Modern Care, Timeless Values

For over 100 years, Gatten Eye Care has been Franklin, VA's trusted eye doctor, providing comprehensive vision care and medical eye services to our community. What began as a family tradition in 1922 continues today with the same commitment to excellence that has made us Southampton County's premier optometry practice.

Serving patients from Franklin, Windsor, Suffolk, Emporia and surrounding areas.

Our Services

  • Comprehensive Eye Exams

    Gatten Eye Care offers thorough eye exams to assess vision and detect potential heath issues. 

    Even if you have perfect vision, regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining overall eye health and detecting potential problems early. Eye exams can reveal underlying health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, and can also detect eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration before noticeable symptoms arise. 

    We recommend annual eye exams for most adults, with more frequent visits for those with diabetes, family history of eye disease, or other risk factors.

  • Medical Eye Care

    Beyond routine vision exams, we specialize in detecting and treating eye diseases that can affect your vision and overall eye health.

    We commonly treat dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts, and eye infections such as conjunctivitis. Our team also manages conditions like floaters, flashes, retinal tears, and sudden vision changes that require immediate attention. We work closely with patients who have diabetes, hypertension, and other systemic conditions that can impact eye health.

  • Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses

    Our experienced staff will help you find the right eyewear for your needs and budget.

    For contact lenses, we offer fittings for daily, weekly, and monthly disposable lenses, including options for astigmatism and multifocal needs.

    Our optical shop carries a wide selection of eyeglass frames from designer brands to affordable options. We offer single vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses with anti-reflective coatings and blue light protection.

    Protect your eyes with our prescription and non-prescription sunglasses from brands like Costa Del Mar, Maui Jim and Ray Ban.

A Century of Family-Centered Eye Care

Since 1922, the Gatten family has been dedicated to preserving and protecting the vision of Southampton County residents. Our family tradition of excellence continues with Dr. Gabrielle Gatten, who brings modern expertise while maintaining the personal, caring approach that has defined our practice for generations.

What People Are Saying

“I personally think that you get what you put into whatever provider you go to, but I've started to notice that you are LUCKY if you find a medical provider in Hampton Roads who even minutely acts like they genuinely care about your health and well being. Staff in this clinic have always made me feel comfortable for the two years that I've been with them and they take their time to hear you out.”

— Stephanie via Google Maps

“I only go to the best..5 stars to Gatten Eye Care in Franklin”

— Keith via Google Maps

“Most thorough eye exam I have ever received. Staff and Dr. Gabrielle Gatten are friendly and very professional. I will return there for all future needs.”

— William Via Google Maps

Serving Franklin, VA and Surrounding Communities

Patients visit us from these communities every day:
Franklin, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Southampton County, Isle of Wight County, Smithfield, Windsor, Courtland, Boykins, Wakefield, Emporia, Waverly, Ahoskie, Capron, Gates, Portsmouth and Northeast North Carolina. New patients are always welcome.

 

 FAQs

  • We accept most insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare, and major commercial plans. To check if we accept your insurance plan, please call our office at (757) 562-6101. Please have your insurance card ready, as we will need the information on the card.

  • No, you do not need an appointment to browse and buy glasses at Gatten Eye Care. We are open 8am to 5pm, bring your prescription with you and stop by anytime!

    Don’t know your prescription? We can schedule you for an eye exam, typically in as little as 1 week.

  • Of course! We can get you fit with glasses based on the prescription you already have. We do, however, recommend getting a yearly eye exam to ensure that your eyes are healthy and that your prescription is accurate.

  • Yes! We offer eye exams to children ages five and older.

  • Yes, we accept Medicaid plans. To check if we accept your insurance plan, please call our office at (757) 562-6101. Please have your insurance card ready, as we will need the information on the card.