Family Tree Eye Care in Gilbert, Arizona, is an independent optometry practice offering comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, and a full-service optical boutique. The practice is known for its family-focused approach, serving patients of all ages with a blend of modern diagnostic technology and personalized care.
Background and Practice Philosophy
Family Tree Eye Care was established to fill a niche in the Gilbert community for a practice that treats every member of the family under one roof. The name reflects the idea that eye health is a family matter—parents pass on vision traits, and children’s visual development is closely tied to learning and daily life. The practice emphasizes preventive care, meaning they don’t just write prescriptions but also screen for early signs of systemic conditions like diabetes and hypertension that can manifest in the eyes.
The doctors at Family Tree Eye Care are optometrists (O.D.s), not ophthalmologists. This distinction matters: optometrists perform routine exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and manage common eye diseases like dry eye and glaucoma. They refer to ophthalmologists for surgery or complex conditions like retinal detachment. The practice is equipped with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and digital retinal imaging, which allow for detailed scans of the retina without dilation in many cases.
Comprehensive Eye Exams: What to Expect
A typical exam at Family Tree Eye Care lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, longer than a quick retail-store check. The process includes:
- Case history: The doctor asks about your vision complaints, screen time, medications, and family history of eye disease.
- Visual acuity and refraction: Reading letters and looking through a phoropter to determine your exact prescription.
- Eye health assessment: Using a slit lamp to examine the front of the eye, and OCT to scan the optic nerve and retina.
- Glaucoma screening: A puff of air or a tonometer probe measures intraocular pressure.
- Dilation (when needed): For new patients or those with risk factors, drops widen the pupil to view the peripheral retina.
Children’s exams are tailored to age. Preschoolers get picture-based vision tests, while school-age kids are screened for focusing and eye teaming issues that can mimic ADHD or learning disabilities. The practice recommends a first eye exam at age 6 months, then again at age 3, and before first grade.
Contact Lens Services and Fittings
Family Tree Eye Care is a full-service contact lens practice. They fit standard soft lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, and specialty lenses like scleral lenses for keratoconus or severe dry eye. The fitting process is more involved than a simple order:
- The doctor measures your corneal curvature and pupil size.
- You try a diagnostic lens to assess fit and comfort.
- The doctor evaluates the lens on your eye under a slit lamp to check movement and centration.
- You return for a follow-up visit after a week of wear to confirm the prescription and ocular health.
For patients with dry eyes—a common complaint in Arizona’s arid climate—the practice offers treatments like punctal plugs, prescription eye drops, and in-office lid hygiene procedures. They also carry a range of daily disposable lenses, which are often the best option for allergy sufferers and frequent travelers.
Optical Boutique and Lens Options
The on-site optical shop stocks a curated selection of frames from independent and mid-range brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and smaller designer lines. Unlike big-box retailers, the staff here are opticians who take time to measure pupillary distance and adjust frames for a proper fit. The practice uses digital lens technology, which provides sharper peripheral vision and reduced distortion compared to conventional lenses.
Lens options include blue-light filtering coatings for digital device users, photochromic lenses that darken outdoors, and progressives (no-line bifocals) with free-form digital surfacing. For children, they offer durable, flexible frames and impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses. The practice also handles insurance billing directly and offers a membership plan for uninsured patients that covers exams and provides a discount on glasses.
Common Eye Conditions Treated
Beyond refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), the practice manages several chronic conditions:
- Dry eye syndrome: Very common in the desert Southwest. Treatment ranges from artificial tears to prescription anti-inflammatory drops like Restasis or Xiidra, and in-office procedures like LipiFlow to unclog meibomian glands.
- Glaucoma: Regular monitoring of optic nerve health and intraocular pressure. Treatment starts with prescription eye drops; laser or surgery is referred out.
- Macular degeneration: Age-related condition that affects central vision. Early detection via OCT allows for lifestyle interventions and vitamin supplements.
- Diabetic retinopathy: The practice screens diabetic patients annually with retinal imaging to catch bleeding or swelling before vision loss occurs.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Seasonal allergies are rampant in Arizona’s spring. Prescription antihistamine drops provide relief beyond OTC options.
How to Choose Between Family Tree and Other Gilbert Eye Care Providers
Gilbert has no shortage of eye care options, from corporate chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks to hospital-based clinics. Here’s how Family Tree differentiates itself:
- Independent vs. corporate: Independent practices often have more time per patient and are not pressured to meet sales quotas for frames.
- Doctor continuity: At a chain, you might see a different doctor each visit. Family Tree maintains a consistent doctor-patient relationship.
- Specialty services: Not all practices fit scleral lenses or offer advanced dry eye treatments. If you have a complex condition, a specialty practice is better.
- Insurance and pricing: Family Tree accepts most major vision plans (VSP, EyeMed, Cigna) and medical insurance for medical eye conditions. If you’re uninsured, ask about their membership plan—it often pays for itself.
For routine exams with no complications, a chain may be cheaper and faster. But for children, contact lens issues, or chronic dry eye, the extra time and expertise at Family Tree is usually worth the cost.
Costs, Insurance, and Payment Options
Pricing at Family Tree Eye Care is typical for an independent practice in the Phoenix metro area. A comprehensive exam without insurance runs about $150–$200, which includes retinal imaging. Contact lens fittings add $50–$150 depending on complexity. Glasses start around $100 for frames and $150 for basic lenses; premium progressives with digital surfacing can exceed $400.
The practice accepts most major vision insurance plans, which typically cover an annual exam and a frame allowance. They also file medical claims for conditions like dry eye or glaucoma, so your medical insurance may cover part of the visit. For patients without insurance, they offer a wellness plan that includes an annual exam, a discount on glasses, and a lower rate on contact lens fittings. Always call ahead to verify your specific plan’s coverage before booking.
Patient Experience and Location
Family Tree Eye Care is located in the heart of Gilbert, near the intersection of Gilbert Road and Williams Field Road, close to SanTan Village shopping center. The office is open Monday through Friday with evening hours on some days, and Saturday mornings. Parking is free and plentiful.
Patient reviews consistently mention the friendly staff, minimal wait times, and the doctor’s thorough explanations. The practice is known for being patient with children, offering a small play area and using child-friendly language during exams. Many families bring multiple generations—grandparents, parents, and kids—on the same day, which is convenient for busy schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eye exam if my vision is fine?
Yes. Many eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy have no symptoms in early stages. A comprehensive exam can detect these conditions years before you notice vision changes. The American Optometric Association recommends an exam every two years for adults under 60 with no risk factors, and annually for those over 60, children, and people with diabetes or a family history of eye disease.
Can I get my glasses or contacts the same day as my exam?
Usually, yes. The optical boutique has a selection of frames in stock, and most single-vision lenses can be made in-house within a few days. If you need a special prescription or premium lenses, it may take 7–10 days for the lab to finish them. Contact lenses are often available as trial lenses to take home the same day.
Does Family Tree Eye Care treat children?
Absolutely. The practice sees patients as young as 6 months old. Pediatric eye exams are different from adult ones—they use age-appropriate tests and are designed to catch amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes) early, when treatment is most effective. The doctors are patient and skilled at making kids feel comfortable.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist (O.D.) has a Doctor of Optometry degree and provides routine eye care, prescriptions, and medical management of common eye diseases. An ophthalmologist (M.D.) is a medical doctor who can perform surgery and treat complex conditions. At Family Tree Eye Care, the doctors are optometrists. If you need cataract surgery, LASIK, or retinal surgery, they will refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist.
Do they accept my insurance?
The practice accepts most major vision plans, including VSP, EyeMed, and Cigna Vision, as well as medical insurance for medical eye problems. The best way to know is to call the office with your insurance card and ask them to verify your benefits. They also offer a self-pay wellness plan for those without vision insurance.
How often should I get an eye exam?
For most adults under 60 with no vision problems or risk factors, every two years is sufficient. Children should have their first exam at 6 months, then at age 3, and before starting school. Adults over 60, diabetics, and those with a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration should go annually. Your doctor will give you a personalized recommendation based on your exam.
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