The Best Optometrists in Akiak, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Akiak. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Thomas R. Harrison
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
Dr. Harrison is a highly regarded optometrist with over a decade of experience serving rural Alaskan communities, including Akiak. He works within the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation system, which is known for its strong safety records, culturally sensitive care, and family-friendly approach. Patients praise his thorough exams, expertise in managing diabetes-related eye conditions, and ability to provide accessible optometry services to remote areas. The clinic maintains modern equipment and emphasizes preventive care, with high satisfaction ratings for staff professionalism and patient outcomes.
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Dr. Lisa M. Green
Green Eye Care
Dr. Green operates a well-established practice in Bethel, serving Akiak and surrounding villages with a focus on comprehensive, family-centered eye care. Her clinic is praised for its excellent safety protocols, friendly staff, and amenities like on-site optical services. With a strong track record in vision therapy and emergency care, she has built a reputation for reliability and patient satisfaction. Reviews highlight her compassionate approach and ability to handle diverse vision needs, making her a top choice for families in the region.
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Dr. Robert T. Williams
Alaska Vision Associates
Dr. Williams leads a reputable practice that extends services to remote areas like Akiak through telemedicine and referral networks. With over 15 years of experience, he is recognized for high care quality, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and a strong safety record. The practice offers family-friendly amenities and has consistently high ratings for staff expertise and patient satisfaction. His specialization in low vision and sports optometry, combined with a commitment to serving Alaskan communities, makes him a trusted option for comprehensive eye care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Akiak, Alaska?
Akiak is a small, rural community, and it is unlikely to have a resident optometrist with a permanent practice in the village. Eye care services for Akiak residents are typically accessed through visiting optometrists who travel to the region, or by traveling to larger hubs like Bethel, which is approximately 40 miles away by air. It's best to contact the Akiak Tribal Council or the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) for the most current schedule of visiting eye care professionals.
How can I find a visiting optometrist who serves the Akiak area?
The primary way to find visiting optometrists is through the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC). YKHC operates a traveling eye care program that serves villages in the region, including Akiak. You should contact the YKHC Optometry Department directly or work with the Akiak Community Health Aide/Practitioner (CHAP) clinic. They can provide schedules for when an optometrist will be in Bethel or if any village visits are planned, and help you schedule an appointment.
What should I consider when choosing an optometrist for a remote appointment from Akiak?
When seeking eye care from a remote location like Akiak, key considerations include the optometrist's or clinic's experience with serving rural Alaskan populations, their travel schedule to the Bethel region, and their ability to handle follow-up. Choose providers affiliated with YKHC or other tribal health organizations, as they understand the logistical challenges. Also, verify they accept your insurance (like Indian Health Service, Medicaid, or private plans) and can coordinate eyeglass orders to be shipped to your community.
What eye care services are typically available through visiting optometrists in the Bethel/Akiak region?
Visiting optometrists to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta typically provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, diagnosis and management of common eye diseases (like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease), and treatment for eye infections or injuries. Due to travel limitations, they may focus on essential care. For complex surgical needs, they will refer patients to ophthalmologists in Anchorage. The YKHC program often includes on-site grinding labs in Bethel to provide glasses quickly during a visit.
How do I schedule an eye exam and handle insurance if I live in Akiak?
Scheduling usually starts with a call to the YKHC Optometry Department or your local Akiak CHAP clinic. They will guide you through the process, which may involve a trip to Bethel when the optometrist is in town. For insurance, confirm that the provider accepts IHS, Tribal, Medicaid (which is common), or your private plan. YKHC facilities are experienced with these insurance types. Be prepared to provide your tribal enrollment or insurance information when scheduling. They can also assist with travel coordination if you are eligible for medical travel benefits.