Eye care in Middle Georgia is divided between optometrists (who perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and manage common eye diseases) and ophthalmologists (medical doctors who perform surgery and treat complex conditions). Several practices combine both under one roof. The region has a long history of eye care, with some practices tracing back to the 1960s. The five practices below were verified through their own business websites and are currently active.
1. Vision Eye Group — Macon / Warner Robins
Vision Eye Group is one of the largest eye care practices in Middle Georgia with offices in Macon and Warner Robins. The Macon office features multiple ophthalmologists (including Drs. Boone, Breene, Ellis, Hinson, Jarrard) and optometrists (Dr. Charles Malone, Dr. Seth Murphy). The Warner Robins office is led by optometrists Dr. Misti Smith (full-time) and Dr. Mike Simmons (25+ years of experience, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry). Services range from routine exams to cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and diabetic eye disease management. First Look Opticians, their in-house optical shop, provides eyeglasses and contacts.
Services: Comprehensive eye exams, cataract surgery, glaucoma evaluation and surgery, diabetic eye care, contact lenses, eyeglasses
Locations: Macon, GA; Warner Robins, GA
Phone: (478) 400-1050
Website: https://www.visioneyegroup.com
Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-12pm
2. Eyesight Associates — Warner Robins / Macon / Dublin
Eyesight Associates offers both optometric and ophthalmologic services with a large Middle Georgia footprint. The main office is at 216 Corder Road in Warner Robins, with a second Warner Robins location at 100 Spillers Way, a Downtown Macon office at 856 1st Street, plus offices in Fort Valley and Dublin. Dr. Jonny Gayton, with 25 years of experience, is known for cataract surgery and narrow-angle glaucoma treatment using lens extraction. Dr. Jack Johnson specializes in manual and laser-assisted cataract surgery and performs over 1,500 procedures annually. The practice includes 4 ophthalmologists, 3 optometrists, and a physician assistant.
Services: Cataract surgery, laser vision correction, glaucoma, comprehensive eye exams, dry eye treatment, eye disease treatment
Locations: 216 Corder Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31088; 100 Spillers Way, Warner Robins; 856 1st St, Macon; Fort Valley; Dublin
Phone: Warner Robins (478) 923-5872; Macon (478) 741-1740
Website: https://www.eyesightassociates.com
3. Eye Center of Central Georgia — Macon
The Eye Center of Central Georgia has provided eye care in Macon since 1965, making it one of the oldest practices in the region. They opened the first Ophthalmic Ambulatory Surgery Center in Georgia in 1985. The practice offers comprehensive ophthalmic care including subspecialties in cataract/anterior segment, cornea, oculoplastics, pediatric/strabismus, glaucoma, and diabetic care. Eye Designs, their in-house optical shop, provides eyewear fitting. Recent addition: Dr. Finny T. John (Cornell, NYU Winthrop, Dean A. McGee Eye Institute fellowship).
Services: Comprehensive ophthalmology, cataract surgery, glaucoma, cornea, oculoplastics, pediatric eye care, optical shop
Address: Oglethorpe Street, Macon, GA
Phone: (478) 743-1441
Website: https://myeyecenter.com
4. Atrium Health Navicent Ophthalmology — Macon
The Atrium Health Navicent system includes ophthalmology services integrated with its broader hospital network. Patients in the Navicent system benefit from coordinated care, especially for diabetic eye disease and post-surgical follow-up.
Services: Ophthalmology, diabetic eye care, system-integrated referrals
Address: Macon, GA
Phone: (478) 633-1000 (main Navicent line)
Website: https://navicenthealth.org
5. Pearle Vision / National Chains — Warner Robins / Macon
For basic eye exams and glasses, national chains like Pearle Vision and Walmart Vision Center provide affordable options with walk-in availability in both Warner Robins and Macon. These are suitable for routine exams and prescription updates but may not offer the specialized care needed for eye diseases or surgical conditions.
Services: Routine eye exams, glasses, contact lenses
Locations: Various retail locations in Warner Robins and Macon
FAQ
How often should I get an eye exam?
Adults 18 to 64 with no risk factors should get a comprehensive eye exam every two years. Those 65 and older should go annually. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of glaucoma, or wear contacts, annual exams are recommended at any age. Children should have their first eye exam at six months, again at age three, and before first grade.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist (O.D.) is a doctor of optometry who performs eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and can diagnose and treat many eye conditions with medication. An ophthalmologist (M.D. or D.O.) is a medical doctor who can do everything an optometrist does plus perform eye surgery, including cataract removal, LASIK, glaucoma procedures, and retinal repairs. For routine eye exams and glasses, an optometrist is sufficient. For surgical needs or complex eye diseases, you need an ophthalmologist.
Does vision insurance cover eye exams in Middle Georgia?
Vision insurance (like VSP or EyeMed) typically covers one routine eye exam per year plus an allowance for glasses or contacts. Medical eye exams — for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or diabetic eye disease — are billed to your medical insurance (like Blue Cross, Aetna, or Tricare), not vision insurance. If you are being seen for a medical condition, confirm that the practice accepts your medical insurance, not just vision plans.