Family Eye Care in Phoenix: A Comprehensive Guide

by | Sep 4, 2023 | Eye Health News

In the sunny and vibrant city of Phoenix, ensuring your family’s eye health is paramount. From routine check-ups to specialized treatments, family eye care in Phoenix offers a range of services to keep your loved ones’ vision crystal clear. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the world of eye care in the Valley of the Sun, covering everything you need to know to make informed decisions for your family’s eye health.

What is Family Eye Care?

Family eye care, often referred to as pediatric or general optometry, is a specialized branch of healthcare dedicated to the visual well-being of individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors. It encompasses a wide array of services, including:

Pediatric Eye Exams

Ensuring your child’s eyes are healthy and developing correctly is crucial. Regular pediatric eye exams can detect issues early and prevent vision problems in the future.

Adult Vision Care

For adults, eye care includes routine eye exams, prescription updates, and treatment for various eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Senior Eye Health

As we age, our eyes become more susceptible to certain conditions like macular degeneration. Senior eye health services are designed to monitor and manage these age-related issues.

Eyewear and Contact Lenses

Family eye care providers also help in selecting the right eyeglasses or contact lenses for optimal vision correction.

Emergency Eye Care

In cases of eye injuries or sudden vision problems, seeking immediate care is crucial. Family eye care facilities in Phoenix are equipped to handle emergencies.

Why Choose Family Eye Care in Phoenix?

Phoenix boasts a thriving healthcare sector, including exceptional family eye care services. Here’s why you should consider Phoenix for your family’s eye health needs:

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Phoenix is home to modern and well-equipped eye care facilities that utilize cutting-edge technology for accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

Experienced Specialists: The city boasts a pool of highly experienced and skilled eye care specialists who are well-versed in the unique needs of patients of all ages.

Comprehensive Services: Family eye care in Phoenix covers everything from routine check-ups to complex surgeries, ensuring that all your eye care needs are met under one roof.

Community-Centric Approach: Many Phoenix eye care centers prioritize community engagement, offering educational programs and resources to promote eye health awareness.

Convenience: The city’s convenient locations and flexible scheduling make it easy for families to access eye care services when they need them.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are the cornerstone of family eye care in Phoenix. They serve various crucial purposes:

Early Detection: Eye exams can detect issues like refractive errors, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy in their early stages, often before symptoms appear.

Prescription Updates: As your family grows, so do their vision needs. Routine exams ensure that everyone has the right prescription for clear vision.

Children’s Development: Pediatric eye exams are essential for monitoring a child’s visual development and addressing any concerns promptly.

Prevention and Education: Eye care professionals also offer guidance on eye protection, nutrition, and lifestyle choices to prevent future eye problems.

FAQs about Family Eye Care in Phoenix

Q: How often should my family and I have our eyes checked?

Routine eye exams are recommended once a year for adults and more frequently for children, especially during their developmental years.

Q: What are the signs that my child might need glasses?

Signs include squinting, sitting too close to screens, frequent headaches, and difficulty reading or seeing distant objects clearly.

Q: Are there any natural ways to improve eye health?

Yes, maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients like vitamin A, wearing UV-protective sunglasses, and practicing the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes of screen time) can help.

Q: How can I find the best family eye care center in Phoenix?

Look for centers with experienced staff, positive patient reviews, and a comprehensive range of services. Ask for recommendations from friends or family as well.

Q: Can eye exams detect health issues beyond vision problems?

Yes, eye exams can uncover systemic health issues like diabetes and hypertension, making them a crucial part of preventive healthcare.

Q: Is family eye care covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans cover routine eye exams and vision correction needs. Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.

Tatum eye care in Phoenix is not just about maintaining good vision; it’s about preserving the overall health and well-being of your loved ones. With a thriving healthcare ecosystem, experienced specialists, and a commitment to community health, Phoenix stands as an ideal destination for all your family’s eye care needs. Prioritize regular eye exams, stay informed, and choose the best for your family’s precious eyesight.

Tatum Eyecare is North Phoenix’s premier family eye care center. We’ve spared no expense to create the most pleasant, comfortable patient experience… including the finest furnishings, the best selection of prescription eyeglass frames, the most cutting-edge technology, and the most outstanding team of industry professionals. Come see why the choice for family eye care in the Valley has never been clearer.

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry