The Best Optometrists in Kake, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Kake. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Bartlett Regional Hospital Eye Clinic
Bartlett Regional Hospital
As the primary hospital serving Southeast Alaska, Bartlett Regional Hospital's Eye Clinic provides essential optometry services to residents of remote communities like Kake. Patients frequently travel from outlying areas for comprehensive eye care, including advanced diagnostic testing and management of complex eye conditions. The clinic is known for its experienced optometrists who specialize in serving Alaska Native populations and understanding unique regional eye health challenges. They offer telemedicine consultations and coordinate care with primary providers in remote locations.
Services:
Aurora Eye Care
Independent Practice
A highly-rated independent optometry practice in Juneau that serves patients throughout Southeast Alaska, including those traveling from Kake. Known for their thorough examinations and personalized care approach, they specialize in fitting complex contact lens prescriptions and managing difficult eye conditions. The practice has built a strong reputation for accommodating patients from remote communities with flexible scheduling and comprehensive follow-up care. Their modern equipment and commitment to continuing education ensure patients receive current, evidence-based eye care.
Services:
Juneau Vision Center
Regional Practice
Established as a cornerstone of eye care in Southeast Alaska, Juneau Vision Center has extensive experience serving patients from remote island communities like Kake. The practice is recognized for its comprehensive approach to eye health, including advanced glaucoma monitoring and diabetic retinopathy screening. They understand the travel challenges faced by rural Alaskans and work to provide complete care during each visit. The optometrists maintain strong relationships with regional healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care for patients traveling from outlying areas.
Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Kake, Alaska?
As a small, remote community, Kake does not have a resident optometrist with a permanent practice. Residents typically access eye care through visiting optometrists who travel to the community on scheduled dates or by traveling to larger hubs like Juneau, Sitka, or Ketchikan for comprehensive eye exams and services.
How can I find out when a visiting optometrist will be in Kake?
The best way is to contact the Kake Community Health Center or the SEARHC (SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium) clinic in Kake directly. They often coordinate and host visiting specialist clinics, including optometry. Checking community bulletin boards, the city's website, or local Facebook groups can also provide announcements for scheduled eye care visits.
What eye care services are typically available during a visiting optometrist's clinic in Kake?
Visiting optometrists to Kake usually provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and screenings for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. However, specialized testing or immediate access to a wide selection of frames may be limited. Prescriptions are often filled by mail-order or at optical shops in larger cities.
Does insurance like Medicaid or Medicare cover eye exams with a visiting optometrist in Kake?
Yes, Medicaid (Denali KidCare for children) and Medicare typically cover medically necessary eye exams. It's crucial to verify that the visiting optometrist is an in-network provider for your specific plan. The staff at the Kake Community Health Center can usually assist with insurance verification and billing questions for visiting specialist services.
What should I consider when choosing to travel to Juneau or Sitka for an optometrist instead of waiting for a visitor?
Consider the urgency of your eye care need, the availability of appointments with visiting providers, and travel logistics/costs. Traveling to a hub city offers a wider choice of optometrists, access to full optical shops for frame selection, and potentially more advanced diagnostic technology. For routine care, waiting for a visiting provider may be more convenient, but for urgent issues or specific needs, planning a trip may be necessary. Check with local airlines for potential medical travel programs or discounts.