Walk-In Eye Exam in Phoenix — No Appointment Needed

by | Jul 29, 2026 | Eye Exam

Eye Exam in Phoenix

Tatum Eyecare offers same-day, walk-in eye exams in Phoenix, AZ — no appointment required. Whether you need a routine vision check, a new glasses prescription, or you’re dealing with sudden eye irritation, our optometrists can usually see you the same day you walk through the door.

📍 16429 N Tatum Blvd Phoenix, AZ 85032, 📞 (480) 889-6044 — call ahead to check current wait time 🕒 Open Now / Closed — Mon-Wed: 9am – 6pm

Thurs & Fri: 9am – 5pm

Saturday: 8:30 – 1pm

[Check Today’s Wait Time]   |   [Get Directions]   |   [Book Ahead Instead]

 

Yes — We Accept Walk-Ins Every Day We’re Open

You do not need to schedule anything in advance. Walk-in patients are welcome for:

  • Routine comprehensive eye exams
  • Contact lens fittings and prescription renewals
  • Glasses prescription updates
  • Red eye, irritation, or minor eye discomfort
  • Sudden vision changes (non-emergency)
  • Kids’ and family eye exams

If you’d rather guarantee a specific time, you can also book an appointment online — walk-ins and scheduled patients are both welcome, and walk-ins are seen in the order they arrive.

 

How Our Walk-In Eye Exam Works

  1. Walk in during business hours. No call needed, though calling ahead ([Phone Number]) lets our front desk give you a live wait estimate.
  2. Check in at the front desk. Bring a photo ID, your insurance card (if you have vision or medical insurance), and your current glasses or contact lens box/prescription if you have one.
  3. Pre-testing. A technician runs preliminary tests — eye pressure, autorefraction, and screening photos — typically 10–15 minutes.
  4. See the doctor. Our optometrist performs the comprehensive exam, discusses your vision and eye health, and writes your prescription if needed.
  5. Get your prescription — or your glasses same day. For most standard lenses, we can have new glasses ready the same day or within 24 hours. [Confirm same-day glasses availability at this location.]

Typical total visit time: 30–45 minutes for a routine walk-in exam, depending on how busy we are.

 

What a Walk-In Eye Exam Costs

(Fill in with actual current pricing — this transparency is exactly what competitor pages are missing, and it’s a strong ranking and conversion factor.)

ServiceSelf-Pay PriceWith Insurance
Comprehensive eye exam$89–$110Often $0–$20
Contact lens fitting exam$150–$200Varies by plan
Follow-up/recheck visit$40–$75Varies by plan

We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans, including:

  • VSP
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • United Healthcare / OptumHealth
  • Medicare

 

Don’t see your plan listed? Call (480) 889-6044 — we may still accept it, or we can give you a self-pay quote.

 

What to Bring to Your Walk-In Visit

  • Photo ID
  • Insurance card (vision and/or medical, if applicable)
  • Your current glasses, or your contact lens box/prescription
  • A list of any medications you take
  • Sunglasses for the drive home if you may need your eyes dilated

 

Walk-In Eye Exam vs. Eye Emergency — Where Should You Go?

Come in as a walk-in for:

  • Blurry vision, need for new/updated glasses
  • Mild redness, dryness, or irritation
  • Something feels “off” but there’s no pain or sudden vision loss
  • Annual or overdue eye exams

Seek emergency care (ER or urgent ophthalmology) for:

  • Sudden vision loss
  • Significant eye pain
  • A chemical splash in the eye
  • Trauma or an object in the eye
  • Sudden double vision, flashes, or a “curtain” over your vision

If you’re not sure which applies to you, call us at [Phone Number] and our staff can help you decide — even outside of walk-in hours, our recorded message includes guidance on where to go.

Walk-In Exams for Kids

Yes — we welcome walk-in family visits, and kids of all ages can be seen without an appointment. If your child needs a quick vision check before school, or you’ve noticed them squinting or sitting close to the TV, bring them in any time we’re open. [Note any age minimums or best-practice recommendations for very young children, e.g., “children under 3 may get a more thorough exam with a scheduled appointment.”]

Hours & Wait Times

DayHours
Monday9am – 6pm
Tuesday9am – 6pm
Wednesday9am – 6pm
Thursday9am – 5pm
Friday9am – 5pm
Saturday8:30 – 1pm
SundayClosed

Best times for shorter walk-in waits: Weekday mornings right at opening, or early afternoon, tend to be less busy than Saturday mornings and weekday evenings.

Current estimated wait: [If technically feasible, embed a live wait-time widget or a simple “call us for today’s wait” CTA — this single feature can be a major differentiator none of the ranking competitors offer.]

Parking & Getting Here

  • [Free on-site parking / garage details]
  • [Nearest cross streets / landmarks]
  • [Public transit or accessibility notes]

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment for an eye exam? No. We accept walk-ins during all business hours listed above. You’re also welcome to book ahead if you prefer a guaranteed time slot.

How long is the wait for a walk-in eye exam? Most walk-in patients are seen within 15–30 minutes, though wait times can be longer on Saturdays or weekday evenings. Call [Phone Number] for today’s estimate.

Can I get glasses the same day as my walk-in exam? For many standard prescriptions, yes — most orders are ready same-day or within 24 hours. Complex prescriptions or specialty lenses may take longer.

Is a walk-in eye exam covered by insurance? Most vision and many medical insurance plans cover routine eye exams. We’ll verify your benefits at check-in. Self-pay pricing is also available.

Do you do walk-in exams for contact lenses? Yes. A contact lens fitting/exam can typically be done as a walk-in, though if you’re new to contacts, plan for a slightly longer visit.

What if it’s an eye emergency — should I still walk in? For sudden vision loss, significant pain, chemical exposure, or trauma, go to an emergency room or call us first at [Phone Number] for guidance — don’t wait in the regular walk-in line.

Do you see children as walk-ins? Yes, kids and family visits are welcome without an appointment.

 Tatum Eyecare — 16429 N Tatum Blvd Phoenix, AZ 85032 — (480) 889-6044 — Mon-Wed: 9am – 6pm

Thurs & Fri: 9am – 5pm

Saturday: 8:30 – 1pmServing walk-in patients throughout Phoenix, AZ.

 

Dr. Chelsea Farnsworth

Dr. Chelsea Farnsworth of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Chelsea Farnsworth received her Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University, where she majored in Biological Sciences with an emphasis on genetics, cell, and developmental biology. She attended graduate school at Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry in Glendale, AZ, where she received her Doctor of Optometry degree.
During her clinical rotations, she received training in primary care, low vision, binocular vision disorders, specialty contact lenses, electrodiagnostic evaluations, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and pre- and post-operative care for LASIK and cataract surgery patients.
A native to Arizona, Dr. Farnsworth is passionate about primary eye care and is dedicated to serving the needs of the community of her home state. Dr. Farnsworth believes in treating every patient like they are a family member and providing exceptional care. In her spare time, Dr. Farnsworth enjoys spending time with her two dogs Daisy and Violet. Dr. Farnsworth holds the following degrees:
Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry. Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science: Biology.

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.


Congratulations on your retirement! After 26 years with Tatum Eyecare you earned a break! You guided us from our humble beginnings at Optical Illusions, through our expansion to Optique at the Ridge and finally to our current home at Tatum Eyecare! We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for your guidance, mentorship, friendship and generosity over all those years! We wish you and Lana the best of luck in retirement! Enjoy!

Dr. Megan Houle

Dr. Megan Houle
Dr. Megan 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. Megan 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. Megan 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