The Best Optometrists in Sand Point, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Sand Point. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Thomas R. Parker
Alaska Eye Care Center
Dr. Parker and his team at Alaska Eye Care Center are highly regarded for their exceptional patient care and use of advanced diagnostic technology. They have a strong track record of safety and high family satisfaction, often serving patients from remote areas like Sand Point through referrals and telemedicine options. The practice is known for its state-of-the-art equipment, compassionate staff, and comprehensive approach to eye health, making it a top choice for families and individuals seeking reliable optometric care.
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Dr. Jennifer A. Miller
Providence Alaska Medical Center Eye Clinic
Part of the renowned Providence Health System, this eye clinic offers comprehensive optometric services with a focus on medical eye conditions. Dr. Miller is known for her compassionate care and expertise in managing complex cases, with excellent safety records and high patient satisfaction scores. The clinic provides family-friendly amenities and often accommodates patients from Sand Point and other remote communities through coordinated care and outreach programs.
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Dr. Robert Brown
Kodiak Eye Care
Dr. Brown's practice in Kodiak is known for its friendly staff and high-quality care. He has extensive experience serving the Aleutian Islands region, including Sand Point, through periodic visits and referrals
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in Sand Point, AK?
In Sand Point, your primary resource is the Sand Point Community Health Center, which may have an optometrist on staff or can provide referrals. Given the remote nature of the Aleutian Islands, you can also contact the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska for community health resources, check with the local Sand Point Pharmacy for recommendations, or search online directories filtering for 'Sand Point, AK'. Many residents also coordinate eye care with visits to larger hubs like Anchorage or Kodiak.
What should I consider when choosing an optometrist in a remote location like Sand Point?
Given Sand Point's isolation, key considerations include the practitioner's travel schedule to the community, as many optometrists visit on a rotational basis. Inquire about the frequency of visits and how appointments are scheduled around them. Also, check what diagnostic equipment is available on-site versus what might require travel. It's crucial to confirm if they can handle prescription renewals and frame adjustments remotely and understand their protocol for emergencies or referrals that require medevac to Anchorage.
What eye care services are typically available from an optometrist serving Sand Point?
Optometrists serving Sand Point typically provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosis of common conditions like dry eye (exacerbated by windy coastal conditions). Due to travel limitations, they often focus on essential care. Services like treatment for eye infections, glaucoma screening, and diabetic eye exams are priorities. For specialized services like surgery, advanced glaucoma treatment, or pediatric strabismus, you will almost certainly be referred to a specialist in Anchorage.
How does insurance work for eye care in Sand Point, and what are the typical costs?
Most optometrists visiting Sand Point will accept major insurance plans common in Alaska, including Medicaid. It is vital to verify coverage with both your insurance provider and the clinic beforehand, as out-of-network costs can be high. Given the travel costs factored into remote care, exam fees might be slightly higher than in urban centers. Expect costs for frames and lenses to be similar to elsewhere, but with added shipping fees and time delays. The Sand Point Community Health Center often operates on a sliding fee scale for eligible residents.
How far in advance should I schedule an appointment with an optometrist in Sand Point?
You should schedule appointments as far in advance as possible, ideally several months ahead. Optometrist visits to Sand Point are often scheduled in blocks only a few times a year, and slots fill quickly. Contact the Sand Point Community Health Center or the visiting optometrist's main office (often in Anchorage or Kodiak) to get on their schedule and mailing list for visit announcements. For urgent but non-emergency issues, explain the situation as they may have a waitlist for cancellations or can advise on interim care.