John R. Christiansen MD in Oklahoma City: Optometry with In-Office Surgery Capability

John R. Christiansen MD operates as an optometrist and ophthalmologist in Oklahoma City, combining routine vision care with the ability to perform certain surgical procedures on-site, a scope that sets him apart from optometry-only practices across the metro area.

What Christiansen actually offers

Christiansen is licensed as both an MD (medical doctor) and optometrist, which means the practice handles comprehensive eye exams, vision correction fitting, and treatment of eye diseases. The surgical credentials permit minor procedures such as removal of foreign objects, certain lid lesions, and basic in-office interventions without the need for separate referral to a hospital surgery center. This dual scope serves patients who prefer consolidating eye care under one provider, though the range of surgeries performed in-office is narrower than what a full ophthalmology surgical suite can manage.

Services and typical pricing

A comprehensive eye exam (including refraction, retinal imaging, and glaucoma screening) runs between $100 and $180 depending on complexity and whether advanced imaging is included; ask the office to confirm current rates. Contact lens fitting costs an additional $50 to $100 beyond the exam. Glasses and contact lens inventory sold through the practice follow retail pricing typical of independent OD offices, generally 20 to 40 percent above wholesale cost. Insurance accepted includes most major plans; bring your card and check whether a referral is required under your plan's ophthalmology benefits. The practice does not typically participate in membership discount programs like VSP or EyeMed at discounted rates.

Minor in-office procedures (lid lesion removal, foreign body extraction) cost $200 to $500 depending on complexity; verify pricing during your consultation since these are often not insurable at the same rates as diagnostic visits.

How Christiansen compares to other Oklahoma City optometry options

Standard optometry practices across Oklahoma City (including chain locations at LensCrafters and independent OD offices) provide eye exams and glasses fitting but refer patients to ophthalmologists or surgery centers for any procedural work. Larger ophthalmology groups such as those affiliated with OU Medicine or Integris have full surgical suites and cover a wider range of complex surgeries but typically involve longer waits, higher out-of-pocket costs, and the administrative overhead of a hospital system. Christiansen fills a middle ground: patients with simple vision correction and minor eye conditions avoid the referral loop and can manage both care and light procedures in one office, while those needing complex cataract surgery, corneal transplant, or retinal work will still require referral to an ophthalmology surgery center.

Choose Christiansen if you want a single provider for routine exams and have had minor lid or foreign body issues in the past. Choose a large ophthalmology group if you require cataract surgery, glaucoma laser treatment, or retinal procedures.

Who this suits and who it does not

Christiansen's practice works well for patients who prefer continuity with one doctor, have uncomplicated refractive error or early-stage dry eye, or need routine glaucoma monitoring. Patients with severe presbyopia, keratoconus, or post-surgical complications benefit from the in-office diagnostic depth available in a medical optometry setting. The practice does not suit patients requiring complex surgical intervention, pediatric eye care (the office does not advertise a pediatric focus), or those strongly committed to a specific large system's continuity of care. Insurance coordination can be simpler than with a hospital system but may be slower than with in-network chain optometrists.

What to expect on your first visit

Book an appointment at least one week in advance; walk-in care is not offered. The first visit runs 45 to 75 minutes. You will complete a health history form asking about systemic conditions, medications, eye symptoms, and family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration. The doctor will perform visual acuity testing, retinoscopy or autorefraction, tonometry (glaucoma screening), and dilated retinal examination. If you have not had imaging in the past year, dilated fundus photography or optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning will be added. At the end, the doctor will discuss findings and fit you for glasses or contact lenses if needed. Bring your current eyeglass prescription, contact lens box, and insurance card.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Christiansen operates from a private office rather than a mall location. Hours are typically Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM; confirm hours by phone or website, as medical practices occasionally adjust schedules seasonally. Dedicated parking is available on-site. The office is accessible from the midtown area near Nichols Hills. No public transit stops are adjacent; drive or use ride-share.

John R. Christiansen MD fills a specific role in Oklahoma City's eye care landscape for patients seeking routine optometry with same-day access to minor surgical procedures and the continuity of a single medical provider.