Office Visits 

Chattanooga Eye Institute

5715 Cornelison Rd # 6600, Chattanooga, TN 37411

Our ophthalmologists -- Charles, Kirby MD, F.A.C.S, and Ira Long MD, F.A.C.S  -- are committed to providing the ultimate in comprehensive eye care for you. 

Covering the full spectrum of eye care services from routine eye exams and prescribing corrective lenses, to diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the eye, as well as treatment for eye injuries, the Chattanooga Eye Institute should be the first place you look when you need information or medical care for your eyes. 

Doctor-Patient Relationships

As in any relationship, a healthy doctor/patient relationship is best when it's based on good communication between all parties and involves a high level of trust. Our staff and physicians are dedicated to carefully explaining all the details of your condition, including any prescribed medications and/or treatment. We strive to provide you with the highest quality eye care in an efficient, friendly atmosphere, and will work hard to earn your trust. It is also important that you keep us informed of any changes in your condition, and that you let us know if you have any questions, suggestions or problems with the care you are receiving. This will help us tailor your treatment to best fit your individual needs.

Your First Visit

Please be sure to bring your health insurance card(s), and try to arrive about fifteen minutes early for your first visit. This will give you time to complete a Registration / Medical History form so we can establish your permanent record with the Chattanooga Eye Institute. If you have been receiving care from another physician for any eye-related problem, we may ask for your written permission to transfer these records.

Emergency Care

If you have an eye care emergency during regular business hours (8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday) please call our office at 423-892-3937, explain the details of your emergency, and we will give you immediate instructions on how to proceed.

If you have an emergency outside our normal business hours, please call:

423-892-3937 or 423-493-6507.

Our answering service will contact the physician on call and he will call you back.

Educational Materials 

Because we feel it is very important for you to understand as much about your medical condition/treatment as possible, we have an extensive supply of educational materials available. If you would like to view one of our instructional videos in our office, or would like any of our detailed brochures to take home, just let us know.

Consultations

In unique and complicated situations, we may find that your case can be better served by seeking the opinion of another physician. If we feel it's best for you, we will not hesitate to refer you to another physician's care. Also, if you ever find that you would like the opinion of another physician, please let us know. Of course, if we refer you to another physician, you will then be subject to that physician's fees, and you should consult your health insurance provider regarding coverage.

Confidentiality 

Your medical record with us is kept in the strictest confidence. Our office will not reveal your medical information without your written consent. This includes family, friends or employers. The only exception is when law requires us to divulge your medical information because of an assault, accident or industrial injury.

Fees

Costs for office visits/treatments will vary depending upon the severity and complexity of your condition. If your health plan requires you to make a co-pay, we ask that you make it at the time of your visit. If your insurance requires you to meet a deductible or a percentage cost of your treatment, we also ask that you make this payment at the time of your visit. We accept cash, checks and credit cards for payment of these fees.

Billing

We prefer not to send bills to our patients because the cost of paperwork and postage can drive up the cost of our fees to you. However, if you need to arrange a payment plan in order to meet your obligations, we will be glad to set one up for you. If you have any questions regarding your bill, please call 423-892-5638 and we will be happy to assist you.

Insurance

We accept many private health insurance plans, as well as Medicare. Health plan coverage can vary from 0% to 95% and you are responsible for any charges not covered by your insurance. Please also be aware that Medicare and some health plans do not cover the cost of refraction. Refraction is a common procedure that we use to help determine if you need some sort of vision correction to help improve your sight. You should therefore be prepared to pay the cost of refraction at the time of your visit. 

Save Time - Fill Out Forms Before You Visit

If you have never been to the Chattanooga Eye Institute or if you haven't been in a few years, we will need to get some information from you. To save time and make things easier, you can fill out our basic information sheet at home and bring it with you when you come in for your exam or consultation. Just click the link below to print these forms.

Click Here For Printable Forms

Note: Adobe Reader is required to view and print these forms. If you don't have it, just click here to get it. It's free and it's easy to install.