The Best Optometrists in Nikolai, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Nikolai. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Michael J. Razo
Providence Alaska Medical Center - Eye Center
Dr. Razo practices at Providence Alaska Medical Center's Eye Center, which serves as a regional referral center for communities throughout Alaska including remote areas like Nikolai. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in comprehensive eye care and manages complex ocular conditions. The facility offers advanced diagnostic technology and serves patients traveling from rural communities, providing thorough examinations and coordinating care with local health providers when needed.
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Dr. Robert C. Hamilton
Alaska Vision Center
Dr. Hamilton leads Alaska Vision Center, which has established itself as one of Anchorage's premier optometry practices serving patients from across the state. The practice is known for its patient-centered approach and comprehensive care, including specialized services for ocular diseases common in Alaska's unique environment. They frequently accommodate patients traveling from remote communities like Nikolai, offering flexible scheduling and coordinating with local health aides for follow-up care when possible.
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Dr. Steven L. Mach
MyEyeDr. (Anchorage locations)
Dr. Mach practices with MyEyeDr., a nationwide network with multiple Anchorage locations that serve as regional eye care hubs for rural Alaskans. The practice offers advanced diagnostic technology including digital retinal imaging and visual field testing. They have experience working with patients from remote communities, providing comprehensive examinations and coordinating prescription fulfillment to accommodate travel schedules. The practice accepts most insurance plans commonly used by Alaska residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Nikolai, Alaska?
Nikolai is a very small, remote village, and it is highly unlikely you will find a resident optometrist with a permanent practice in town. Eye care services typically require traveling to a larger hub. For the nearest options, residents usually travel to cities like Fairbanks or Anchorage, or utilize visiting specialist services that may occasionally come to the region.
How do people in Nikolai access routine eye exams and glasses?
Accessing routine eye care from Nikolai often involves planning. Many residents schedule comprehensive appointments during trips to larger cities like Fairbanks, where numerous optometry clinics are available. Another key resource is the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) system, which may provide referrals or arrange for visiting optometrists or ophthalmologists to hold clinics in regional hubs, requiring travel but shorter distances than to major cities.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist to visit from Nikolai?
Given the travel required, efficiency is crucial. Look for optometrists in hub cities (e.g., Fairbanks) who offer comprehensive services in one visit: thorough eye exams, a wide selection of frames, and on-site lens finishing labs to expedite glasses orders. Confirm they accept your insurance (like Indian Health Service or other plans common in the area) and inquire about telehealth follow-up options to minimize future travel for minor concerns.
Does Indian Health Service (IHS) or tribal health cover eye care for Nikolai residents, and how does it work?
Yes, eligible Alaska Native beneficiaries in Nikolai typically receive eye care coverage through the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the tribal health system managed by organizations like the Tanana Chiefs Conference. Coverage usually requires a referral from your local clinic or community health aide. Eyewear may be provided through a specific vendor or program. It's essential to contact the Nikolai Clinic or your tribal health provider first to understand the referral process and approved service locations before traveling.
What are my options for urgent eye problems while in Nikolai?
For any urgent eye issue, your first point of contact should be the Nikolai Clinic or community health aide. They can provide initial assessment and facilitate an emergency referral or medevac if necessary. For non-emergency but pressing concerns, telehealth consultations (tele-optometry) are becoming more available through the Alaska Tribal Health System, allowing remote diagnosis and guidance, potentially saving a long trip for a minor issue.