Macon-Bibb County has a well-established optometry community anchored by several locally owned practices that have served Central Georgia for decades. Brown’s Eye Center has operated in the area since 1976, and the Eye Center of Central Georgia and DePoe Eye Center both maintain longstanding Macon presences. The city’s eye care market serves a diverse population, including Mercer and Wesleyan students needing affordable exams and contact lenses, Robins AFB personnel using TRICARE vision benefits, and an aging population requiring monitoring for glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Vision Eye Group, one of the largest eye care practices in the region, maintains both optometry and ophthalmology services across Macon and Warner Robins locations. Macon’s independent optometrists differentiate themselves from national chains through in-house optical labs, designer eyewear selection, and personalized dry eye treatment programs. The Forsyth Road corridor in North Macon has the highest concentration of eye care providers, though practices also operate along Pio Nono Avenue and in the downtown area.
Top-Rated Optometrists in Macon, Georgia
Brown’s Eye Center
4445 Forsyth Rd, Macon, GA 31210
brownseyecentermacon.com
Brown’s Eye Center has served Macon since 1976, giving the practice nearly 50 years of community tenure. Owner Dr. S. Gregg Fitzgibbons (since 1989) leads a team that includes Dr. Smith, who joined in 2008 after completing his residency at Memphis Health Center. The practice provides comprehensive eye exams, pediatric eye care, contact lens fittings, designer eyewear, and personalized dry eye treatments including in-office therapies. Brown’s Eye Center also handles eye emergencies and manages conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration using advanced diagnostic technology. The BBB-accredited practice holds an A+ rating.
Chambless Eye Care
6501 Peake Rd, Suite 1200, Macon, GA 31210
chamblesseyecare.com
Dr. Russell Chambless provides medical eye exams, vision exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses at this Macon practice. The office features an in-house optical lab for faster turnaround on prescription lenses and carries a selection of popular name-brand frames and contacts. Chambless Eye Care has a long history in the Macon community and is a regular recommendation among local residents for thorough, unhurried eye exams and knowledgeable staff.
DePoe Eye Center
5451 Bowman Rd, Suite 420, Macon, GA 31210
depoeeyecenter.com
DePoe Eye Center operates a professional optometry practice offering family eye care services, comprehensive eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, and contact fittings. The Macon location is open Monday through Friday with a midday break. Patient reviews highlight the staff’s professionalism and willingness to explain how eyes are affected by medical and environmental factors. DePoe takes time with each patient during exams, performing detailed assessments rather than rushing through appointments.
Optometrists in Macon: Common Questions
How much does an eye exam cost in Macon, GA without insurance?
A comprehensive eye exam in Macon typically costs between $100 and $200 without vision insurance. Some practices offer package pricing that includes the exam plus a discount on glasses or contact lenses purchased the same day. Contact lens fitting exams may carry an additional fee of $50 to $100 depending on lens type. Call individual offices for current self-pay rates.
Does Macon’s climate affect eye health?
Macon’s high pollen counts (especially during spring, when the Cherry Blossom Festival coincides with peak tree pollen season) can cause significant eye irritation for allergy sufferers. The hot, humid summers also contribute to dry eye symptoms, particularly for contact lens wearers who spend time in air-conditioned environments. Local optometrists like Brown’s Eye Center offer personalized dry eye treatment programs tailored to these regional conditions.
How often should I get an eye exam in Macon, GA?
The American Optometric Association recommends comprehensive eye exams every two years for adults aged 18 to 64 without risk factors, and annually for those over 65, children, contact lens wearers, and anyone with diabetes or other conditions affecting eye health. Given Bibb County’s higher-than-average diabetes prevalence, local optometrists often recommend annual exams for many of their patients.
Do Macon optometrists accept TRICARE vision benefits?
Many Macon optometrists accept TRICARE Prime and Select, serving the Robins AFB military community. Brown’s Eye Center, DePoe Eye Center, and several other Forsyth Road practices have experience processing TRICARE vision claims. Verify current network participation with individual offices before scheduling, as TRICARE panels can change.
Where can I buy prescription eyeglasses in Macon, GA?
Most Macon optometry practices include on-site optical shops where patients can select and order glasses immediately after their exam. Brown’s Eye Center carries designer brands including Tiffany and Oakley. Chambless Eye Care operates an in-house lab for faster lens production. National chains including LensCrafters (at the Shoppes at River Crossing) and Visionworks also serve the Macon market for those who prefer one-stop corporate retail eye care.