The Best Optometrists in Hughes, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Hughes. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Alaska Vision Center
Alaska Vision Center LLC
Alaska Vision Center is a highly regarded practice known for its exceptional care quality and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. With a strong focus on patient safety and satisfaction, they offer personalized services including advanced pediatric eye care and contact lens solutions. The optometrists are licensed and experienced, with a track record of serving rural communities like Hughes through outreach and telemedicine options. Families appreciate the friendly staff, modern amenities, and thorough follow-up care, making it a top choice for comprehensive vision health in the region.
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Fairbanks Eye Care
Fairbanks Eye Care PLLC
Fairbanks Eye Care provides reliable and family-friendly optometry services with an emphasis on safety and comprehensive eye health. The practice is praised for its skilled optometrists who hold certifications in glaucoma management and vision therapy, ensuring high-quality care for all ages. With a commitment to patient education and preventive care, they utilize modern technology and maintain excellent hygiene standards. Reviews highlight the professional staff, comfortable environment, and accessibility for patients from remote areas, including Hughes, through scheduled appointments and travel coordination.
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Northern Lights Eye Care
Northern Lights Eye Care
Northern Lights Eye Care is renowned for its outstanding care quality, safety records, and dedication to serving patients from remote locations like Hughes. The optometrists have advanced training in low vision and emergency eye care, supported by cutting-edge technology for accurate diagnoses. The practice emphasizes patient-centered care with amenities such as flexible scheduling and telehealth consultations. High family satisfaction ratings reflect their compassionate approach, thorough follow-ups, and ability to handle complex vision issues, making them a trusted option in interior Alaska.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists physically located in Hughes, Alaska?
No, there are no resident optometrists with a permanent practice in Hughes, Alaska, due to its small, remote population. Residents must travel for comprehensive eye care. The nearest optometrists are located in larger hubs like Fairbanks or Anchorage, or may be accessed through visiting providers or regional health corporation outreach programs that occasionally serve the Interior.
How do residents of Hughes typically access eye exams and glasses?
Residents of Hughes primarily access eye care through a few key methods: scheduling appointments during trips to cities like Fairbanks, utilizing the itinerant eye care services sometimes arranged through the Tanana Chiefs Conference or other regional health organizations, or via tele-optometry consultations for preliminary assessments. Ordering glasses and contacts online is also common after obtaining a prescription.
What should I look for in an optometrist when planning a trip from Hughes to Fairbanks or Anchorage?
When planning a trip from Hughes for eye care, prioritize optometrists in Fairbanks or Anchorage who offer comprehensive appointments (exam, fitting, ordering) in one visit to minimize multiple trips. Look for practices experienced in serving remote patients, with efficient in-house optical labs to expedite glasses, and that clearly communicate insurance acceptance (like Indian Health Service or other plans common in the region). Confirming they can handle any follow-up or adjustments via mail is also crucial.
Does the Indian Health Service (IHS) or Tanana Chiefs Conference cover eye care for Hughes residents, and how does it work?
Yes, eligible Hughes residents can often access eye care benefits through the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC). Typically, this requires a referral from the Hughes Health Clinic. Care may be provided at an IHS-contracted facility in Fairbanks (like the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center) or through authorized outside providers. It's essential to contact the Hughes clinic or TCC Customer Services first to understand the current referral process, covered services (exams, glasses), and any associated paperwork before traveling.
What are the main challenges of getting eye care in Hughes, and how can I prepare for them?
The main challenges are geographical isolation, limited local providers, weather-dependent travel, and higher costs. To prepare, plan well in advance: schedule appointments for eye exams during a confirmed trip to a city, obtain all necessary referrals from your local clinic if using IHS/TCC, bring your current glasses/prescription, and discuss with the optometrist about mail-order options for contact lenses or glasses repairs. Also, consider having a backup pair of glasses due to the difficulty of quick repairs or replacements.