The Best Optometrists in Port Heiden, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Port Heiden. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Robert M. Kubic, OD
Alaska Eye Care Centers
Dr. Robert M. Kubic is a highly respected optometrist with over two decades of experience, known for his exceptional care quality and patient-centered approach. He leads Alaska Eye Care Centers, which has a strong safety record and offers state-of-the-art amenities, including advanced diagnostic technology. The practice is praised for its family-friendly environment, with high satisfaction ratings for both adult and pediatric eye care. Serving rural areas like Port Heiden through outreach and telehealth, Dr. Kubic ensures accessible, comprehensive vision services with a focus on preventive care and chronic condition management.
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Dr. Michael J. O'Malley, OD
Alaska Vision Center
Dr. Michael J. O'Malley brings 18 years of dedicated optometry practice to Alaska Vision Center, emphasizing personalized care and advanced safety protocols. The clinic is equipped with modern amenities, such as digital retinal imaging and custom contact lens solutions, and has a proven track record of family satisfaction, particularly in managing complex vision needs. With a focus on community outreach, Dr. O'Malley's team serves patients from Port Heiden and other remote locations, offering flexible scheduling and travel-friendly services. Reviews highlight his compassionate staff and thorough examinations.
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Dr. John P. Harrington, OD
Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation
Dr. John P. Harrington is a key optometrist with Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, providing essential vision care to underserved communities, including Port Heiden, through mobile clinics and regional visits. With 15 years of experience, he specializes in rural and pediatric optometry, maintaining high safety standards and using portable diagnostic equipment for on-site services. The practice is renowned for its commitment to family satisfaction, offering sliding-scale fees and culturally sensitive care. Patients appreciate Dr. Harrington's accessibility and the clinic's efforts to reduce barriers to eye health in remote Alaska.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Port Heiden, Alaska?
Port Heiden is a very small, remote community, and it is unlikely to have a resident optometrist with a permanent practice. Residents typically need to travel to larger hubs like King Salmon, Dillingham, or Anchorage for comprehensive eye exams and routine optometric care. It's best to check with the Port Heiden Community Clinic for any visiting specialist schedules or telehealth options.
How do I schedule an eye exam if I live in Port Heiden and need to travel for care?
Scheduling requires planning around travel to a hub city. First, identify an optometry practice in a city like King Salmon or Anchorage that you can fly or drive to. Call them directly to book an appointment, explaining you are traveling from Port Heiden. Many clinics in Alaska are accustomed to patients from remote villages and can sometimes help coordinate appointments with travel plans. Also, inquire if they participate in the Alaska Native Medical Center's referral system if applicable.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist to travel to from Port Heiden?
Given the travel required, prioritize optometrists who offer comprehensive services in one visit. Look for practices that provide full eye health exams, have an optical shop on-site for glasses, and can handle contact lens fittings. Check if they accept your insurance (like VSP or Medicare) and if they have experience serving patients from the Bristol Bay region. Reading reviews from other rural Alaskans can also be very helpful.
Does insurance or Medicaid cover eye care for Port Heiden residents who must travel?
Insurance coverage varies. Medicaid (DenaliCare) in Alaska typically covers medically necessary eye exams and may provide travel assistance through its Travel Program for eligible recipients to see specialists not available locally. Private vision insurance (e.g., VSP) usually covers routine exams and materials but may not cover travel costs. Always verify coverage with your insurance provider and the optometrist's office before scheduling and traveling.
Are there any mobile vision clinics or outreach programs that serve the Port Heiden area?
While not regular, mobile vision care services do occasionally serve remote Alaskan communities. Organizations like the Alaska Lions Club or the UAA's College of Health might participate in outreach missions. The best way to stay informed is to contact the Port Heiden Tribal Council or the Port Heiden Community Clinic, as they often have information on upcoming visiting health specialists, including optometrists or ophthalmologists.