The Best Optometrists in Nuiqsut, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Nuiqsut. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital Eye Clinic
North Slope Borough
As the primary healthcare facility for the North Slope region, Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital offers essential optometry services with a focus on serving remote communities like Nuiqsut. Known for high-quality care, experienced staff, and community outreach programs, they provide comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, and pediatric services. The clinic emphasizes safety, patient satisfaction, and accessibility for all ages, with a track record of reliable service since 2005.
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America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
National Vision, Inc.
With a strong presence in interior Alaska, America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses provides affordable and high-quality optometry services, including comprehensive eye exams and a wide selection of eyewear. They are known for their patient-centered approach, family-friendly amenities, and efficient service. Serving Nuiqsut residents who travel to Fairbanks, this location has built a reputation for safety, excellent staff qualifications, and consistent family satisfaction over 12 years.
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Alaska Eye Care Center
Independent
A top-rated optometry practice in Alaska, Alaska Eye Care Center is renowned for its expert care, advanced technology, and commitment to patient safety. Serving patients from across the state, including Nuiqsut, they offer specialized services such as surgical co-management and pediatric optometry. With high family satisfaction ratings, experienced optometrists, and a focus on comprehensive eye health, this center has been a trusted provider since 1999.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Nuiqsut, Alaska?
No, there are no resident optometrists with a permanent practice located directly in Nuiqsut. As a small, remote North Slope community, residents must travel for comprehensive eye care. The nearest full-service optometry and ophthalmology clinics are in Utqiaġvik (Barrow), approximately 90 miles away, or in larger hubs like Fairbanks or Anchorage, which require air travel.
How can I access an eye exam in Nuiqsut if I can't travel easily?
Your primary options are to utilize visiting vision care services or tele-optometry. Periodically, mobile health clinics or specialists from the Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) or other regional health organizations may visit Nuiqsut to provide basic vision screenings and prescribe glasses. For more comprehensive care, inquire with the Nuiqsut Health Clinic about scheduled specialist visits or telemedicine options that can connect you with an optometrist remotely for a consultation.
What should I look for in an optometrist when planning a trip from Nuiqsut to Fairbanks or Anchorage?
When planning a medical trip to a city like Fairbanks or Anchorage, prioritize optometry clinics that understand the challenges of remote patients. Look for practices that offer extended hours or can accommodate multiple services in one visit (comprehensive exam, contact lens fitting, ordering glasses). It's also crucial to verify they accept your insurance (like Indian Health Service or other providers common in the North Slope Borough) and can expedite the fabrication and shipping of glasses or contacts back to Nuiqsut.
Does the Indian Health Service (IHS) or Arctic Slope Native Association cover eye care for Nuiqsut residents?
Yes, eligible beneficiaries can access eye care coverage through the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA), which operates the local clinic. Routine eye exams and medically necessary vision correction (like glasses for certain conditions) are typically covered, but there may be limitations on fashion frames or specific contact lenses. For services not available locally, ASNA can help facilitate a referral and travel authorization for care in Utqiaġvik, Fairbanks, or Anchorage. Always confirm coverage details with the Nuiqsut Health Clinic before scheduling an appointment outside the community.
What are my options for getting prescription glasses or contacts delivered to Nuiqsut?
After an eye exam during a trip or via telemedicine, you can have your prescription filled and shipped to Nuiqsut. Many optometrists in hub cities are experienced in mailing orders to remote Alaskan villages. You can also use your prescription to order from reputable online retailers. When choosing frames online, consider durability and easy adjustability, as in-person adjustments won't be readily available. Be sure to account for potential shipping delays due to Nuiqsut's remote location and weather conditions, and always order a backup pair if possible.