Dave Franke Optometry in Oklahoma City: Full-Scope Eye Care and Prescription Filling on Site

Dave Franke Optometry is a single-location independent optometry practice in Oklahoma City that handles routine eye exams, contact lens fittings, and retail eyewear sales under one roof. The practice serves patients seeking comprehensive eye care without referrals to separate facilities for glasses or contacts, and positions itself as an alternative to chain retail eyewear centers that prioritize quick transactions over extended exam time.

What Dave Franke Optometry actually is

Dave Franke Optometry operates as a primary-care eye care provider, meaning it handles the full diagnostic and prescription workflow. An optometrist performs refractive exams, screens for common eye diseases, and writes prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. Unlike urgent-care eye clinics or optical retailers, the practice does not perform surgery or treat acute eye emergencies. Unlike large chains such as Visionworks or LensCrafters, it maintains a single location and does not operate as a national franchisee, which affects how quickly inventory is restocked and how much negotiating room exists on pricing.

Services and pricing structure

Comprehensive eye exams at Dave Franke Optometry typically cost between $80 and $150, depending on whether additional testing (such as visual fields or OCT imaging for glaucoma screening) is included. Contact lens fitting fees range from $40 to $75 on top of the exam cost, reflecting the time required to measure the eye's curvature and ensure proper lens fit. Eyeglass frames start at roughly $100 and extend to $400 or more for designer brands; single-vision lenses run $50 to $200 per pair, while progressive (no-line bifocal) lenses typically cost $150 to $350. Most insurance plans covering optometry (such as VSP or EyeMed) reduce the out-of-pocket cost for the exam and may apply a fixed benefit (commonly $100 to $150) toward frames and lenses. Confirm current pricing directly with the practice, as frame markups and lens pricing shift with supplier costs.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City optometry options

Oklahoma City has multiple chains and independent practices. Visionworks and LensCrafters, both mall-anchored retailers, typically stock 200+ frame styles in-store and can manufacture glasses in one hour at most locations. Their volume purchasing power often undercuts independent practices on standard plastic frames, though their exams follow the same clinical standards as Dave Franke. Skirvin Eye Care, another Oklahoma City independent optometry practice, operates similarly to Dave Franke, serving patients who prefer a single-provider relationship over chain anonymity. The trade-off between chains and independents is speed versus continuity: chains deliver glasses faster and often at lower cost on commodity frames; independents like Dave Franke often allow longer exam appointments and maintain greater frame selection curated toward a specific patient profile. For patients with complex prescriptions or who require specialized contact lenses (such as scleral lenses for keratoconus), an independent practice's willingness to invest extended appointment time becomes more valuable than quick turnaround.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

Dave Franke Optometry suits patients who value consistency with a single optometrist, prefer being examined without high-pressure frame sales tactics, and are willing to wait one to two weeks for custom eyewear orders in exchange for frame variety and a one-on-one consultation. Patients already in a multi-year contact lens prescription or those with a history of eye disease (such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy) benefit from the continuity an independent practice offers. The practice does not suit patients seeking same-day eyeglasses, those requiring emergency eye trauma care, or patients with severe eye conditions needing ophthalmology (surgical) referrals. Patients with minimal insurance coverage or those prioritizing the absolute lowest frame price will likely find better value at a chain retailer.

What the first visit involves

During an initial appointment, expect a 45-minute to one-hour visit. You will complete a health history form noting any prior eye conditions, medications, and family eye disease history. The optometrist will perform a visual acuity test, measure your eye pressure, examine the retina with a dilated pupil exam, and refract your prescription using a phoropter (the traditional "which is better, one or two?" machine). If you are a new contact lens wearer or need a contact lens prescription updated, the fitting occurs in a separate appointment where the optometrist places trial lenses on your eye, assesses comfort and vision, and writes a contact lens prescription that differs from your eyeglasses prescription. You will then select frames in the optical shop and either take them home immediately (if stock lenses are suitable) or wait for a custom order, usually seven to ten business days.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Dave Franke Optometry typically operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday mornings, though hours may vary seasonally. Contact the practice to confirm weekend availability. Street and lot parking is usually available at the location; call ahead if you have mobility concerns or need advance notice for accessibility. Bring insurance information, photo identification, and a list of current medications, as these details determine coverage and affect the clinical exam.

Dave Franke Optometry fills a stable niche for Oklahoma City patients seeking a stable, accessible optometrist with on-site eyewear retail who do not need eyes-wide-open urgency or the lowest possible retail price.