Tellis Ivan E Dr in Baltimore: Full-Service Optometry with Extended Hours on East Fayette Street
Dr. Tellis Ivan E operates a full-service optometry practice in downtown Baltimore that handles routine exams, contact lens fitting, and frame selection during evening and weekend hours that accommodate working professionals and families with weekday constraints. Located on East Fayette Street, this independent practice sits in a neighborhood where walk-in and appointment-based eye care are not equally accessible after 5 p.m., making the scheduling window a practical selling point against larger chain competitors.
What Tellis Ivan E Dr actually offers
This is an independent optometrist's office, not a franchise location or hospital-affiliated clinic. Dr. Ivan E Tellis holds an optometry license and performs comprehensive eye exams, screens for common conditions including dry eye and early-stage glaucoma, and writes prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. The practice does not perform laser surgery or handle surgical cases; those requiring ophthalmology referrals are directed to specialists. The scope is standard optometry: refraction, visual field testing, intraocular pressure measurement, and contact lens evaluation.
Services and pricing
Comprehensive eye exams typically cost between $150 and $250, depending on complexity and whether additional imaging (optical coherence tomography or visual fields) is included. Contact lens fittings add $50 to $100 to an exam fee. Frame pricing varies widely by brand; in-office frames generally range from $100 to $400, with designer frames at the higher end. Prescription lens costs depend on material and coatings and usually fall between $75 and $200 per pair. Most insurance plans covering optometry services are accepted; patients should verify coverage before the visit, as out-of-pocket costs vary based on their specific policy and deductible status.
How it compares to other Baltimore optometry options
Dr. Tellis Ivan E's evening and weekend availability distinguishes it from several competitors in the downtown and central Baltimore area. Large chains like LensCrafters (with locations in Harbor East and White Marsh) offer similar services and extended hours but stock a broader frame inventory and have on-site laboratories for same-day glasses. Independent practices like this one typically allow more time per exam and offer more personalized contact lens fitting but require advance scheduling. Community health centers operated by the Baltimore City Health Department offer low-cost or sliding-scale eye exams but have longer wait times for routine appointments and limited frame selection. Dr. Tellis Ivan E sits in the middle: more accessible than a small medical office with banker's hours, but less transactional than a retail chain.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
This practice works well for established patients with regular prescriptions who need a quick exam and frame update, working adults who cannot visit during 9-to-5 hours, and those who prefer a quieter, one-on-one optometric experience. It is less suitable for patients seeking same-day glasses or a massive frame showroom. Patients requiring complex contact lens fitting or who have had previous failed contact lens trials may benefit from the specialized boutique contact lens practices that exist in Baltimore, though Dr. Tellis Ivan E handles standard fits competently.
What the first visit involves
New patients should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete a health history questionnaire. The exam itself takes 30 to 45 minutes and includes visual acuity testing, refraction, eye pressure measurement, and a dilated eye exam if indicated. The doctor will discuss any vision changes, review family eye history, and assess whether you are a candidate for contact lenses. At the end, you receive a written prescription and discussion of frame and lens options. Payment is typically expected at the visit or can be processed through insurance.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The practice is located on East Fayette Street in downtown Baltimore. Hours typically include evening appointments until 7 or 8 p.m. and some weekend availability, though these should be confirmed by calling ahead, as schedules shift seasonally. Street parking in this neighborhood is free after 7 p.m. and on weekends; a pay lot is nearby. Public transportation on the MTA Red Line provides access to the area. Verification note: holiday and summer hours may differ; call to confirm current operating times.
Dr. Tellis Ivan E fills a practical gap for Baltimore residents who work standard hours and cannot navigate midday appointments, while maintaining the personal care standard of independent optometry.
