The Best Optometrists in Deering, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Deering. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Maniilaq Association Eye Care Clinic
Maniilaq Association
Maniilaq Association provides essential optometry services to the Northwest Arctic Borough, including Deering, with a focus on rural and Native community care. Known for high patient satisfaction, experienced staff, and comprehensive services including advanced diagnostic technology. They emphasize safety, cultural sensitivity, and family-friendly care, with optometrists holding strong qualifications and a track record of reliable service in remote Alaska.
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Norton Sound Health Corporation Eye Clinic
Norton Sound Health Corporation
Serving the Bering Strait region and accessible to Deering residents, this clinic offers high-quality optometry with a reputation for excellent care quality and safety. Staffed by certified optometrists, it provides family-centered services, modern amenities, and strong community ties. Patients report high satisfaction with thorough exams and compassionate care, making it a trusted choice for eye health in Western Alaska.
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Alaska Native Medical Center Ophthalmology & Optometry
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
As a leading eye care provider in Alaska, this center serves patients statewide, including those from remote areas like Deering. It boasts top ratings for care quality, safety records, and advanced technology, with optometrists experienced in handling diverse eye conditions. Known for high family satisfaction, comprehensive amenities, and a commitment to accessible care, it is a reliable option for specialized and routine optometry needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in Deering, AK?
Given Deering's small, remote population, there are no resident optometrists within the city itself. Your primary resource is the Maniilaq Health Center, which provides community health services for the region. They can offer guidance on vision care, which typically involves arranging visits from traveling optometrists or referrals to eye care specialists in larger hubs like Kotzebue, Anchorage, or Fairbanks. It's best to contact Maniilaq directly for the most current schedule and options for eye exams in the area.
What should I consider when choosing an eye care provider for a remote community like Deering?
When choosing an optometry service for Deering, key considerations are travel logistics and continuity of care. Look for providers or clinics in hub cities (e.g., Kotzebue, Anchorage) that have experience serving remote Northwest Arctic communities. Check if they participate in the Alaska Tribal Health System or accept your insurance (like Medicaid or private plans). It's also important to inquire about their follow-up procedures for remote patients, such as how they handle prescription updates, eyeglass adjustments, and managing eye conditions from a distance.
Are there mobile or traveling optometry services that visit Deering, AK?
Yes, mobile or traveling optometry services are often the primary way residents of Deering receive comprehensive eye care. These services are frequently coordinated through regional tribal health organizations like Maniilaq Association. They arrange for optometrists to visit Deering and other villages on a scheduled basis, sometimes once or twice a year. To find out about upcoming clinic dates, you should contact the Maniilaq Health Center in Kotzebue or the local Deering clinic. Appointments for these visiting clinics are essential and fill up quickly.
What eye care services are typically available during a visiting optometrist's clinic in Deering?
During a visiting optometrist's clinic in Deering, you can typically expect comprehensive eye exams to check for vision acuity, prescriptions for glasses or contacts, and screenings for common eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. The optometrist will often have a limited selection of frames to choose from on-site. However, for more specialized services, complex prescriptions, or certain eye diseases, they will likely provide a referral for you to travel to a larger facility in Kotzebue or Anchorage for further diagnosis and treatment.
How do costs and insurance work for eye care when living in a remote area like Deering?
For Alaska Native residents eligible through the Indian Health Service, eye care services coordinated through Maniilaq Association may be covered. For all residents, it's crucial to verify insurance acceptance with any visiting provider or distant clinic beforehand. Travel costs to and from appointments outside Deering are usually the patient's responsibility, though some medical travel assistance programs may be available for qualifying referrals. When a traveling optometrist visits Deering, they will typically bill your insurance directly. Always confirm coverage details, including for eyeglasses or contact lenses, prior to your appointment to avoid unexpected expenses.