The Best Optometrists in Savoonga, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Savoonga. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. David K. Leighton
Norton Sound Health Corporation
Dr. David K. Leighton is a highly respected optometrist with over 15 years of experience serving rural Alaskan communities, including Savoonga through Norton Sound Health Corporation's outreach programs. He is known for his compassionate care, expertise in managing complex eye conditions like diabetes-related issues, and commitment to accessible vision services. The practice boasts a 4.6 rating based on 50 reviews, with patients praising his thorough exams, family-friendly approach, and ability to handle diverse needs from children to seniors. Safety protocols are rigorously maintained, and the clinic offers modern diagnostic equipment, ensuring high-quality care in a remote setting.
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Dr. Michael P. Madsen
Alaska Eye Care Centers
Dr. Michael P. Madsen leads a top-rated practice at Alaska Eye Care Centers, with 20 years of experience and a 4.8 rating from 120 reviews. He specializes in advanced ocular health, including surgical co-management for cataracts and LASIK, and provides comprehensive services that extend to Savoonga via telemedicine and referral networks. Patients highlight his exceptional diagnostic skills, friendly staff, and state-of-the-art amenities like digital retinal imaging. The practice emphasizes safety, with stringent hygiene standards and a track record of high family satisfaction, making it a trusted choice for remote Alaskan residents seeking expert optometry care.
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Dr. Sarah A. Campbell
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Dr. Sarah A. Campbell is a dedicated optometrist with 12 years of experience at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, serving Savoonga and other rural communities through mobile clinics and telehealth initiatives. She has a 4.5 rating from 60 reviews, with accolades for her expertise in diabetic eye care and low vision rehabilitation. The practice focuses on culturally sensitive care, with a strong safety record and amenities like on-site optical labs. Families appreciate her attentive approach and the consortium's support for underserved populations, ensuring reliable vision services despite geographic challenges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists physically located in Savoonga, Alaska?
Due to its remote location on St. Lawrence Island, Savoonga does not have a permanent, resident optometrist. Eye care is typically provided through visiting specialists or by traveling to regional hubs. Residents should contact the Savoonga Health Clinic or the Norton Sound Health Corporation for the most current schedule of visiting vision care services to the community.
How can I schedule an eye exam in or from Savoonga?
Scheduling an eye exam involves checking with the local Savoonga Health Clinic for upcoming itinerant optometry visits. For more immediate or specialized care, you may need to travel. The clinic can assist with referrals and travel coordination for appointments in Nome or Anchorage through the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium system. It's crucial to plan well in advance due to travel logistics and weather.
What eye care services are typically available during visiting optometrist trips to Savoonga?
Visiting optometrists to Savoonga generally provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and screenings for common conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Due to travel constraints, they may bring a limited inventory of frames. For complex diagnoses, treatments, or surgery, they will provide referrals to ophthalmologists in larger Alaskan cities.
Does insurance or IHS cover eye care for Savoonga residents?
Yes, for eligible Alaska Native and American Indian residents, the Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribal health organizations like Norton Sound Health Corporation typically cover essential eye exams and medically necessary eyewear. It's important to confirm your coverage and any referral requirements with the Savoonga clinic before a visiting specialist's appointment or arranging travel for care. Private insurance is also accepted by most providers.
What should I consider when choosing an optometrist for a referral from Savoonga?
When referred to an optometrist in Nome or Anchorage, consider their specialization in any specific eye conditions you have, their affiliation with the tribal health system for seamless care coordination, and their experience serving patients from remote communities. Logistics are also key—choose a provider whose appointment schedule and location align with your travel plans and who understands the challenges of follow-up care from a distance.