The Best Optometrists in Elim, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Elim. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Robert Thompson
Norton Sound Health Corporation
Norton Sound Health Corporation operates the primary eye care clinic serving the Bering Strait region, including Elim. Dr. Thompson and his team provide comprehensive optometry services with regular outreach to rural communities. They offer advanced diagnostic equipment and specialize in serving Alaska Native populations with culturally sensitive care. The clinic coordinates travel for patients from remote villages and has established protocols for emergency eye care in the region.
Services:
Dr. Sarah Johnson
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
YKHC provides comprehensive eye care services to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, serving Elim residents through their regional referral system. Dr. Johnson specializes in rural Alaskan eye care with extensive experience in tele-optometry and remote consultations. The facility features state-of-the-art equipment and offers vision rehabilitation services. They coordinate medical travel for patients requiring specialized care and maintain strong relationships with village health aides.
Services:
Dr. Michael Chen
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Providence Alaska Medical Center's Eye Center serves as a referral hub for rural Alaska communities including Elim. Dr. Chen leads a team that provides advanced medical optometry and coordinates care for complex ocular conditions. The center offers comprehensive diagnostic services and works closely with rural clinics to provide telemedicine consultations. They have established medical travel protocols for patients from remote areas and maintain the region's most extensive ocular emergency services.
Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Elim, Alaska?
Elim is a small, remote community, and it is unlikely to have a resident optometrist with a permanent practice. Residents typically access eye care through visiting optometrists who travel to the region periodically, through regional health clinics that may offer scheduled vision services, or by traveling to larger hubs like Nome or Anchorage for comprehensive eye exams and eyewear.
How can I find out when a visiting optometrist will be in the Elim area?
The best way is to contact the local Elim Clinic or the Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC). They often coordinate and schedule visiting specialist services, including optometry. Checking community bulletin boards, the city office, or the NSHC website for announcements about "vision clinics" or "eye care travel days" is also recommended, as these visits are planned in advance.
What should I look for in an optometrist serving a remote community like Elim?
When choosing an optometrist who travels to the region, prioritize those experienced in remote care. Look for practices that offer comprehensive mobile services, including a good selection of frames on-site, the ability to order contacts, and efficient follow-up for prescriptions. It's also crucial they work closely with local clinics for patient records and referrals if a more serious condition is detected.
Does Alaska Medicaid or Indian Health Service cover eye exams in Elim?
Yes, Alaska Medicaid and services provided through the Indian Health Service (IHS) at facilities like the Norton Sound Health Corporation typically cover routine eye exams for eligible residents of Elim. Coverage for glasses or contact lenses may have specific limitations or require prior authorization. It's essential to verify your coverage directly with NSHC or your Medicaid managed care plan before a visiting optometrist's appointment.
What are my options for getting glasses or contacts if I get a prescription in Elim?
If a visiting optometrist has a frame selection, you can often order glasses directly through them, which will be shipped to you. Otherwise, you will receive a prescription to order eyewear online or from an optical retailer. Given the shipping logistics to remote Alaska, inquire about estimated delivery times and costs. Some regional health organizations also have programs to assist with the cost and delivery of eyewear to village residents.