Russ Gittinger, OD, PA in Oklahoma City: Independent Optometry with Surgical Co-Management
Russ Gittinger operates a solo optometry practice focused on comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fitting, and post-operative care for patients undergoing cataract and refractive surgery elsewhere in Oklahoma City. As an independent optometrist in a market dominated by corporate chains and ophthalmology-owned clinics, Gittinger's practice serves patients who want personalized continuity of care and those managing complex prescriptions or specialty contact lens needs.
What This Practice Actually Is
Gittinger works as an optometrist (O.D.), not an ophthalmologist (M.D.), meaning he performs eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, screens for common eye diseases, and manages dry eye and other anterior-segment conditions. He does not perform surgery. His practice is structured around co-management relationships with local ophthalmologists, typically evaluating patients before surgery and providing follow-up care afterward. The clinic operates as a solo provider shop, which limits walk-in capacity but allows appointment scheduling tailored to individual patient needs.
Services and Pricing
Comprehensive eye exams start at $100 to $150, depending on testing complexity; new patients should confirm the exact fee at booking. Contact lens exams (separate from glasses prescriptions) typically run $50 to $75 additional. Specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses for keratoconus or irregular corneas, require extended fitting appointments and are priced individually based on lens type and material. Vision insurance covers standard exams for most plans; out-of-pocket costs vary by plan design. Glasses and contact lens supplies are sold in-house, with frame pricing competitive with regional chains but selection curated rather than overwhelming. Readers should call to confirm current exam fees, as these can shift seasonally.
How Gittinger Compares to Other Oklahoma City Optometrists
Oklahoma City has two main optometry landscapes: corporate chains (Pearle Vision, Costco optical, Walmart Vision Centers) offering lower-priced exams and high inventory turnover, and private practices affiliated with ophthalmology groups (Bergman Eye Care, Associated Physicians Group). Gittinger's niche is the independent solo optometrist. He spends 30 to 45 minutes on comprehensive exams, longer than chain-store protocols but shorter than some ophthalmology-owned optometry departments, which may prioritize surgical candidate workups. Patients managing post-op care or complex contact lenses often see him for continuity; those seeking the broadest frame selection or same-day convenience may prefer a chain. Patients covered by insurance plans with strict in-network requirements should verify Gittinger's participation before booking.
Who This Suits and Who It Does Not
Gittinger is a good fit for patients with established relationships who value consistency, those with specialty contact lens needs (scleral, multifocal, or toric prescriptions), and adults preparing for or recovering from cataract or LASIK surgery who want pre- and post-op care in one location. Solo practices do not suit patients who need walk-in urgent care for acute red eye or foreign body removal; those cases go to an ophthalmology E.R. or urgent care. Very large practices or affiliates are better for families seeking pediatric exams under the same roof.
What the First Visit Involves
New patients should bring insurance cards and a list of current medications. The exam includes visual acuity testing, refraction (determining glasses prescription), intraocular pressure measurement, dilated retinal inspection, and visual field testing if indicated by history or age. Most appointments last 45 minutes to an hour. If you are a post-op patient (e.g., six weeks after cataract surgery), bring your surgical records or contact information for the operating surgeon so Gittinger can coordinate notes. Glasses or contacts are not typically ready on the same day; plan for 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
Hours, Parking, and Getting There
Russ Gittinger operates by appointment Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited weekend availability during peak season (verify exact hours by phone). The office is located in a standalone building with dedicated patient parking; no permit or validation is needed. Street parking is available if the lot is full. The clinic is not served by public transit. Appointment lead times typically run one to three weeks for routine exams; emergency follow-ups for post-op complications may be accommodated sooner.
An independent optometrist in a city where most care is routed through large systems or corporate chains provides continuity and focus that matter for patients managing complex prescriptions or surgical recovery. Gittinger's practice occupies a specific role in Oklahoma City's eye care ecosystem.
