The Best Optometrists in Hydaburg, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Hydaburg. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Ketchikan Eye Care Center
Independent Practice
Ketchikan Eye Care Center is a highly-rated independent optometry practice serving Southeast Alaska, including remote communities like Hydaburg through scheduled visits and telehealth support. With over 18 years of operation, they are known for exceptional care quality, modern diagnostic technology, and a family-friendly approach. The practice emphasizes safety with rigorous sanitation protocols and offers amenities like same-day appointments and a wide selection of eyewear. Patients consistently praise their thorough exams, staff expertise, and ability to accommodate travel from surrounding areas, making them a top choice for comprehensive vision care in the region.
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SEARHC Optometry Services
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
SEARHC Optometry Services, part of the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, provides reliable optometry care to Hydaburg and other remote communities via traveling clinics and regional health centers. Established in 2009, they boast a strong safety record, certified optometrists, and culturally sensitive care tailored to Alaska Native populations. Services include advanced diagnostics and a full optical lab, with high family satisfaction due to affordable pricing and community outreach programs. Reviews highlight their compassionate staff and efficient service, ensuring access to quality vision care despite geographic challenges.
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Alaska Vision Center - Ketchikan
Regional Chain
Alaska Vision Center in Ketchikan is a reputable regional chain that extends services to Hydaburg residents through referrals and mobile clinic partnerships. Founded in 2012, they offer a blend of advanced optometric care and personalized service, with high ratings for staff qualifications and patient education. The center features state-of-the-art amenities like digital retinal imaging and a diverse eyewear collection, alongside a focus on safety with HIPAA-compliant records. Families appreciate their flexible scheduling and commitment to community health, as evidenced by positive reviews emphasizing thoroughness and follow-up care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Hydaburg, Alaska?
No, there are no resident optometrists with a permanent practice located directly within the city of Hydaburg. As a small, remote community in the Alaskan archipelago, residents typically access eye care through visiting providers, regional clinics, or by traveling to larger cities like Ketchikan for comprehensive services.
How do people in Hydaburg typically access eye exams and prescription glasses?
Access in Hydaburg often involves a combination of methods. The most common is scheduling an appointment with an optometrist who visits the community periodically through the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) or other mobile health services. Alternatively, residents may travel by ferry or plane to Ketchikan, where several optometry practices are available. Some also utilize online prescription services after obtaining a valid prescription.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist who serves the Hydaburg area?
When choosing an optometrist for Hydaburg, prioritize those experienced in serving remote Alaskan communities. Key factors include: a practice that offers regular visiting clinic schedules to Prince of Wales Island, familiarity with common local vision issues, and the ability to handle prescriptions and frame orders remotely to minimize travel. Checking if they are in-network with your insurance (like Indian Health Service or other Alaska-specific plans) is also crucial.
Does the Hydaburg Cooperative Association or local clinic provide any vision care services?
While the Hydaburg Cooperative Association and local health aides provide essential primary care, they do not typically have a licensed optometrist on staff. However, they are your best local resource for information on upcoming visiting specialist schedules, including optometry clinics. They can also assist with referrals and navigating care through regional partners like SEARHC, which coordinates specialist travel to the community.
How can I schedule an eye exam in or near Hydaburg, and what is the typical wait time?
Scheduling usually starts by contacting the SEARHC clinic in Hydaburg or the nearest larger facility, like the SEARHC Alicia Roberts Medical Center in Ketchikan. For visiting clinics in Hydaburg, appointments are scheduled around the optometrist's travel dates, which may occur only a few times a year, leading to potentially long wait times. For more immediate needs, scheduling an appointment in Ketchikan is common, but you must factor in travel and accommodation logistics.