The Best Optometrists in Ruby, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Ruby. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Kristina K. Oliver
Alaska Family Vision Center
Alaska Family Vision Center is one of the most highly-rated optometry practices in interior Alaska, serving patients from remote communities throughout the region. Dr. Oliver and her team are known for their comprehensive care approach and experience working with patients from rural areas. The practice offers advanced diagnostic technology and specializes in managing complex eye conditions. They frequently accommodate patients traveling from villages like Ruby, providing thorough examinations and ensuring prescriptions are filled efficiently. Their commitment to accessible care for all Alaskans makes them a top choice for Ruby residents.
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Dr. Timothy P. O'Neill
Aurora Eye Care
Aurora Eye Care has built a strong reputation for serving patients throughout interior Alaska, including those from remote communities like Ruby. Dr. O'Neill provides comprehensive eye health services with particular expertise in managing diabetic retinopathy and dry eye syndrome. The practice is equipped with modern diagnostic technology and offers emergency eye care services, which is particularly valuable for patients traveling long distances. They are known for their patient-centered approach and work closely with patients to coordinate care when they travel to Fairbanks for appointments.
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Dr. Eric J. Stroup
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Optometry
YKHC Optometry provides essential eye care services to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, serving many remote villages including Ruby. Dr. Stroup and the YKHC team specialize in delivering eye care in rural Alaska settings, with traveling clinics and telemedicine services that benefit patients in isolated communities. They offer comprehensive eye examinations, manage chronic eye conditions, and provide vision therapy services. As part of the regional tribal health system, they understand the unique challenges of delivering eye care in remote Alaska and have systems in place to serve patients who may have limited travel opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Ruby, Alaska?
No, there are no resident optometrists with a permanent practice located directly in Ruby, Alaska. As a small, remote community, residents typically need to travel for comprehensive eye care. The closest options are in larger hubs like Fairbanks or Anchorage, or through visiting providers who may offer periodic clinics in the region.
What is the best way to find an optometrist who serves the Ruby, AK area?
The most effective method is to contact the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) or the Tanana Chiefs Conference, which provide health services to the region. They can inform you about scheduled visiting optometry clinics or refer you to affiliated providers in hub cities like Fairbanks. Additionally, checking with the Ruby Tribal Council or local clinic for announcements about upcoming vision care services is recommended.
How should I plan for an eye exam given Ruby's remote location?
Planning is essential. When booking an appointment in a city like Fairbanks or Anchorage, schedule it well in advance and coordinate with your travel plans (flight or winter road). Consider combining the eye exam with other medical appointments or supply runs. Be sure to ask the optometrist's office about their timeline for receiving prescription glasses or contacts, as shipping to Ruby can add significant time.
Do optometrists in Alaska typically accept travel for patients from remote villages like Ruby?
Yes, many optometry practices in hub cities like Fairbanks are accustomed to serving patients from remote communities. It's important to call ahead when scheduling to explain you are traveling from Ruby. Some clinics may offer extended hours or try to accommodate same-day dispensing of glasses if possible. Confirm insurance acceptance and any travel-related billing procedures beforehand.
What specific eye care services should I look for in an optometrist given Ruby's environment?
Look for an optometrist experienced in addressing conditions relevant to Alaska's interior and Indigenous populations. This includes expertise in managing dry eye (exacerbated by harsh winters and indoor heating), UV protection for intense summer sunlight reflecting off snow and water, and screening for conditions like diabetic retinopathy or pterygium. An optometrist familiar with the challenges of follow-up care for remote patients is a significant advantage.