Dillingham Chapman Family Eyecare

Premiere Eyecare for You and Your Family

WHEN DR. HUNTER CHAPMAN returned to practice optometry in the Monroe/West Monroe area in 2016, his mission was the uphold the past traditions and ideals started by his greatgrandfather while also looking ahead by staying current with today’s technology and eyewear trends. Dillingham Optical was started in 1950 by Dr. Chapman’s great-grandfather, Claude Dillingham. It was later owned by his grandfather, Max Dillingham, and uncle, Ben Dillingham. Dr. Chapman bought the West Monroe practice in 2019, becoming the fourth generation owner.

Dr. Chapman rebranded the practice in 2021 to Dillingham Chapman Family Eyecare, and relocated the practice to Cypress St. in West Monroe, in the same clinic once owned by the late Dr. Dwayne Yeager. The new location, which was originally a house built in the 1930’s, adds to the effect that all patients are treated like family. After all, Dr. Chapman still has patients in their eighties who say, “Your grandfather, Max, fit me in my first pair of glasses when I was just a teenager!”

What was started as an optical service only in 1950, has now grown into comprehensive eye care, now diagnosing and treating patients with a range of ocular conditions, such as dry eyes, allergies, and eye infections to more complex conditions such as diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy. He also treats patients with chronic eye diseases such as glaucoma and age related macular degeneration, using all the latest technology, including an Optos ultrawide field retinal imaging system and optical coherence tomography (or OCT).

At Dillingham Chapman Family Eyecare, they take great pride in giving their patients extraordinary care, extending far beyond prescribing glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Chapman is dedicated to preserving and improving patients’ vision, diagnosing and managing eye conditions, and promoting overall eye health. Regular comprehensive visits to an eye doctor are essential for early detection of not only eye problems but also systemic conditions, such as diabetes, ensuring prompt treatment to enhance a patient’s quality of life for both present and future terms.

Dr. Chapman graduated valedictorian from River Oaks School. He later received his bachelors of science from LSU and doctorate from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Optometry Association of Louisiana, where he served as President of the Northeast Society for two terms. He consults with industry partners on providing the latest medications and methods of quality eye care to patients. Additionally, even while in optometry school, he meets with U.S. and State legislators to raise awareness and promote the significance of eye health and vision care.