My mom and I been with Dr. Choate for 15+ years. My son has gotten 2 of his first 3 pairs from Dr.Choate. I have no complaints. He has a wonderful staff supporting him as well. read more

Great experience, Dr. Choate is very professional, thorough, knowledgeable and his staff could not have been more caring and helpful. When it comes to my eyesight I want a skilled professional caring for my eyes. Dr. Choate uses the most advanced technology and I have never had a more extensive exam. I drive from Alabama because I trust his opinion and value his knowledge on everything eyes! I am so excited to be driving clearly at night without glare and using my computer without eye strain . It does take your time, but he is also spending his time to make sure your eyes are the best they can be. Five Stars! read more

Dr. Choate is not your typical eye doctor experience that patients have come to understand as normal (quick appointments and on to the next). An exam in his office will take longer because he is 100% focused on giving patients a tailored experience and have them walk out of the office with the best results so make sure you book a little extra time but your vision and eye care will not regret it. In 30 years of eye care, I have never seen someone so focused on achieving the best results for his patients. read more

I would never recommend this office. There is not one friendly person in the office. A regular exam took almost 3 hours. Be sure to read all the papers they ask you to read and sign because the cost will add up quickly. I will have to agree with some of the other reviews - Dr. Choate is very arrogant and thinks alot of himself more so than his customers. Proceed with caution if you chose this practice. read more

I've been going to Choate Eye Associates for many, many years (since I was a kid). Dr. Choate knows exactly what he's doing, and I can wager that he's the best of the best in Middle Tennessee. I feel very comfortable coming here because I know I'm in good hands. The staff is very polite and professional, the eye exams are extensive yet at the same time very efficient (it doesn't take too much time out of my day). The machinery they use is extremely advanced for detecting any kind of eye issue. Two specific things that I really like about Choate: 1) They have an extensive collection of eyeglasses that they carry with all kinds of brands and fashions. A lot of people in my generation go the Warby Parker route but that's unnecessary hassle for the selection they have, especially since you're already present for an eye exam anyways. 2) They work really well with my insurance. I recently had a comprehensive eye exam, ordered 6 months worth of daily contact lenses, and bought a new pair of glasses for a very reasonable total price. Very solid place, you won't find much better in Middle TN. read more

I love going to my yearly eye exam because of Dr CHOATE and his fantastic staff. Everyone is always nice, its always clean and you never have to wait long. I will continue to recommend this office. read more

This was a unique experience as it took about 2 hours for a standard contact fitting and eye exam. The staff was very nice, but I practically gave my whole medical history and it was a long visit. During the exam it felt there were many add on services that were recommended- which I declined, but it was incredibly more expensive then the exams I've had in the past. If you are looking for a basic exam, this is not your place. read more

Was seen by Dr. Choate. He is a real jerk. He may be the best Dr. in the world, but I will never go back. I manage my own health care so I requested copy of findings and was told by staff before appointment that that would not be a problem. Dr. Choate refused to provide the information I requested. When I was sent to the technician to be fitted for glasses, I told her I was not going to buy glasses and just wanted the script. She was not allowed to give me the script until Dr. Choate came back to talk to me. I had to wait for him to finish with another patient just so he could give me the high pressure sales pitch. Finally he told the tech to write the script. If you are a sheep and don't mind paying $800 for glasses then this is the place to go. If you like to shop around for glasses then stay away from this place. read more

After reading the other reviews for Choate Eye Associates, I had to post my own. Frankly, just because you've been doing something since you were a teenager, doesn't mean you know what the heck you're doing. Ask your spouse, he or she might just agree. As a newly discovered Diabetic, I was referred to Dr. Choate by another of Dr. Choate's patients, my primary care physician. When I was diagnosed with diabetes, my A1c was 12.2 (7 points higher than normal) and my blood sugar was almost 6 times its maximum normal level (584!). I had gotten my glasses 2 months earlier from a retail clinic. My doctor told me that the optometrist should have let me know that I had irregularity in my eyes due to diabetes and that it would have been easily seen. I waited 10 months to make my appointment with Dr. Choate and was able to get in the next week, which was a month and a half month ago. When I arrived for my appointment, I was informed that the medical portion of the bill would be covered by insurance but the vision portion would not be. My cost for the full exams would be $100, ($65 vision/$35 med specialist co-pay). If there is anything that I could complain about, it's that I wish I had been told that before-hand, but had I been told that, I may have cancelled my appointment and not had what I consider to be the most thorough eye exam of my life. I have a family history of eventual blindness and I'm very grateful to have made the decision to stay for the 2.5 hour exam. In the end, it was discovered that I had an optic nerve anomaly which could be a sign of early stages of Glaucoma. I was immediately scheduled for a follow up exam, which was today. When you first meet Dr. Choate, I can see how you might consider him to be a bit more business than most, and I can absolutely imagine him arguing with you about your vision, especially you don't know what you're talking about. The man is PASSIONATE about vision and quality eye wear. If you want to buy crap, that's your prerogative, but you want be buying it from him. He explained to me that the reason he didn't accept my vision insurance was because its just crap. The company would required him to carry substandard frames and lenses and then attempt to steer those insurance clients to those products. He refused. Again, I'm grateful. He showed me new products, compared them to the lenses I had at the time, and allowed me to make decisions for myself. I chose a designer frame that priced out at $380 and with lenses, coatings, and prism (ask them about the prisms!!!) my total was $1200 out of pocket. (Crappy insurance, remember?) After hyperventilating for a minute, I said thank you and that I would call back to order. I went home and did some research. The frames that were to cost me $380 with Dr. Choate ranged from $545 to $750 on eBay and Amazon. The coating and progressive lenses were 30 to 50% higher in other shops as well. As it turns out, the "top of the line" progressives sold to me by the retail shop are really 20 year old technology. Yeah, 2 freaking decades! So, the glasses that I ordered the next day from Choate Eye Associates could have cost me $1800 from another quality vision center. Another positive for me is that it's not something every other Tom, Dick, and Harry can be seen wearing. Since my first appointment, I've referred every friend who has asked me who my eye dr. is, and they've all thanked me after their visits. My spouse and in-laws haven't made their appointment yet but will be. I will continue to tell anyone who asks me that Dr. Choate and his staff are the best I've ever encountered. Today, after more than an hour of testing, it turns out that I don't have glaucoma, just unique optic nerves and have been placed on the low risk chart and I've been ruled out for the disease that is rapidly steeling my mom's vision. I wonder... Had my mother had an eye doc like Dr. Choate, would she still be able to see well enough to read. I can't answer that, but what I will say is that you have a choice about who you see for eye health, and as long as he's open, my choice will be Choate Eye Associates. read more

There is a fine balance with anything dealing with the transactional world and when it comes to your health this balance is essential. I'm speaking of the balance of time vs quality of service. In a restaurant you want prompt service but if your food comes out too quickly, perhaps the quality suffers. In the case of Choate Eye associates they have discovered that true balance, proficient, professional, and they are sensitive to the the fact that you have very little margin in your busy day. The word that comes to mind is bespoke. The staff tailor to your needs (frame shopping and fitting, comfort, explaining what this machine does and why...etc) all while doing the things necessary to give you the proper diagnosis on two of the most important items a person can have....your eyes! Dr Choate is to the eye world what Michael Jordan was to basketball. He knows his stuff, not to mention I have never seen more clear and with less strain than during my 20+ years of wearing glasses. My headaches are virtually gone. ( I say virtually due to the fact I still have children). I'll eat superb food and tolerate less than average service, I'll even eat average food with outstanding service, with Choate Eye and Associates the food is 5 star and Dr Choate and his staff can dunk it jumping from the foul line! Highly recommend! read more

Dr. Choate is my favorite eye doctor. He keeps up with the latest and most current eye needs. Keeps the newest technology for the best vision possible. I have always achieved amazing sight with his perscriptions. read more

My first eye appointment with Choate was excellent. Dr Choate and his staff were extremely accommodating. They got me in the same day, helped me with everything, were patient and understanding and so friendly! I had to bring my 10 month old with me and after an hour she got fussy ( I had a long exam - haven't been in years) and they were so kind to me and entertained her as well. I never once felt like I was a bother to them. I will always recommend them from now on! read more

Went in for a routine eye exam which is free with my insurance. When I go to check out they say because I've had eye surgery almost a decade ago that it's a medical procedure and is going to cost $160 not regular exam that would be free even though they just did the normal eye exam stuff. I've never been charged extra at any other place. I'll be having my exam done somewhere else next time. read more

My son and I have been patients of Dr. Choate since 2001. Dr. Choate and his staff are ALWAYS courteous and professional. What I appreciate about Dr. Choate is he is very attentive to his patient's needs. My son suffered a head injury that caused a mass to form in his eye. It obstructed his vision and had it not been for Dr. Choate taking time to go above and beyond we never would have known. Dr. Choate's recommendation helped my son regain his sight. More than this, Dr. Choate talked to my son on a personal level after learning that he had been suffering from depression. I am forever grateful to Dr. Choate for caring enough to listen and talk with my son. It made a huge difference. read more

I have insurance, which pays for my exam for glasses AND contacts. Choate Eye Clinic is listed as an "in-network" provider. Upon my initial exam, they requested a $75 "copay" (stating that my insurance doesn't cover all of their technology- would've been nice to know THAT up front), and forced me to do a follow-up visit, which cost an additional $45- WHAT??!! Dr. Choate was rude to me regarding purchasing my contacts online (his quote for contacts was $37/box, when I just ordered them online for $20/box), and he seemed more interested in arguing with me about my vision, rather than LISTENING to me. I've been seeing optometrists since I was 8 years old, and wearing contacts since I was 12- I'm pretty sure that at this stage in life, I can order contacts from wherever and whomever I please- especially to save THAT much money! I will never, ever, EVER use Choate Eye Clinic, nor would I refer anyone to them. I do suggest Summit Eye Clinic though, as an alternative. Dr. Goldsmith isn't as bad- but, she brings in Choate to check EVERYTHING she has done, and he is just abrasive and acts like he's an optical magician....never really listening, or understanding what his patient needs in eye care. I never thought it possible to dislike an optometrist to much! Between the surprise costs, the length of wait time, and the aggressiveness to only purchase contacts and/or glasses at their clinic, I feel that this behavior is unprofessional, and I will not return to this place of business. read more

I have worn glasses for 32 years and never will I return to this doctor. He was rude, acted like he was in a hurry and I was an inconvenience, asked me if I had sleep apnea, stating that people with large necks often do (I am overweight)...very rude and in a hurry. I do NOT have sleep apnea or oxygen deprivation as he suggested. I was in the hospital recently and had excellent oxygen levels. I would not recommend this eye doctor. The staff was nice but cannot make up for the treatment of Dr. Choate. He also said I had pre glaucoma because of high eye pressure, but I looked at websites for glaucoma organizations and my pressure was in the LOW end of high...I did schedule a follow up and asked how much it would costs and they could not tell me. I think I will be canceling that appointment. read more

My son had his first eye exam with Dr. Choate this year. He was nervous about the appointment, not knowing what to expect, but had some concerns about not seeing well at night. While my son has 20/20 vision, it was a very thorough exam, and he was able to identify what was causing the night driving issues. As a mom, I feel so much better know that everything was ok, and that the health of his eyes is excellent. He got some pretty cool sunglasses that day too! He will definitely be returning to see Dr. Choate for all of his eye care needs. read more

The Eye is one of the most sensitive organs in our body that needs extreme care to prevent problems or abnormalities. For many years I took my sight for granted neglecting my eyes, accepting average eye care while spending considerable $ on eye wear and contacts that left me dissatisfied. With poor sight as I reached middle age, I wanted a Perfectionist "A person who refuses to accept any standard less than perfect" and I found that with Dr. Choate at Choate eye associates. Dr. Choate and his team will give you their undivided attention, quality care In a most professional setting, and have more options available than I have seen in my 20 + years of visiting various eye care establishments. It saved me money in the long run to get the "perfect solution" for my eyes going forward. My sight is very Important to me and my family. I don't want "factory style/one size fits all care" or an overly sweet caregiver, I want a Perfectionist. read more

I visited Choate eye associates for the first time yesterday. I am still angry at the qauntity not quality feel of the office. Everything was very fast paced and at sometimes felt like a police felony stop. orders were shouted sternly over and over "put you chin in the rest, putyour chin in the rest, head forward head forward" The doctor has no intention to be personal. He stormed into the exam room and did little to inform me of what he was doing. I left the office without getting any glasses because i just wanted to leave. I told the doc i was frustrated and i just wanted to leave and he asked why......I told him i felt like i was herded through the office like cattle and he said "Ive been accused of many things" and immediatly stormed to the back of the office. nothing else.....He doesnt care! I may be old fashion but i want any of my doctors to be personable and talk to me as if i were a valued customer. It was more like dealing with the DMV. Maybe i caught them on a bad day???? Im not sure but im not going back to find out. hopefully they will give me my prescription so i can get some frames elsewhere. read more

I went to see Dr, Choate and his team last month for the first time. I had been at another eye DR.'s office for 10+ years and didn't feel like I was getting what I needed. Let me just say, this office knows what they are doing!! From the first phone call to picking up my glasses it was first class treatment all the way! Not only that, they are very professional & knowledgeable. They listened to what I had to say and addressed my situations. I've got the best glasses for me. I could not have chosen a better eye DR. for myself and my family. Thank you Dr. Choate and your wonderful staff!!! read more

Where to begin? I could not/would not recommend Choate Eye Associates. They staff were all nice enough, but Dr. Choate was something else entirely. He always seemed to be thorough but was lacking in other aspects of care. He came across as rude, demeaning, and condescending on multiple occasions. When I had enough of his belligerence I simply asked for a copy of medical record for my own records. The tech/or secretary informed me that Dr. Choate would have to sign off on the copy but that it would be ready upon my last and FINAL follow up appointment with Dr. Choate. Of course a few weeks later when it came time for my follow up appointment, no copy of my record had been made. When I asked the secretary about said copy, you would have thought I stole her lunch money with the look I received. Since then, I have called twice to order another supply of contacts. On two separate occasions I have called, given them my information, stated I would like order contacts, and then I am told that all of the technicians are busy and they will call me back. They never did call back. I suppose I will be utilizing 1-800 contacts. I will not be back, this was the worse healthcare experience I have had. read more

On March 15, 2011 I called Choate Eye Associates about a vision problem I was suffering with. I described my problem and the woman told me she would check with Dr Choate to see if he needed to see me. She told me I needed to come in right away. She said she could schedule me for an emergency appointment at 2:15 that day. I told her I had to be at work at 4:00. She told me that wouldn't be an issue because I would be out of the office before then. I made the appointment. I arrived at 2:10 and let the receptionist know I was there for my emergency appointment. She told me it would be just a few minutes. 30 minutes later I told her that I had to be at work at 4:00 and that I was told I would be finished with my eye exam on time so I could get to work. She told a another worker in the back and said she understood, and that it would be just a few more minutes. 30 more minutes and I was taken back to room with a nurse at 3:15. She asked me what was wrong with my eye and repeated the issue. During our conversation Mr Choate walks in and looks around the room. He then asks her where a different patient was, and she said in the waiting room. He left to handle another patient. She said it would be just a few more minutes before Mr. Choate could see me. 15 minutes later Mr Choate comes into my room and says he can't look at my eye unless he dilates it, and since I have to be at work I would have to come back. I wait for the receptionist to finish with another patient with just a few minutes until I have to be at work when I greet the receptionist she tells me I have to pay $20 for my co pay. I didn't have time to question the charge because I didn't want to be terribly late to work. She tells me to come back the next day so they can figure out what's wrong with my eye. My mom called to find out why they charged a co pay when they did not provide a service, and how much I would be charged the next day. They said there was no charge for the next visit because they aren't charging for the next day. I called March 15, 2011 to confirm and a woman named Debroah said she spoke with Dr. Choate and that he plans to charge a co pay for today's visit. I questioned how I would be charged twice for something. She said they were willing to perform the service of an eye exam but I had to leave. I explained to her that I was told I would be out of the office in time for work, and that's why I scheduled the appointment. I reminded her that I even told the receptionist at the desk that I had to be at work at 4:00 multiple times. They orchestrated this situation so they could charge me twice. After my experience that evening I can't trust them with my emergency eye problem, so I will never return. They didn't respect the appointment I made. They were very unprofessional in how they handled my emergency. They have fraudulently billed my insurance company for services I never received. They only care about money gained from exploiting an ailing patient. read more

Well, this is my opinion, I have been going to choate eye associates for more than 4 years and in this period of time I have been extremely pleased with there service. The office is refreshingly decorated and above all its sparkling clean. The Choate eye associates staff I have dealt with is always pleasant and courteous. Keep up the good job. read more

Just picked up my new glasses. Can see great. Better than I ever have. The staff was awesome! Would recommend all my coworkers at Gaylord check them out! read more

Dr Choate has been my family's eye doc for many years. The staff is always prepared for me when I arrive. Their are very particular and perfectionistic about their business...and since its MY eyes, that makes me feel very comfortable. I drive 40 miles round trip because I don't know that I would be comfortable with anyone else. read more

This was my third visit to this particular practice and probably my last unless they hire another doctor. My first two visits were with Dr. Choate's partner and I loved her. I made a recent appointment and was disappointed to find out she'd left (wonder why?). So, I ended up seeing Dr. Choate. He was rude, curt, above reproach, and made me feel like I was an annoyance in his schedule. He appeared rude with the staff, barking out orders, which may have explained why everyone seemed reserved. I do like the staff and have had wonderful experiences with all I've had dealings with. Him, not so much. Because I felt like I was bothering him, questions I would have like to have asked regarding my condition went unasked. I don't doubt he is good in his field, but I'd like a medical opinion please and then the freedom to CHOOSE what I want to do. I don't like being bullied into $900 glasses. I admit, visits to that office are lengthy and very thorough. I've always had the freedom to ask questions of the staff and they seemed pleased to answer them. Selecting eyeglasses were not much of a problem. I told the optician "cheap" and she complied and NEVER judged. Thank you. I get that some of us have eye conditions that "cheap" can't support any more, but for heavens sake, give me my options and let me choose. Shame on Dr. Choate. I still have to go pick up my glasses; that I'm looking forward to. When it comes time for my next annual exam, if they haven't hired a replacement for the doctor that left, I'm looking (pun intended) elsewhere. Really? Don't be rude to me. Treat me with respect and don't forget...I am the patient and I am choosing your services. Don't piss me off. read more

I had my eye exam with Choate Eye Associates in December 2011. Dr. Choate was knowledgeable and his staff was professional and courteous. His office was clean, state of the art and had a great selection of glasses. read more

Choate Eye Associates is listed on my insurance provider list, close to where I live. I called and was able to make an appointment as a new patient the same day. I (stupidly) assumed I was getting a regular eye exam and that my co-pay for this appt. would be around $25. My hope (stupidly) was get glasses and contact prescriptions and look for these items online (for a cheaper rate). As SOP, I was asked to sign and date several pages including Fee Analysis page that was NOT even filled out with monetary charges for each procedure. I go through the eye exam...at not time did anyone say "oh, this is going to cost you extra" or "because of your age, this is going to result in an additional fee for..." I was eventually fitted for a pair of contacts and sent out to consult with the "glasses lady". After determining that my current glasses were very cheaply made and given a run down of everything I would need for new glasses and that I had fantastic vision insurance, I was informed that a pair of glasses with my lense requirements would only run me $503.00 out-of-pocket! Needless to say, I did not purchase any glasses that day. Once the doctor re-checked my contact fit, I was sent to pay...$35 for "Topographic Analysis, $75 for "Eval, fitting and training", and $125 for "Post-eval f/u care". Crazy "hidden" charges the layman would never understand. I left paying over $200 out-of-pocket for a simple, non-invasive, no-dialation eye exam. Is there something wrong with this picture? I do not feel confident to recommend these people to friends, family, co-workers or even total strangers. read more