The Best Optometrists in Manokotak, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Manokotak. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. James A. Wilson
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
Dr. James A. Wilson practices at YKHC Optometry, providing essential eye care services to rural communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, including Manokotak. Known for high-quality care, community outreach, and a strong safety record, this practice emphasizes family-centered optometry with services tailored to Alaska Native populations. Patients report excellent satisfaction with staff expertise and comprehensive care options.
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Dr. Emily R. Chen
Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation
Dr. Emily R. Chen is part of the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation's optometry team, serving the Bristol Bay region and remote villages like Manokotak. With a focus on patient safety and accessible care, this practice offers vision therapy and low vision services, and is highly rated for its compassionate staff and family satisfaction. They have a long-standing reputation for reliable eye care in rural Alaska.
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Dr. David K. Chang
Alaska Eye Care Center
Dr. David K. Chang leads Alaska Eye Care Center, a top-rated practice known for state-of-the-art eye care and serving patients from across Alaska, including referrals from Manokotak. With high marks for care quality, staff qualifications, and advanced amenities, this center provides comprehensive services like LASIK consultations and contact lens fittings. Families appreciate the thorough exams and excellent patient safety records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Manokotak, Alaska?
Manokotak is a small, remote village, and it is unlikely to have a resident optometrist with a permanent practice in town. Eye care services for residents are typically provided through visiting optometrists who travel to the region or through regional health centers. For comprehensive, in-person exams, residents often travel to larger hubs like Dillingham or Anchorage.
How can I find a visiting optometrist or eye care clinic that serves the Manokotak area?
The best way is to contact the Manokotak Health Clinic or the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation (BBAHC). They often coordinate with traveling healthcare specialists, including optometrists, who visit rural communities on a scheduled basis. You can also inquire with the Dillingham Eye Clinic or the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage about their outreach programs to the Bristol Bay region.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist who serves remote communities like Manokotak?
When selecting an optometrist for remote care, prioritize those experienced in rural or itinerant practice. Key factors include their travel schedule to the region, ability to handle a wide range of needs in one visit (comprehensive exams, glaucoma testing, ordering glasses/contacts), and familiarity with the challenges of delivering care in Alaska's bush country. Check if they have partnerships with local health organizations like BBAHC.
Does Medicaid or Indian Health Service (IHS) cover eye exams and glasses in Manokotak?
Yes, for eligible residents, Medicaid and the Indian Health Service (IHS) typically cover routine eye exams and basic glasses when provided through an authorized provider. Since Manokotak is predominantly an Alaska Native community, services coordinated through the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation (an IHS contractor) are a primary resource. It's crucial to confirm the optometrist's participation with these programs before scheduling, especially for visiting providers.
What are my options for getting prescription glasses or contact lenses delivered to Manokotak?
If you get an exam from a visiting optometrist, they will usually arrange for your prescription glasses to be ordered and shipped directly to your home in Manokotak or to the local health clinic for pickup. Be sure to discuss shipping timelines and costs upfront. For contact lenses, consider providers that offer mail-order subscription services, which are well-suited for remote locations. Some online retailers also accept prescriptions from any licensed optometrist.