The Best Optometrists in Grayling, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Grayling. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Steven R. Goble
Alaska Native Medical Center
Dr. Goble has over two decades of experience providing exceptional eye care to patients across Alaska, including rural communities like Grayling through outreach programs. He is known for his compassionate approach, use of advanced diagnostic technology, and high patient satisfaction ratings. The practice emphasizes safety with strict hygiene protocols, emergency care readiness, and family-friendly services, making it a top choice for comprehensive vision care in the region.
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Dr. James K. Chin
Alaska Eye Care
Dr. Chin leads a team dedicated to personalized eye care, with a strong focus on family-friendly services and modern amenities. Patients praise his thorough exams, ability to handle complex vision issues, and excellent safety records. The practice is highly rated for staff professionalism, advanced technology, and commitment to patient education, serving communities across Alaska including Grayling through referrals and telemedicine options.
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Dr. David M. Brown
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Eye Clinic
Dr. Brown specializes in providing accessible eye care to underserved populations in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, including Grayling, with extensive experience in rural optometry. He offers comprehensive services focused on community health, high safety standards, and patient-centered care. The clinic is highly rated for its outreach programs, family satisfaction, and ability to address vision needs in remote settings through traveling clinics and tele-optometry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in Grayling, AK?
Given Grayling's small, remote community, finding a local, full-time optometrist can be challenging. Your best options are to contact the Grayling Health Clinic for recommendations or inquire about visiting vision care providers. Many residents rely on optometrists who travel to the region periodically or seek services in larger hubs like Bethel or Anchorage. Checking with the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) for their schedule of visiting eye care specialists is also a highly recommended step.
What should I look for when choosing an eye care provider in a remote area like Grayling?
In remote Grayling, prioritize providers experienced in serving rural Alaskan communities. Look for optometrists or clinics that offer 'bush' or travel services to the Yukon River region. Key factors include their travel schedule frequency, ability to handle emergencies remotely, and whether they can order and ship contact lenses or glasses directly to you. It's also crucial to verify if they accept your insurance (like Indian Health Service or other plans common in the area) and have experience with conditions prevalent in the region, such as issues related to extreme sunlight reflection or dry, cold air.
Are there optometrists in Grayling that accept Indian Health Service (IHS) or tribal insurance?
Yes, accessing eye care through IHS or tribal benefits is common in Grayling. The local Grayling Health Clinic is your primary point of contact. They can provide referrals and information on visiting optometrists contracted through the Indian Health Service or the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC). When a traveling optometrist visits, they typically work under these arrangements. Always confirm your coverage directly with the clinic and the visiting provider's office before an appointment to understand any potential costs for frames or lenses not fully covered.
What eye care services are typically available during a visiting optometrist's trip to Grayling?
When a visiting optometrist comes to Grayling, usually arranged through YKHC or a similar organization, they typically offer comprehensive eye exams, glaucoma testing, diabetic eye evaluations, and prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. They often bring a selection of frames for you to choose from. However, specialized services like advanced glaucoma treatment or surgical consultations for cataracts usually require a referral and travel to Anchorage or Bethel. It's important to schedule your appointment as soon as visits are announced, as slots are limited and fill quickly.
How do I handle an eye care emergency in Grayling if there's no local optometrist?
For an eye emergency in Grayling, your first step should be to contact the Grayling Health Clinic immediately. The staff can provide initial assessment and guidance. For urgent issues that cannot wait, they will coordinate emergency medevac services to a hospital in Bethel or Anchorage that has ophthalmological services. It's vital to have a plan and know your insurance coverage for emergency medical flights. For non-urgent but concerning issues, telemedicine consultations with optometrists or ophthalmologists in larger Alaskan cities are becoming an increasingly valuable resource for remote communities.