Choosing the right eye care provider for you is a very important health care decision. Sense of sight is precious and it’s important to maintain optimal ocular health throughout your life to visually take in each and every moment.
Southside Medical Center is proud to offer a wide array of eye care services to help you achieve a happier, healthier quality of life. Our compassionate optometrists warmly invite you to schedule a consultation with us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Importance of Routine Eye Care
Your vision plays a critical role in your overall well-being. Your eyes are one of the few places in the body where blood vessels and nerves can be seen without surgery, so routine eye exams are an essential part of preventive healthcare.
Many serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and even some types of cancer, can first show signs in the eyes. Our optometrists are trained to detect these subtle changes early, helping you manage your total health more effectively and avoid future complications.
Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can develop gradually, often with no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Without regular screening, they can progress to permanent vision loss. By identifying these issues early, we can begin treatment promptly and preserve your sight.
Preventive eye care also includes tracking changes in your prescription, evaluating how your eyes work together, and managing common issues like dry eye, digital eye strain, or age-related vision changes. Even if you don’t currently wear glasses or contacts, regular visits help ensure your vision remains sharp and your eyes stay healthy as you age.
What Optometry Services Are Available To Me?
At Southside Medical Center, we offer a full spectrum of optometric services to help you maintain healthy eyes and clear vision at every stage of life. Whether you’re seeking preventive care or treatment for a chronic eye condition, our team is here to provide skilled, compassionate support.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Our eye exams go beyond just checking your prescription. We conduct a thorough evaluation of your visual acuity, eye muscle coordination, peripheral vision, and overall eye health. These exams are essential for early detection of eye diseases and systemic conditions like hypertension and diabetes that can affect the eyes.
Cataract & Glaucoma Detection and Treatment
Early detection is key to preserving vision. Our optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to screen for cataracts and glaucoma—two leading causes of vision loss. If detected, we provide tailored treatment plans, including medication management and referrals for surgical care when needed.
Refraction & Treatment of Ocular Disease
Refraction tests determine your exact vision prescription, ensuring you receive the right glasses or contacts. In addition, we diagnose and manage a variety of ocular diseases, including macular degeneration, uveitis, and corneal disorders, helping you maintain eye health through customized treatment and follow-up care.
Diabetic Eye Exams
People with diabetes are at higher risk for eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy. Our diabetic eye exams use dilated fundus photography and other advanced imaging to monitor for changes in retinal health. Routine monitoring helps prevent complications and preserve vision in the long term.
Treatment of Binocular Vision & Focusing Problems
If you struggle with eye coordination, double vision, or eye fatigue, you may have a binocular vision disorder. We offer specialized testing and treatment for conditions such as convergence insufficiency and accommodative dysfunction, which can affect learning, reading, and daily comfort.
Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye can cause stinging, irritation, blurred vision, and discomfort. Our optometrists evaluate the root cause of your symptoms and recommend targeted treatments, such as lubricating drops, prescription medications, and lifestyle adjustments to restore moisture and comfort to the eyes.
Treatment of Pink Eye, Eye Injuries & Removal of Foreign Objects
We treat a variety of urgent eye concerns, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal abrasions, infections, and minor trauma. If you have something stuck in your eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Our team can safely extract foreign objects and provide the appropriate care to prevent complications.
Full Optical Services
Our optical department offers an extensive range of eyeglasses, lenses, and accessories. We help you select frames that complement your face shape and lifestyle, and we provide lens enhancements such as anti-reflective coatings, UV protection, and blue-light filters. Expert fittings ensure comfort and optimal vision.
Full Service Contact Lens Evaluations
We provide comprehensive contact lens evaluations to find the best lens type for your eye shape, vision needs, and comfort level. Options include soft lenses, rigid gas-permeable lenses, multifocal lenses, and specialty lenses for astigmatism or keratoconus. We also offer training for new wearers and follow-up care for long-term success.
Senior Vision Care
As we age, our vision needs change. Southside Medical Center offers senior-focused eye care to monitor and manage age-related conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Our team provides ongoing assessments and individualized treatment plans to preserve eyesight and support long-term quality of life. If you are already diagnosed with a medical eye condition such as cataracts or glaucoma, it is highly important to seek eye care to monitor your ocular health and provide effective treatment.
Children’s Vision Care
Healthy vision is essential for a child’s learning, development, and confidence. Our optometrists provide gentle, comprehensive eye exams for children to detect issues like nearsightedness, lazy eye, or alignment problems early, when treatment is most effective. For parents, we highly recommend scheduling your child’s first eye exam at your earliest convenience.
What to Expect as a New Eye Care Patient
At Southside Medical Center, we’re committed to making your first eye care visit clear, comfortable, and easy to navigate. Whether you’re here for a routine exam, new glasses, or help managing a vision concern, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Your initial appointment typically takes 45–60 minutes. When you arrive, our front desk team will greet you, assist with check-in, and help you complete any required paperwork. If you’re using insurance or applying for the Sliding Fee Scale Program, we’ll collect the necessary eligibility documents to verify coverage and ensure affordable access to care.
Once you’re brought back, our optometry team will take time to review your medical and vision history, discuss any symptoms or questions you may have, and conduct a comprehensive eye exam. This may include visual acuity testing, a refraction test to determine your lens prescription, and an evaluation of your eye health using advanced diagnostic tools.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, or are interested in starting, we’ll guide you through your options and help you choose what best suits your needs and lifestyle. In many cases, you’ll also be able to visit our optical department the same day to browse frames and begin the ordering process.
Before you leave, we’ll explain any findings, answer your questions, and outline the next steps for follow-up care or additional treatment if needed. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, our financial counseling team will help determine if you qualify for reduced-cost services through our Sliding Fee Scale, so you can focus on your vision, not the expense.
Insurance and Payment Options for Eye Care
At Southside Medical Center, we believe that clear, healthy vision should be accessible to everyone, regardless of insurance status or income.
- We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans: Including Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial plans (excluding Kaiser Permanente).
- Flexible Payment Methods: We accept cash, major credit/debit cards, and checks (processed via ACH).
- Sliding Fee Scale Available: Uninsured or underinsured patients may qualify for our federally funded Sliding Fee Scale Program, offering discounted services based on household income and family size.
- Support for Self-Pay Patients: Don’t have insurance? Our financial counselors can help create a payment plan that works for you.
For questions about your insurance coverage or eligibility for discounts, please contact our office before your appointment. We’re here to make your experience affordable and stress-free.
What to Bring to Your Eye Appointment
To ensure we deliver the best possible care during your visit, please bring the necessary documentation based on your financial or insurance status.
All Eye Care Patients
- Photo ID (required at every visit)
- Current glasses or contact lenses (if applicable)
- Any past vision prescriptions, records, or eye health documentation
- A list of medications and known health conditions
- Guardianship paperwork if bringing a minor
Patients with Insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid
- Insurance card (required at each visit)
- Photo ID
Patients Applying for the Sliding Fee Scale
If you’re seeking discounted services under our Sliding Fee Scale, please bring the following (only one form of each is required):
Proof of Identification
- Valid photo ID
Proof of Income
- Two recent pay stubs (from all household earners), or
- Most recent tax return, W-2, or government benefits letter (e.g., SSI, SNAP), or
- Employer income reference letter
Proof of Family Size
- Most recent tax return, or
- Birth certificates of dependents, or
- Court-issued custody/guardianship papers
Special Situations
- Self-Employed: Recent tax return + unemployment letter (if applicable)
- Unemployed: Tax return + wage determination/separation letter
- Experiencing Homelessness: Homeless Certification Form (available at front desk)
- No Documentation Available: Ask about our Self-Attestation Form
If you’re missing documents, we’ll still ensure your medical needs are addressed. For non-urgent visits, you may be asked to reschedule or pay $80 toward services, with the option for reimbursement once documents are submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Optometry Services
How long does an eye exam take?
A comprehensive eye exam usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. This includes checking your vision clarity, assessing how your eyes work together, and screening for diseases like glaucoma or cataracts. If your exam includes dilation or additional diagnostic tests (for conditions like diabetes or focusing problems), you may need a bit more time. We always aim to respect your schedule while making sure your care is thorough.
Do you offer emergency eye care?
Yes, we provide prompt care for many urgent eye issues. This includes red or painful eyes, suspected infections (such as pink eye), scratched corneas, objects stuck in the eye, and sudden vision changes. These symptoms can indicate serious problems and should not be ignored. Call our office if you’re experiencing any of these concerns. Same-day or next-day appointments are often available for acute needs.
Can I be seen if I wear contact lenses?
Definitely. We offer comprehensive contact lens services, including prescription renewals, fittings, and follow-ups. If you’re already a contact lens wearer, bring your current lenses and prescription details. If you’re new to contacts or want to switch brands or lens types, we’ll perform a dedicated fitting to evaluate your corneal health, tear production, and overall comfort. We also offer specialty lenses for correcting astigmatism and multifocal vision.
At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
Children should have their first eye exam by age 3, or earlier if there are concerns about their vision or eye alignment. Early detection is essential. Untreated vision issues can lead to developmental delays or learning difficulties. After the initial exam, children should be seen every one to two years or as recommended. Our optometrists are trained in pediatric eye care and make visits comfortable and age-appropriate.
Why Consider Southside Medical Center Optometry®?
Eye care is about more than just vision. It’s about lifelong health, dignity, and access for all. Here’s what sets our optometry services apart:
Experienced, Specialized Optometry Team
Our vision is to help yours! Our Optometry® team is committed to helping you make the right choices in eye care for your lifestyle. Our trusted Optometrist Katerin Ortiz, OD, FAAO, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular health diseases for all ages. Dr. Ortiz earned a B.A. from the University of Chicago, a Doctorate in Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, and completed a residency in pediatrics from Salus University.
Our team is trained optometrists to satisfy all your visual needs, including the treatment of all eye conditions, and provide you with excellent care on your journey toward greater vision.
Affordable, Accessible Vision Care
We are nationally recognized for providing equitable care to underserved populations. Our Sliding Fee Scale Program, support for Medicaid and Medicare, and flexible payment plans help ensure that cost is never a barrier to getting the eye care you need.
Integrated, Whole-Person Approach
As part of a Patient-Centered Medical Home, our optometry services are fully integrated with your broader health care. That means your vision health is coordinated alongside primary care, diabetes management, behavioral health, and more, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Convenient Hours
With clinics across the metro area and service hours from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., we make it easier to prioritize your eye health. We also offer same-day or next-day appointments for urgent eye issues like infections, injuries, or sudden vision changes.
Compassionate, Multidisciplinary Support
From check-in to optical fitting, you’ll be supported by a caring, collaborative team of providers, technicians, and referral coordinators. Every patient is treated with respect and kindness—because we see the person, not just the prescription.
Schedule your consultation!
Southside Medical Center is proud to provide the highest quality health and wellness care to our patients in the greater Atlanta area and beyond. Our providers, who possess years of expertise, are committed to producing exceptional primary health care along with a wide range of related services. Contact us today or call (404) 688-1350 to schedule your initial consultation and take the next step towards leading a happier, healthier, and brighter future.
SMC Southside Medical Dental Services are available to men, women, and children at two (2) locations, the Main Center on Ridge Avenue and the Gresham Road location in DeKalb County.
Service Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
