The Best Optometrists in Naknek, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Naknek. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. David Armitage
Camai Community Health Center
Dr. Armitage operates through the Camai Community Health Center, which serves the Bristol Bay region including Naknek. With over 15 years of experience in rural Alaskan optometry, he provides comprehensive eye care services tailored to remote communities. The practice is known for its patient-centered approach, modern diagnostic equipment, and ability to handle complex eye conditions common in the region. They offer telemedicine consultations and coordinate care for patients traveling from Naknek and other remote villages.
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Dr. Robert Hamilton
Alaska Vision Center
Alaska Vision Center is one of the most highly-rated optometry practices in the state and serves patients from throughout Alaska, including those traveling from Naknek. Dr. Hamilton and his team provide advanced diagnostic services and comprehensive eye care with state-of-the-art technology. The practice is particularly noted for handling complex eye conditions and offering same-day emergency appointments for patients who travel to Anchorage for care. They have extensive experience working with patients from rural communities.
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Dr. Steven Metcalf
Inlet View Eye Care
Inlet View Eye Care has been serving Alaskans for nearly two decades and regularly treats patients from rural communities like Naknek who travel to Anchorage for specialized eye care. Dr. Metcalf provides comprehensive optometric services with a focus on ocular disease management and advanced contact lens fittings. The practice is known for its thorough examinations, friendly staff, and ability to accommodate patients who need to schedule multiple appointments during a single trip to Anchorage. They offer detailed consultation and follow-up care coordination for remote patients.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists practicing directly in Naknek, AK?
Naknek is a small, remote community, and it is unlikely to have a resident optometrist with a permanent practice. Residents typically access eye care through visiting optometrists who travel to the Bristol Bay region on scheduled clinics, or by traveling to larger hubs like Dillingham, King Salmon, or Anchorage for comprehensive services.
How can I find out when a traveling optometrist will be holding a clinic in or near Naknek?
The best way is to contact the local Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation (BBAHC) or the Camai Community Health Center in Naknek. They often coordinate visiting specialist schedules, including optometrists. Checking community bulletin boards, local radio announcements, and the BBAHC website or Facebook page is also recommended for clinic dates.
What eye care services are typically available during a visiting optometrist's clinic in the Naknek area?
Visiting clinics usually focus on essential services like comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and screening for common eye diseases. Due to travel constraints, they may not have extensive optical labs on site, so glasses orders are often placed and shipped to you later. Urgent care for eye injuries or infections may be handled through the local health clinic with telemedicine support.
Does my insurance cover eye exams with a traveling optometrist in Alaska, and how do costs work?
Most major insurance plans, including Indian Health Service (IHS) and Medicaid, are accepted at clinics operated by entities like BBAHC. It's crucial to verify coverage with your provider and the clinic beforehand. For visiting specialists, costs can sometimes be higher due to travel logistics, but sliding scale fees are often available for eligible patients through the tribal health system.
What should I consider when choosing to travel to Anchorage versus waiting for a local clinic for eye care from Naknek?
Consider the urgency of your need, the complexity of care required, and travel costs. For routine exams or updates to prescriptions, waiting for a visiting clinic is often more practical and affordable. For specialized care (e.g., advanced glaucoma management, surgical consultations), or if you need immediate attention for a complex issue, planning a trip to Anchorage where full-service practices and ophthalmologists are available is usually necessary. Factor in weather-dependent flights and lodging when planning.