The Best Optometrists in Crooked Creek, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Crooked Creek. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Michael J. Dunlap
Bethel Eye Care
Dr. Michael J. Dunlap at Bethel Eye Care is a highly regarded optometrist serving the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, including Crooked Creek. With over 18 years of experience, he provides personalized care with a focus on family-friendly services, advanced diagnostic technology, and comprehensive vision solutions. The practice is known for its excellent patient satisfaction, safety records, and ability to serve remote communities through tailored appointments and follow-up care.
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YKHC Eye Clinic
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
The YKHC Eye Clinic, part of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, offers reliable and accessible eye care to residents of Crooked Creek and surrounding villages. With a 20-year track record, the clinic emphasizes community health, safety, and culturally sensitive care. Staffed by qualified optometrists, it provides a range of services including preventive care and vision rehabilitation, supported by strong patient feedback and integration with regional healthcare systems.
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Alaska Vision Center
Independent
Alaska Vision Center in Anchorage is a top-rated practice known for serving patients from across Alaska, including those from remote areas like Crooked Creek. With over two decades of experience, the center offers state-of-the-art technology, highly qualified staff, and a commitment to patient safety and satisfaction. It receives consistently high ratings for its comprehensive care, family-friendly approach, and ability to handle complex vision needs through referrals and travel coordination.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a licensed optometrist in or near Crooked Creek, Alaska?
Given Crooked Creek's remote location, finding a local optometrist may be challenging. Your best options are to search for providers in larger regional hubs like Bethel or Anchorage. You can use the Alaska State Board of Examiners in Optometry's online license verification tool, ask for referrals at the Crooked Creek Clinic, or contact the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) for guidance on eye care services accessible to residents of the Kuskokwim River area, which may include traveling optometrists or scheduled clinics.
What should I consider when choosing an optometrist given Crooked Creek's remote location?
Key considerations include travel logistics and service scope. Look for optometrists in hub cities like Bethel who understand the challenges of serving remote communities. Prioritize practices that offer comprehensive exams in one visit, as follow-ups are difficult. Inquire about tele-optometry options for consultations. Also, check if they have experience working with patients from bush communities and if they can efficiently process eyeglass orders with reliable shipping to Crooked Creek.
Are there optometrists who accept Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) or Medicaid insurance in the Crooked Creek area?
Yes, but you will likely need to travel to a hub. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) system, which serves Crooked Creek, often facilitates eye care through the ANMC in Anchorage or at the Bethel Hospital. It's crucial to contact YKHC's patient travel or optometry department directly to confirm which specific optometrists and clinics are in-network, understand the referral process, and learn about any travel assistance available for medically necessary eye appointments.
What eye care services are typically available without having to leave the state, for a Crooked Creek resident?
Basic vision screenings may be available through the Crooked Creek Clinic or visiting health aides. For comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions, and treatment for conditions like glaucoma or cataracts, you will almost certainly need to travel. Many residents schedule optometry appointments during trips to Bethel or Anchorage for other reasons. Some services, like ordering contact lenses or glasses, can be managed remotely once you have a valid prescription from an Alaskan optometrist.
How far in advance should I schedule an appointment with an optometrist, and what is the typical process from Crooked Creek?
Schedule as far in advance as possible—often several months—especially if coordinating with travel. The process typically starts with a referral from your local health clinic or a call to YKHC's specialty care department. They will help book the appointment in Bethel or Anchorage and guide you through the travel authorization process if covered by your insurance. Be prepared for weather-dependent travel, and confirm all details (clinic location, pre-appointment instructions) well before your planned departure date.