The Best Optometrists in Saint Marys, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Saint Marys. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
YKHC Optometry
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
YKHC Optometry is a highly respected practice serving the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, including Saint Marys, with a focus on accessible rural eye care. They are known for their compassionate staff, modern diagnostic equipment, and strong safety records, particularly in managing diabetes-related eye conditions prevalent in the area. With telemedicine options and community outreach programs, they ensure family-centered care and high patient satisfaction.
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Alaska Eye Care
Independent Practice
Alaska Eye Care is a top-rated independent practice with a long-standing reputation for excellence in eye health services across Alaska, including referrals from Saint Marys. They offer state-of-the-art amenities, such as advanced imaging technology, and are praised for their thorough exams, friendly staff, and commitment to patient education. Their high review counts reflect consistent family satisfaction and safety in care.
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Providence Eye Center
Providence Health & Services Alaska
Providence Eye Center is part of a renowned health system providing specialized optometry services to Alaskans, including those in Saint Marys through regional partnerships. They excel in care quality with board-certified optometrists, robust safety protocols, and a patient-centered approach. Amenities include on-site optical shops and coordination with broader medical services, leading to high ratings for family-friendly care and reliability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in Saint Marys, AK, given the remote location?
Due to Saint Marys' remote nature on the Yukon River, local, full-time optometrists are limited. Your best options are to check with the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) for any visiting eye care specialists or scheduled clinics. Many residents also travel to Bethel or Anchorage for comprehensive eye care. Utilizing online directories and filtering for 'Saint Marys, AK' or the wider Bethel Census Area can show providers who serve the region, even if on a rotating schedule.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist who serves the Saint Marys area?
When choosing an optometrist for Saint Marys, prioritize those experienced in serving remote Alaskan communities. Look for practices that offer extended clinic days when they visit, handle a wide range of services (from prescriptions to disease management like diabetic eye exams), and have efficient systems for ordering and shipping contact lenses or glasses to your location. It's also crucial to verify they accept your insurance, such as Medicaid or tribal health plans commonly used in the region.
Are there optometrists in Saint Marys that accept Native or tribal health insurance?
Yes, optometric care accessed through the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) system typically accepts tribal health insurance and Medicaid. Since Saint Marys is a Yup'ik community, most residents utilize these plans. When a visiting optometrist holds a clinic at the local health facility, billing is usually handled directly through YKHC. Always confirm coverage with both the provider and your tribal health entity before an appointment, especially if referred to a specialist in Anchorage.
What eye care services are typically available from visiting optometrists in Saint Marys?
Visiting optometrists to Saint Marys, often arranged through YKHC or state health programs, typically provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and screenings for common conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Due to travel logistics, they may have limited ability to perform complex procedures on-site. They often work with local clinics to facilitate follow-up care and ensure prescriptions for glasses or contacts are filled and shipped to patients in the village.
How far in advance should I schedule an appointment with an optometrist in or serving Saint Marys, AK?
You should schedule appointments as far in advance as possible, ideally several months ahead. For visiting specialists in Saint Marys, clinic dates are often set quarterly or semi-annually, and slots fill quickly. If you are planning to travel to Bethel or Anchorage for care, booking 2-3 months ahead is advisable to secure a convenient time. Contact the Saint Marys Health Clinic or YKHC's optometry department directly for the most accurate schedule of upcoming eye care visits to the community.