has been clouded by age-related lens opacity and who need evaluation for surgical candidacy and lens-implant options.
What Dr. Stewart Actually Offers
Dr. Stewart operates as a surgical ophthalmologist, not a general optometrist. He holds the credential FACS (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons), which indicates board certification and commitment to surgical standards and continuing education. His practice centers on cataract extraction and the selection and implantation of intraocular lenses, a procedure that replaces the eye's clouded natural lens. This is a scheduled surgical service, not a drop-in eye exam.
Cataract surgery in Chattanooga is typically performed in an outpatient surgery center. The procedure itself takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye, though pre-operative preparation and post-operative monitoring extend the total time. Dr. Stewart's qualifications suggest he handles complex cases and offers lens options beyond standard monofocal implants, which correct distance vision but still require reading glasses. Premium IOL options like multifocal or toric lenses (which correct astigmatism) exist but carry higher out-of-pocket costs.
Insurance, Costs, and Lens Choices
Medicare covers cataract surgery when the procedure is deemed medically necessary, typically when cataracts significantly impair function. The patient responsibility is usually the Medicare Part B deductible and 20 percent coinsurance. Private insurance coverage follows similar logic: the surgery itself is usually covered, but supplemental lens upgrades beyond the basic monofocal implant are often out-of-pocket. Monofocal IOL implants covered by insurance cost patients $500 to $1,500 in coinsurance; premium multifocal or extended-range lenses can add $1,500 to $3,500 per eye.
Verify current costs and insurance coverage by contacting Dr. Stewart's office directly; surgical pricing and insurance terms change by plan and carrier.
How Dr. Stewart Compares to Other Chattanooga Ophthalmologists
Chattanooga has several ophthalmologists, including those affiliated with larger practices that handle general eye care alongside surgery. Dr. Stewart's credentials and singular focus on cataracts and IOL surgery suggest he may be a strong choice for complex cases or patients prioritizing surgical expertise. General ophthalmology practices in Chattanooga often provide cataract evaluation and referral but may send complicated cases to specialists. If your cataracts are straightforward and you prefer one provider for diagnosis and surgery, a large practice may be convenient; if you have dense cataracts, dense cataracts, dense cataracts, astigmatism requiring toric correction, or prior eye surgery complicating IOL selection, a focused surgical specialist like Dr. Stewart may reduce complication risk.
Who This Practice Suits
Dr. Stewart's practice suits patients aged 55 and older with symptomatic cataracts, those exploring premium lens options, patients with astigmatism or prior refractive surgery, and anyone whose eye surgeon has recommended subspecialty evaluation. It does not suit patients seeking routine eye exams, glasses adjustments, or diagnosis of cataracts; those patients see an optometrist or general ophthalmologist first.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
A first visit typically involves a referral from your primary optometrist or ophthalmologist, though some practices accept self-referrals. You will undergo dilated eye examination, optical biometry (measurement of eye length and corneal shape to calculate the correct IOL power), and discussion of lens options and surgical timeline. You will also review surgical consent and anesthesia type (typically topical, numbing drops only). Bring your insurance card and existing eye records. The appointment itself takes 45 minutes to over an hour.
Hours, Location, and Parking
Dr. Lawwill Stewart Jr. MD FACS operates in Chattanooga; verify current office hours and location by phone or his online directory listing, as surgical practices often have limited office availability for consultations. Parking and facility details depend on whether the office is in a dedicated medical building or shared space. Call ahead to confirm parking and any pre-visit requirements, such as dilated-eye restrictions affecting driving home that day.
A surgical ophthalmologist with fellowship credentials and a clear focus on cataract and lens implant outcomes serves Chattanooga patients who have moved beyond the scope of routine eye care and need precision surgical planning tailored to their lens choices and eye anatomy.
