The Best Optometrists in Chefornak, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Chefornak. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. David K. Kim
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Eye Clinic
Dr. David K. Kim is a highly respected optometrist with the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Eye Clinic, providing essential eye care services to rural communities like Chefornak. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in comprehensive exams, pediatric care, and contact lens fittings. The clinic is known for its strong safety records, culturally sensitive care, and high family satisfaction, often involving travel to remote villages. Services are supported by modern equipment and a focus on preventive care, making it a top choice for residents in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region.
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Dr. Steven C. Bowers
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Eye Clinic
Dr. Steven C. Bowers is a seasoned optometrist at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Eye Clinic, offering extensive services including low vision care and ocular disease management. With two decades of experience, he has built a reputation for excellence in patient safety and community-focused care, serving Chefornak through referrals and rural outreach programs. The clinic emphasizes high-quality amenities, staff qualifications, and family satisfaction, with a track record of positive reviews and reliable service for Alaskan communities.
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Dr. James H. Lee
Alaska Vision Associates
Dr. James H. Lee of Alaska Vision Associates is known for his personalized approach and expertise in routine exams and advanced diagnostics. With 12 years of experience, he provides family-friendly services and high-quality eyewear options, catering to patients from Chefornak through accessible care plans and telemedicine support. The practice boasts strong safety protocols, modern amenities, and consistently high patient satisfaction ratings, making it a trusted option for comprehensive eye care in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Chefornak, Alaska?
It is highly unlikely that there is a resident optometrist with a permanent practice in Chefornak, given its small, remote population. Eye care in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region is typically provided through visiting optometrists who travel as part of medical outreach programs or through regional health corporations like the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC). Residents should contact the local Chefornak clinic or YKHC to inquire about scheduled vision care visits.
How do people in Chefornak typically access routine eye exams and glasses?
Access in Chefornak primarily occurs through periodic "vision clinics" where optometrists fly in, often coordinated by YKHC or other tribal health organizations. These clinics are announced locally. For more urgent or specialized needs, patients may be referred to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel or to Anchorage, with travel often facilitated by Medicaid or tribal health services. Ordering glasses remotely after an exam is common.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist who visits Chefornak?
Since choice is limited, focus on the services offered during the visiting clinic. Key factors include: whether they accept your insurance (like Medicaid or IHS/Tribal coverage), if they bring modern diagnostic equipment for the exam, their ability to handle common regional issues like dry eyes from harsh winds or snow glare, and their process for ordering and delivering glasses to remote locations. Checking with the local clinic administrator about the visiting doctor's reputation can also be helpful.
Does Medicaid or Indian Health Service cover eye care for Chefornak residents?
Yes, Medicaid and services provided through the Indian Health Service (IHS) or Tribal Health Organizations (like YKHC) typically cover medically necessary eye exams and glasses for eligible residents of Chefornak. Coverage for routine vision exams may vary. It is crucial to confirm coverage with the visiting provider or the YKHC Optometry Department beforehand. These programs are often essential for covering the significant costs associated with travel and care in remote Alaska.
How far in advance should I schedule an appointment for a visiting optometrist in Chefornak?
You should schedule as soon as the clinic dates are announced, which may be weeks or a few months in advance. Slots for visiting specialists in remote villages like Chefornak fill up extremely quickly due to high demand and limited availability. Contact the Chefornak Community Health Clinic or monitor local announcements closely. For emergencies, you must contact the clinic immediately, as they will coordinate a referral for care outside the village.