The Best Optometrists in Buckland, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Buckland. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Maniilaq Association Eye Clinic
Maniilaq Association
Maniilaq Association Eye Clinic is a highly respected tribal health provider serving the Northwest Arctic Borough, including Buckland, with over two decades of specialized optometry care. They are known for their culturally sensitive approach, modern diagnostic equipment, and commitment to rural community health. Patients report excellent care quality, with a focus on preventive services and managing chronic conditions like diabetes-related eye issues. The clinic offers outreach programs to remote villages, ensuring access for Buckland residents.
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Norton Sound Health Corporation Eye Clinic
Norton Sound Health Corporation
Norton Sound Health Corporation Eye Clinic provides comprehensive optometry services to the Bering Strait region, including Buckland, with a strong reputation for family-centered care and safety. With over 15 years of experience, they feature skilled optometrists trained in advanced techniques and use state-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnoses. The clinic is praised for its friendly staff, efficient service, and ability to handle diverse needs from children to seniors, including telehealth consultations for remote areas.
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Alaska Eye Care Centers - Fairbanks
Alaska Eye Care Centers
Alaska Eye Care Centers in Fairbanks is a top-rated practice known for serving patients across Alaska, including those from Buckland via travel arrangements. With over a decade of operation, they excel in high-quality care, using cutting-edge technology for precise vision correction and eye health management. Patients highlight the clinic's clean, modern facilities, knowledgeable staff, and personalized service. They accept various insurance plans and offer a wide range of eyewear options, making them a reliable choice for comprehensive eye care needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a local optometrist in Buckland, AK, given the remote location?
In Buckland, finding a permanent, in-town optometrist is challenging due to the village's size and remote location. Your primary options are to check with the Buckland Community Clinic for any visiting eye care specialists or telehealth services they may coordinate. Many residents travel to Kotzebue or Nome for comprehensive eye exams, where regional health hubs have optometry clinics. It's also recommended to inquire with the Maniilaq Association, which provides health services to the region, about scheduled itinerant optometry visits to the area.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist who serves the Buckland area?
When choosing an optometrist for Buckland, prioritize those experienced in serving remote Alaskan communities. Look for providers based in Kotzebue or Nome who understand the travel logistics and unique environmental factors, like extreme light conditions. It's crucial to verify they accept your insurance (like Medicaid or private plans common in the region) and offer flexible scheduling for patients traveling from villages. Also, consider if the practice offers a robust ordering system for glasses and contacts that can be reliably shipped to Buckland.
Are there optometrists in Buckland who accept Alaska Medicaid or Medicare?
While there is unlikely to be a full-time optometrist with a practice in Buckland itself, the optometrists and eye care clinics you would visit in regional hubs like Kotzebue (e.g., at the Maniilaq Health Center) typically accept Alaska Medicaid (Health Forward) and Medicare. It is essential to confirm coverage directly with the specific clinic in Kotzebue or Nome before scheduling an appointment and arranging travel. The Buckland Community Clinic staff can often assist with referrals and coverage information for these regional services.
What eye care services are typically available without having to leave the Buckland area?
Within Buckland itself, routine eye care services are very limited. The Buckland Community Clinic may provide basic vision screenings or assist with emergencies, but comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses/contacts, and treatment for eye diseases usually require travel. Your best local resource is the clinic for referrals and information on any periodic "circuit rider" optometry programs where a specialist visits the village for a few days. For all other services, planning a trip to a larger community is necessary.
How far in advance should I schedule an optometry appointment when traveling from Buckland?
When traveling from Buckland to Kotzebue, Nome, or Anchorage for optometry care, schedule your appointment as far in advance as possible—often several weeks or even months. This allows you to coordinate flight schedules on regional airlines (like Bering Air or Ravn Alaska) and secure lodging if needed. Contact the eye clinic first to get an appointment date, then immediately book your travel. Also, inquire with the clinic about cancellation policies due to unpredictable weather, which can frequently delay travel in and out of Buckland.