The Best Optometrists in Dillingham, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Dillingham. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Providence Health and Wellness Center - Dillingham
Providence Health & Services
As the primary healthcare provider in the Bristol Bay region, Providence Dillingham offers comprehensive optometry services serving the local community and surrounding villages. Their experienced optometrists provide thorough eye examinations using modern diagnostic equipment, with particular expertise in managing eye health conditions common in remote Alaskan communities. The facility is known for its patient-centered approach and ability to coordinate care with other medical specialties within the health center.
Services:
Alaska Vision Center
Independent Practice
While based in Anchorage, Alaska Vision Center serves patients from throughout the state, including regular outreach to remote communities like Dillingham. They are highly regarded for their advanced diagnostic capabilities and comprehensive approach to eye health. The practice specializes in complex contact lens fittings and managing challenging eye conditions. Many patients from the Bristol Bay region travel to their Anchorage location for specialized care not available locally.
Services:
Peninsula Vision Care
Independent Practice
Serving the Kenai Peninsula and surrounding regions, Peninsula Vision Care has established itself as a leading optometry practice with expertise in managing complex eye health conditions. They frequently provide care for patients from remote communities throughout Alaska, including Dillingham residents who travel for specialized services. The practice is known for its comprehensive approach to vision care and ability to handle complex medical eye conditions that may require ongoing management between remote community visits.
Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in Dillingham, AK?
In Dillingham, your primary resources are the Kanakanak Hospital (part of the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation) and local clinics that may offer visiting optometry services. Due to the remote location, many residents also utilize telehealth consultations or plan comprehensive eye exams during trips to larger hubs like Anchorage. Checking with the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation directly is the best way to learn about current optometry service availability and schedules in Dillingham.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in a remote area like Dillingham?
Given Dillingham's remote setting, key factors include the practitioner's travel schedule and consistency of visits, the range of on-site diagnostic equipment available, and their ability to manage prescriptions and order glasses/contacts for delivery. It's also important to choose an optometrist or clinic with strong connections to ophthalmology specialists in Anchorage for referrals if needed. Inquire about their protocol for handling eye emergencies when they are not physically in town.
Do optometrists in Dillingham accept Alaska Native/Native American health benefits or Medicaid?
Yes, optometry services provided through the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation (BBAHC) and Kanakanak Hospital in Dillingham typically accept Alaska Native/Native American health benefits (through the Indian Health Service or Tribal health organizations) and Alaska Medicaid. It is crucial to verify your specific coverage with the clinic's billing department before your appointment, as visiting providers may have different billing arrangements.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists visiting Dillingham?
Visiting optometrists to Dillingham generally provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, diagnosis and management of conditions like glaucoma, dry eye, and diabetic eye disease, and screenings for cataracts and macular degeneration. Due to travel limitations, they often focus on exams and diagnostics, with eyewear ordered and shipped to patients afterward. Treatment for complex surgical issues usually requires a referral and travel to Anchorage.
How far in advance should I schedule an eye exam in Dillingham, and what if I have an emergency?
You should schedule an appointment as soon as you know a visiting optometrist will be in Dillingham, as slots fill quickly. Contact the Kanakanak Hospital or BBAHC clinic for their schedule. For eye emergencies (sudden vision loss, injury, severe pain), go directly to the Kanakanak Hospital Emergency Department. They can provide initial stabilization and coordinate urgent telehealth consultations or medevac to a specialist in Anchorage if necessary.