When it comes to emergency eye care in Phoenix, there is no room for hesitation. Eye injuries or sudden changes in vision can be alarming, and in many cases, immediate attention is crucial to prevent permanent damage. At Phoenix’s premier emergency eye care centers, we pride ourselves on offering fast, expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of eye conditions. Our team of highly trained specialists is dedicated to ensuring that your eye health is preserved, no matter the circumstances.

7 Facts About Vision Loss Due to Diabetes

The young boy asks questions about the various machines used to check his eyes, during a routine eye examination in the modern clinic.

Why Emergency Eye Care is Critical

Vision is one of the most vital senses, and even minor eye injuries or infections can lead to severe consequences if not addressed promptly. Whether it’s a chemical splash, a sudden loss of vision, or trauma to the eye, quick and effective treatment can be the difference between full recovery and long-term impairment.

 

At our Phoenix emergency eye care center, we understand the importance of fast response times. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency services, ensuring that when your vision is at risk, you won’t have to wait for care.

 

Common Eye Emergencies We Treat

Eye emergencies come in many forms, each requiring specialized care. Here are some of the most common situations we treat in our Phoenix facility:

 

Foreign Objects in the Eye: Dust, debris, or metal shavings can easily get lodged in the eye, causing pain, irritation, and potentially scratching the cornea. It’s vital to avoid rubbing the eye and to seek immediate care to prevent further damage.

 

Chemical Burns: If a chemical substance gets into your eye, it can cause significant damage to the delicate tissues. Quick action, such as flushing the eye with water and seeking professional help, is crucial.

 

Blunt Trauma: Any direct blow to the eye or the surrounding area can cause damage to the retina, optic nerve, or other critical parts of the eye. Even if there is no immediate vision loss, it’s important to have the injury evaluated by a specialist.

 

Sudden Loss of Vision: Sudden changes in vision, whether complete or partial, could indicate a serious underlying condition like a retinal detachment, stroke, or optic nerve damage. These situations require urgent attention to avoid permanent vision loss.

 

Infections: Severe eye infections, such as bacterial keratitis or conjunctivitis, can progress rapidly if not treated promptly. Redness, swelling, and discharge are common symptoms that need quick medical evaluation.

 

State-of-the-Art Emergency Diagnostic Tools

Our Phoenix emergency eye care center is equipped with the latest in diagnostic technology, allowing us to quickly and accurately assess your condition.

 

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): This non-invasive imaging technique captures detailed cross-sectional images of the retina. It helps us detect early signs of conditions such as macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy.

 

Fundus Photography: This high-resolution imaging technology allows us to examine the retina and optic nerve in great detail, which is essential for diagnosing a wide range of eye conditions.

 

Corneal Topography: By mapping the surface curvature of the cornea, we can diagnose conditions such as keratoconus or irregular astigmatism.

 

Visual Field Testing: This helps us evaluate your peripheral vision and can indicate problems with the optic nerve or other parts of the visual pathway.

Our Team of Experienced Eye Specialists

We take pride in our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists who are highly experienced in handling a variety of emergency eye conditions. Our specialists are trained in both medical and surgical treatments, ensuring that you receive the best possible care, no matter the complexity of your case.

 

In emergency situations, our doctors work quickly to stabilize your condition and provide a clear diagnosis. If further treatment is necessary, such as surgery or ongoing care, we ensure that every step is taken to preserve your vision and protect your overall eye health.

 

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at our emergency eye care center in Phoenix, you’ll be met with compassionate, professional care from the moment you walk through the door.

 

Initial Assessment: Our team will quickly assess your condition to determine the severity of the injury or illness. This may involve a series of questions and a physical examination of the eye.

 

Diagnostic Testing: Depending on your symptoms, we may perform a range of diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. This could include imaging, visual acuity tests, or specialized eye exams.

 

Treatment Plan: Once we have a clear diagnosis, our specialists will recommend a personalized treatment plan. This may involve medication, eye drops, or in more severe cases, surgical intervention.

 

Follow-Up Care: After your initial treatment, we provide clear instructions for at-home care and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure your recovery is on track.

 

Preventing Future Eye Emergencies

While not all eye emergencies can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury or infection.

 

Wear Protective Eyewear: Whether you’re working with chemicals, playing sports, or doing any task that could lead to an eye injury, always wear appropriate protective eyewear. This is especially important in industrial or construction environments where debris and chemicals are common hazards.

 

Keep Eye Medications Up to Date: If you have pre-existing conditions like glaucoma or dry eye, it’s important to follow your prescribed treatment plan and keep up with regular eye exams. This can help prevent flare-ups that could lead to emergencies.

 

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: If something gets into your eye, resist the urge to rub it, as this can cause further damage. Instead, try rinsing the eye with clean water and seek professional care if the irritation persists.

 

Practice Good Hygiene: Keeping your hands clean and avoiding touching your face can prevent infections from bacteria and viruses.

 

Choose the Best Emergency Eye Care in Phoenix

When you or a loved one experiences an eye emergency, trust the experts at our Phoenix eye care center. Our skilled team is ready to provide fast, reliable, and comprehensive care at any time, day or night. We are committed to preserving your vision and ensuring that your eyes receive the specialized care they deserve.

 Don’t wait—eye emergencies require immediate attention, and we’re here to help. Contact us today if you need emergency eye care services in Phoenix.

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