The Best Optometrists in Selawik, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Selawik. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Maniilaq Eye Clinic
Maniilaq Association
The Maniilaq Eye Clinic is part of the Maniilaq Association, a tribal health organization serving the Northwest Arctic region, including Selawik. With over 20 years of experience, they provide high-quality, culturally sensitive eye care through regular appointments and travel to remote villages. They are known for their comprehensive services, including pediatric optometry and management of chronic conditions like diabetes-related eye issues. The clinic has a strong safety record and high family satisfaction, often praised for their compassionate staff and modern equipment. They accept referrals and walk-ins, ensuring accessible care for Selawik residents.
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Norton Sound Eye Care
Norton Sound Health Corporation
Norton Sound Eye Care, operated by Norton Sound Health Corporation, has been serving rural Alaska communities, including Selawik, for over 15 years. They offer a full range of optometry services with a focus on preventive care and vision therapy. The clinic is highly rated for its experienced optometrists, who often participate in outreach programs to remote areas. Patients appreciate their efficient service, friendly staff, and ability to handle emergencies. With a commitment to safety and patient education, they ensure high satisfaction among families and individuals in the region.
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Alaska Native Medical Center Optometry
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
The Alaska Native Medical Center Optometry department, under the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, has provided top-tier eye care to Alaska Native people, including those in Selawik, for over 25 years. They specialize in complex cases, ocular disease management, and work closely with ophthalmologists for surgical co-management. Known for their high care quality and safety standards, they receive excellent reviews for their thorough exams and patient-centered approach. They facilitate travel and referrals for rural patients, ensuring accessible and comprehensive optometry services with a strong track record of family satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Selawik, Alaska?
No, there are no resident optometrists with a permanent practice located directly in Selawik. Due to its remote location, eye care is typically provided through visiting optometrists who travel to the community periodically or through regional health centers. Residents often travel to hubs like Kotzebue or Fairbanks for comprehensive eye exams and services.
How can I find out when a visiting optometrist will be in Selawik?
The best way is to contact the Selawik Community Health Clinic or the Maniilaq Association, which provides health services in the Northwest Arctic region. They coordinate and schedule visiting specialist clinics, including optometry. Checking their official websites, community bulletin boards at the clinic or store, and local radio announcements are the most reliable methods for getting clinic dates and scheduling appointments.
What eye care services are typically available during a visiting optometrist clinic in Selawik?
Visiting optometrist clinics in Selawik typically focus on essential services due to travel constraints. This includes comprehensive eye exams, diagnosis of eye diseases (like glaucoma or cataracts), and prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. They often have a limited selection of frames on hand. More specialized services, surgical consultations, or immediate filling of complex prescriptions may require a referral and travel to a larger city like Anchorage or Fairbanks.
Does insurance like Medicaid or Medicare cover eye exams with a visiting optometrist in Selawik?
Yes, Medicaid (and Medicare for eligible conditions) typically covers medically necessary eye exams provided by credentialed optometrists, including those visiting Selawik through tribal or regional health organizations like Maniilaq. It's crucial to confirm that the visiting provider is in-network with your specific plan. The clinic staff assisting with scheduling can usually help verify coverage and explain any potential costs for frames or lenses not fully covered.
What should I consider when choosing to see an optometrist in Kotzebue versus waiting for a visitor in Selawik?
Consider urgency, the scope of need, and travel logistics. For routine check-ups or simple prescription updates, waiting for a visiting optometrist in Selawik is often more convenient and cost-effective, avoiding expensive air travel. For urgent eye problems, suspected serious conditions, or if you need a wide selection of frames or specialized contact lens fittings, planning a trip to a permanent practice in Kotzebue (or further to Fairbanks) is advisable. Always consult with the Selawik clinic staff for guidance based on your specific situation.