Gilliland Donald C MD in Oklahoma City: Medical and Surgical Optometry with In-Office Lens Fabrication

Donald C. Gilliland MD is an optometrist practicing medical and surgical optometry in Oklahoma City, offering comprehensive eye exams, surgical co-management, and same-day eyeglass production on-site—a capacity that most general optometry practices in the metro area either lack or outsource to labs.

What Gilliland Actually Provides

Gilliland operates as a single-provider practice focused on medical and surgical optometry rather than cosmetic vision correction alone. This means the scope extends beyond routine refractions to include treatment of eye disease, co-management of cataract and refractive surgery patients, and diagnostic imaging. The in-house lab for lens fabrication is a material distinction: patients can receive glasses on the same day of their exam, avoiding the typical 7–10 day turnaround through external labs. For working adults and people with unstable prescriptions, this reduces friction significantly.

Services and Pricing

A comprehensive eye exam including refraction, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination runs approximately $150–$200, though the exact fee depends on test complexity and insurance. Eyeglass pricing begins around $200 for basic plastic single-vision lenses in standard frames and climbs based on lens material (high-index, polycarbonate), coatings (anti-reflective, blue-light blocking), and frame selection. Contact lens fittings and follow-ups are billed separately. Surgical co-management services (pre- and post-operative care for LASIK, PRK, or cataract surgery) typically cost $300–$500 per case, though patients often have these visits covered under their surgical center's package or insurance benefits. Confirm current fees directly with the practice, as prices adjust periodically.

How This Compares to Other Oklahoma City Optometrists

The Oklahoma City metro has numerous optometry options ranging from corporate practices (Pearle Vision, LensCrafters) to independent providers. Corporate chains prioritize volume and inventory variety; they stock hundreds of frames and offer fast ship times from regional distribution centers but do not house their own lens labs, meaning same-day delivery is uncommon. Independent practices vary: some maintain basic frame inventory and outsource all lens work, while others, like Gilliland's, invest in on-site labs. The trade-off is frame selection versus speed and control. If you prioritize next-day eyeglasses without leaving Oklahoma City and need medical-grade eye-disease management, Gilliland's model is distinct. If you want 300 frame options and don't need same-day turnaround, a larger retail optometry chain may suit you better.

Who This Practice Fits and Who It Doesn't

This practice works well for patients with diagnosed eye conditions (dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration), people undergoing or planning refractive or cataract surgery, working professionals who cannot wait 10 days for glasses, and those who value continuity with a single provider over years. It is less suited to people shopping primarily for low-cost frames or those seeking a high-touch cosmetic consultation in a full-service retail environment. Patients without insurance or with high-deductible plans should ask about cash pricing transparency before the exam.

What the First Visit Involves

Expect to arrive 10–15 minutes early for paperwork and insurance verification. The examination itself typically runs 45 minutes to an hour and includes visual acuity testing, refraction, tonometry, and a dilated retinal exam. If you are a new patient requiring surgical co-management or have complex medical history, the visit may extend longer. At the end, if you are ordering glasses, you will be fitted for frame size, pupillary distance measured, and lens specifications entered into the in-house lab. Turnaround for standard single-vision lenses is the same day; bifocals and progressive lenses may require overnight processing.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Gilliland operates by appointment; specific hours and parking details should be verified directly with the practice. Oklahoma City optometry practices vary widely in scheduling flexibility; some offer evening or Saturday slots, others do not. Call ahead to confirm availability, especially if you need same-day glasses, as lab capacity may limit how many pairs can be completed in one day.

Gilliland's combination of medical optometry expertise and on-site fabrication addresses a genuine gap in Oklahoma City's optometry landscape: patients seeking disease management without sacrificing convenience or cost to external labs. This makes the practice a practical choice for both acute care needs and ongoing eye health.