Devon BrooksA few months ago, one of our friends started struggling with night driving. Street signs looked blurry, headlights felt too bright, and the short trip ended with headaches. At first, it was easy to dismiss as screen fatigue, but it quickly became clear that something was off.
That’s what led us to look into eye clinics in Columbus. As we compared options, it became obvious that not all clinics offer the same level of care. Some kept things basic, while others stood out for detailed eye exams and doctors who actually take time to explain results.
After reviewing feedback and services, we identified some of the best eye clinics in Columbus that consistently provide thorough, reliable vision care.
How much does an eye clinic consultation cost in Columbus?
In Columbus, an eye clinic consultation usually costs around $80 to $180. The cost depends on factors such as the type of examination, the level of diagnostic testing, the clinic’s expertise, and whether specialized services are needed.
1. Columbus Eyeworks
Address: 25 W Hubbard Ave
Phone: +16144212020
Business Hours:
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Wednesday & Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Our visit to Columbus Eyeworks showed how established and community-rooted the practice feels. With over 20 years of continuous operation, it gives a strong sense of trust and consistency in care.
Their walk-in availability for urgent concerns like red eye, sore eye, and infections was really helpful for us. It felt reassuring to know that clients can receive prompt attention in emergencies.
We also liked their comprehensive children’s eye exams, with vision development monitoring to support learning and early detection of issues. The blend of medical eye disease care and eyewear services made the experience feel more complete.
The $225 complete RX pair, with frames and lenses included, felt like a solid value for clients. The 30% off the second pair, same-day availability, and access to designer eyewear brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley added to the appeal.
However, appointment reminders are not always consistently received, which can lead to clients arriving late, and some staff may be less accommodating.
Dr. Bennett is the best
“Dr. Bennett is the best! He’s very time efficient, funny, knowledgable, and personable. I’m a medical student so I’m not always in the best place financially, but Dr. Bennett always looks out for me! I’ll definitely be coming back here for my eye needs until I move for residency. 10/10 recommend!”
- Mase Griffith, Google Review
Exceptional experience
“My experience at Columbus Eyeworks was exceptional! The atmosphere was clean, bright, and had modern decor. Perfect for a Short North location. Staff were very friendly and upbeat the whole process. A clear and thorough explanation was given with every test. Newer equipment was a bonus! Dr. Bennett was great! His wit and attempts at comedy were the cherry on top. I’ve already recommended Columbus Eyeworks to others!”
- Always Saturday, Google Review
2. Riverside Eye Center
Address: 3434 Riverside Dr
Phone: +16142730393
Business Hours:
- Monday & Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Riverside Eye Center strongly focuses on serious medical and surgical eye care. It feels more like a full ophthalmology center than an atypical eye exam clinic.
The diabetic retinopathy care and laser surgery for the retina and glaucoma suggest a high level of specialization in complex conditions. Consultations felt detailed, with a strong emphasis on long-term vision health.
There are also eyelid and corrective eye surgeries, which expand their scope beyond routine care. The medical monitoring and surgical oversight make the care feel structured and continuous.
Accepting Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans makes access more practical. Being an AAAHC-accredited surgical center also adds confidence in their safety and standards.
However, there were occasional concerns regarding the cleanliness of some equipment and facilities. This may not be consistent across all visits, but it can be improved to ensure an even higher standard of patient comfort and safety.
Friendly and organized staff
“Dr. Dye and his staff are professional, thorough and take time with each patient. They are friendly and organized, and go above and beyond to make visits stress free for the patient. Riverside Eye Center delivers unmatched professionalism. Highly recommend this practice!”
- Megan Frantz, Google Review
Amazing experience
“I had my first visit at Riverside Eye Care last week and have an amazing experience! I was able to schedule an appointment very easily online, even as a new patient, which I greatly appreciated. All of the staff were kind and helpful. Dr Scullion was personable and thorough, and I did not feel rushed through my appointment. There is a large selection of frames to choose from and the optical staff were great with getting me fitted for new glasses.”
- Kamaria Majors, Google Review
3. Columbus Optical Dispensary
Address: 1928 5th St N
Phone: +16623285781
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Columbus Optical Dispensary stands out for its long-standing presence and the stability of the care it provides. With over 60 years in operation, it reflects strong continuity and trust passed through generations.
Another key strength is its integrated approach to eye health and prescription management. Ongoing medical eye assessments alongside optical services help make care feel more complete and better connected.
There’s also strong appreciation for post-cataract care support. It provides reassurance that follow-up care continues beyond surgery and not just at the prescription stage.
Many clients value that insurance claims are processed directly with providers. This helps reduce confusion and makes the overall experience more convenient. They also received recognition from the Dispatch as Best of the Triangle in 2021.
One thing to keep in mind is that the clinic system can feel traditional. Because of this, wait times and scheduling flow are not always as smooth and fast as expected.
Friendly and courteous staff
“Columbus Optical is the best place to shop for glasses in Columbus. Their staff is friendly and courteous and go above and beyond in customer service.”
- Lisa Carroll, Google Review
They were so nice
“They were so nice! Went in for a repair of sunglasses that I got online hoping they could help since it was my only pair of prescription sunglasses. Not only did she fix my beloved frames but even cleaned the frame and lenses. Will absolutely be using them for all of my future needs!”
- J LH, Google Review
4. Curtis Optometry Group
Address: 1823 5th St N
Phone: +16623285225
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Curtis Optometry Group is known for its long-standing service in the community and the consistent level of care it provides. With more than 38 years in practice, it inspires a strong sense of trust and reliability for long-term eye care.
Their diabetic eye disease evaluations and dry eye diagnostics felt very thorough and never rushed. The doctors explained everything clearly, which made it easier for us and other clients to understand our eye health.
We also liked their more advanced services, like Ortho-K overnight lenses and vision therapy for eye coordination and tracking issues. The eyewear guidance felt personalized, helping us choose options that fit both prescription needs and lifestyle.
Additionally, the onboarding process for new patients is smooth, with pre-visit forms and a quick phone screening that help streamline the experience. Being part of the Vision Source network and being BBB-accredited also adds an extra layer of confidence overall.
However, there have been some concerns about customer service. A few clients mentioned occasionally rude responses from staff when trying to reschedule appointments.
Great experience
“Great experience for being my daughter’s first visit. They were so patient and kind with her being such a busy little girl. Front desk was kind and helpful then when we got her eyes dilated the lady who did it was so kind and showed her the treasure box let her play with all the toys after while we waited on a room to be put in which didn’t take long but for a 1 yr old busy girl it probably felt like forever but access to toys I think made it well worth it. Then the dr came in dr Hanna and she was so good with my daughter and worked with her not against her as she didn’t understand what was going on and what we wanted of her. Great place to come especially for kids or id even say kids who need special love and patience during appointments. Thank you to each of you who showed great love to my baby girl. Highly recommend yall.”
- Misty Pridmore, Google Review
Professional and caring
“I have very sensitive eyes and they made me feel so comfortable and gave me time with the testing I had to do. They are very professional and caring. I highly recommend them.”
- Megan Grey, Google Review
5. Brooks Eye Center & Optical
Address: 3545 Bluecutt Rd
Phone: +16623272020
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Brooks Eye Center & Optical is highly praised by clients for offering a solid mix of routine eye exams and medical eye care services in one setting. It’s often described as more comprehensive than a typical optical shop, with a straightforward approach to care.
Clients also highlight the eye disease co-management for conditions like macular degeneration, with explanations that are clear and easy to follow.
Emergency eye care services, including treatment for infections and scratched corneas, are also appreciated for their role in building confidence in how urgent cases are handled.
On top of that, pediatric eye exams focus on early vision development, which clients frequently mention as reassuring for families. Options such as astigmatism treatment and computer glasses are also seen as helpful for managing everyday screen-related strain.
However, clients note that appointment availability can be limited at times, which may result in less convenient scheduling.
Great care
“Great care was taken to make sure we understood results of examinations. Follow up procedures and referrals were made. I have confidence in Dr. Johnson’s eye-care.”
- Michelle Harmon, Google Review
Very thorough and actually listens
“They are very thorough and actually listen to any concerns about your eyes. Their prices are reasonable compared to other places that I’ve visited before.”
- Barry, Google Review
