The Best Optometrists in Napakiak, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Napakiak. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
YKHC Eye Care Center
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
The YKHC Eye Care Center is the primary provider of vision care services for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, including Napakiak. It offers high-quality, culturally sensitive care with a focus on rural and Native Alaskan communities. The center is known for its experienced optometrists, modern equipment, and strong safety records, providing essential services like routine exams, emergency care, and specialized treatments for conditions common in the area. Family satisfaction is high due to its community-oriented approach and accessibility through referrals and mobile clinics.
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Walmart Vision Center - Bethel
Walmart Inc.
Located in Bethel, this Walmart Vision Center provides affordable and reliable optometry services to residents of Napakiak and surrounding areas. It features certified optometrists, a wide selection of frames and lenses, and efficient service. The center is praised for its convenience, family-friendly amenities, and consistent care quality, with a focus on preventive eye health. Safety protocols and patient satisfaction are emphasized, making it a trusted option for routine and urgent vision needs in the region.
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BBAHC Eye Clinic
Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation
The BBAHC Eye Clinic in Dillingham serves the broader Bristol Bay region, including communities like Napakiak, through referrals and outreach programs. It is renowned for its comprehensive care, skilled optometrists, and commitment to rural health access. Services include advanced diagnostics and treatments, with a strong track record in safety and patient satisfaction. The clinic's integration with regional health services ensures coordinated care for families, and its longevity and positive reviews highlight its reliability and quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Napakiak, Alaska?
No, there are no resident optometrists with a permanent practice located directly within the city of Napakiak. As a small, remote community in the Bethel Census Area, residents typically access eye care through visiting providers or by traveling to regional hubs. The closest full-service eye care clinics are located in Bethel, approximately 12 miles away by air or seasonal river travel.
How do people in Napakiak typically schedule an eye exam?
Scheduling an eye exam in Napakiak often involves coordinating with regional health services. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) in Bethel is a primary resource, frequently organizing traveling optometry clinics that visit Napakiak and other villages. Residents should contact YKHC's Optometry Department or the local Napakiak Tribal Council or Health Aide clinic to get on a list for the next visiting eye care team or to arrange a referral for travel to Bethel.
What should I look for in an optometrist who serves remote communities like Napakiak?
When choosing an optometrist who serves the Napakiak area, look for providers or clinics experienced in remote Alaskan care. Key factors include affiliation with YKHC or other tribal health organizations, experience with traveling clinics, and the ability to handle a wide range of needs in one visit due to limited follow-up opportunities. It's also beneficial if they understand the challenges of shipping and repairing glasses to remote locations and can offer durable frame options.
Does Medicaid or Indian Health Service cover eye exams for Napakiak residents?
Yes, for eligible residents, eye care is typically covered. Medicaid in Alaska and the Indian Health Service (IHS) through the YKHC system provide coverage for comprehensive eye exams and glasses. It is crucial to confirm that the optometrist or traveling clinic you see is an approved Medicaid or IHS provider. The local health clinic in Napakiak can help verify your coverage and guide you to the correct in-network providers, such as those at the YKHC hospital in Bethel.
What eye care services are usually available during a visiting clinic to Napakiak?
Visiting optometry clinics to Napakiak, often arranged by YKHC, typically provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses, and treatment for common eye infections or conditions like dry eye. They usually bring a selection of frames for on-the-spot ordering. However, more specialized services like advanced glaucoma management, surgical consultations, or immediate dispensing of complex prescription glasses may require a follow-up trip to Bethel or Anchorage. Always ask the visiting team what services they are equipped to provide during their village visit.