The Best Optometrists in Kalskag, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Kalskag. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Michael J. Rader
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
As part of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation's Eye Care Department, Dr. Rader provides essential optometry services to the entire Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, including regular visits to Kalskag and other rural communities. The practice specializes in serving Alaska Native populations with culturally competent care, offering comprehensive eye examinations, management of chronic eye conditions, and vision therapy. They operate mobile eye clinics and tele-optometry services to reach remote villages, with a strong focus on diabetic retinopathy screening and treatment given the high prevalence in the region. The practice has built an excellent reputation for reliability and quality care in challenging rural environments.
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Dr. Robert J. Hamilton
Alaska Native Medical Center
Dr. Hamilton leads the optometry department at the Alaska Native Medical Center, which serves as a referral center for patients from Kalskag and other rural communities throughout Alaska. The practice offers comprehensive optometric services including advanced diagnostic testing, contact lens fittings for complex prescriptions, and low vision rehabilitation. They coordinate closely with rural health aides in villages like Kalskag to provide follow-up care and manage chronic conditions. The center is known for its patient-centered approach and expertise in managing eye diseases common in Alaska Native populations, with many patients traveling from rural areas for specialized care not available locally.
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Dr. Steven J. Metheny
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Dr. Metheny practices at Providence Alaska Eye Care, which serves as a major referral center for patients from rural Alaska communities including Kalskag. The practice offers comprehensive medical optometry services with advanced diagnostic equipment for managing complex eye conditions. They specialize in diabetic eye disease management, glaucoma care, and macular degeneration treatment - conditions prevalent in rural Alaska populations. The practice coordinates with community health practitioners in remote villages to ensure continuity of care and provides telemedicine consultations when appropriate. Known for their thorough approach and excellent patient communication, they've built strong relationships with patients traveling from rural areas for specialized eye care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Kalskag, Alaska?
Kalskag is a small, remote community, and it is unlikely to have a resident optometrist with a permanent practice. Eye care services for residents of Kalskag are typically provided through visiting optometrists who travel as part of regional health programs or through scheduled clinics at the local health center. For comprehensive exams, residents often travel to hub communities like Bethel.
How can I find out when a visiting optometrist will be in Kalskag?
The best way is to contact the Kalskag Health Clinic directly. They coordinate with regional health organizations like the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) to schedule visiting specialist clinics, including optometry. You can also check the YKHC website or community bulletin boards for announcements about upcoming eye care clinics in the region.
What eye care services can I typically receive during a visiting optometrist clinic in Kalskag?
Visiting optometrist clinics in Kalskag usually focus on essential services due to travel and equipment limitations. These typically include comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses, and screenings for common conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease. For more complex treatments or surgeries, the optometrist will refer patients to ophthalmologists in Anchorage or Bethel.
Does Medicaid or Indian Health Service (IHS) cover eye exams with an optometrist in the Kalskag area?
Yes, for eligible residents, Medicaid and services arranged through the Indian Health Service (often via YKHC) typically cover routine eye exams performed by participating optometrists. This includes exams at the Kalskag Health Clinic or through visiting specialist programs. Coverage for glasses or contact lenses may have limitations, so it's important to verify benefits with the clinic or your coverage provider beforehand.
If I need to travel from Kalskag for an eye appointment, what are my options?
The most common destination for specialized eye care from Kalskag is Bethel, which has several optometry practices. Travel is usually by small plane. It's crucial to coordinate with your health provider (like YKHC) as they may have travel assistance programs for medical appointments. Some clinics in Bethel are experienced in serving patients from remote villages and can help streamline the process of exams, ordering glasses, and follow-up.