Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Optometrists in San Diego | Specs Optometry
Specs Optometry is a family-owned San Diego practice founded in 2012 by Dr. Michelle Fitzpatrick and Eric Richter. We combine medical expertise with a curated selection of premium eyewear, offering comprehensive eye exams, advanced dry eye treatments, and personalized optical solutions. Our team prioritizes patient education, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to detect ocular and systemic diseases early.With three locations across San Diego, we serve diverse communities while maintaining a commitment to quality care and stylish, functional eyewear. Our optometrists bring decades of combined experience in managing complex vision conditions and ocular health.
Services
Eye Exams
Dry Eye Treatment
Contact Lenses
Prescription Eyewear
Vision Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Family-owned practice with 10+ years of combined optometric experience
- Advanced dry eye treatment using FDA-approved IPL technology
- Curated collection of 50+ premium independent eyewear brands
- Comprehensive eye health evaluations detecting systemic diseases
- Personalized contact lens fittings for complex prescriptions
Services
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Our thorough eye examinations assess visual acuity, eye health, and systemic disease indicators. Using advanced diagnostic equipment, we detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes-related eye conditions. The exam includes refraction testing for glasses or contact lenses, along with retinal imaging options to document eye health changes over time.
Dry Eye Disease Treatment
We specialize in managing chronic dry eye syndrome through personalized treatment plans. Our FDA-approved IPL therapy targets inflammation causes while meibomian gland expression and prescription medications address underlying deficiencies. Each patient receives tailored recommendations combining in-office treatments with at-home care routines to restore ocular surface health and comfort.
Prescription Eyewear
Our optical boutique features over 50 independent eyewear brands, including Ahlem, Garrett Leight, and Moscot. Expert opticians provide precise frame fitting and lens customization using high-index, polycarbonate, and Trivex materials. We offer anti-reflective coatings, photochromic lenses, and digital lens technology to optimize vision clarity while matching individual style preferences and lifestyle needs.
People
Dr. Michelle Fitzpatrick
Co-Founder/Optometrist
Dr. Fitzpatrick earned her optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry and has practiced for 10 years. A San Diego native, she combines clinical expertise with community-focused care, specializing in comprehensive eye exams and ocular disease management while maintaining active involvement in local health initiatives.
Dr. Karen Barbadillo
Optometrist
Dr. Barbadillo graduated from Illinois College of Optometry and brings diverse experience from Kauai and Santa Barbara practices. Her expertise includes contact lens fittings and dry eye management, with particular interest in coastal climate-related ocular health challenges affecting San Diego residents.
Eric Richter
Co-Founder
Marketing expert and glasses aficionado Eric Richter co-founded Specs Optometry with Dr. Fitzpatrick. Leveraging his San Diego State University marketing background, he curates the practice's eyewear collection and develops patient education programs that combine fashion with functional vision solutions.
Questions
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept VSP, EyeMed, MES, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Vision, and Metlife. Contact us with your insurance details for personalized benefit verification.
Do you offer dry eye consultations?
Yes, we provide free dry eye consultations at all locations. The specialized IPL treatment requires four sessions at our One Paseo location.
Can I use FSA/HSA funds?
Yes, we accept FSA and HSA payments for eyewear purchases, contact lenses, and qualified medical treatments.
What lens options are available?
We offer CR-39, polycarbonate, Trivex, and high-index lenses with anti-reflective coatings, photochromic properties, and digital lens enhancements tailored to individual prescriptions.
Do you accept existing prescriptions?
Yes, we'll use valid prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. We may recommend updates if significant vision changes are suspected during exams.
