The Best Optometrists in Shageluk, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Shageluk. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) Eye Clinic
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
The YKHC Eye Clinic is a cornerstone of vision care in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, serving Shageluk and other remote communities with dedicated outreach programs. Known for high care quality and cultural sensitivity, the clinic employs licensed optometrists who provide thorough exams, including screenings for conditions common in rural Alaska. Safety is prioritized with modern equipment and protocols, and family satisfaction is high due to personalized care and support for travel and accessibility needs. Amenities include on-site optical services and telehealth options, making it a trusted resource for comprehensive eye health.
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Alaska Eye Care Centers
Alaska Eye Care Centers
Alaska Eye Care Centers is a highly rated practice with a strong reputation for excellence in optometry, serving patients from Shageluk through referrals and travel arrangements. With a focus on safety and advanced technology, they offer comprehensive services including management of complex eye conditions. The staff includes experienced optometrists with specialized training, ensuring high-quality care. Family satisfaction is bolstered by compassionate service, modern amenities like digital records, and a commitment to patient education. Their long track record and numerous positive reviews highlight reliability and top-tier vision care.
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Arctic Optical
Arctic Optical
Arctic Optical provides accessible and family-friendly optometry services, with a network that supports patients from Shageluk through convenient scheduling and remote consultation options. Rated highly for care quality and safety, they feature state-of-the-art equipment and a team of skilled optometrists focused on preventive and corrective vision care. Amenities include a wide selection of frames and lenses, and family satisfaction is evident in reviews praising their attentive staff and efficient service. With over a decade of operation, they have built a solid reputation for dependable eye health solutions in Alaska.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Shageluk, Alaska?
Shageluk is a very small, remote village, and it is highly unlikely to have a resident optometrist with a permanent practice in town. Eye care services for residents of Shageluk are typically provided through visiting optometrists who travel to the region or through regional health hubs. You will need to look for services in larger communities or through itinerant programs that serve the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta area.
How can I find an optometrist who serves the Shageluk area?
The best way is to contact the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) in Bethel. YKHC coordinates and provides healthcare services, including optometry, to the surrounding villages. They can inform you about scheduled itinerant optometry clinics that may visit Shageluk or nearby hubs like Anvik or Grayling. You can also check with the Shageluk Tribal Council or local clinic for information on upcoming visiting specialist schedules.
What should I consider when choosing an optometrist for a remote community like Shageluk?
Given the remote location, key considerations are accessibility and continuity of care. Look for optometrists or programs experienced in serving rural Alaska. Confirm if they travel to your region or if you need to travel to a hub like Bethel or Anchorage. Inquire about their ability to handle follow-up care, such as ordering and shipping contact lenses or glasses directly to Shageluk. Also, verify they accept your insurance, such as Indian Health Service or Medicaid, which are common in the area.
What eye care services are typically available through itinerant optometrists in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region?
Visiting optometrists to the region usually provide comprehensive eye exams, diagnosis and management of common eye diseases (like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy), and prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. Due to travel limitations, they may have portable diagnostic equipment. However, more specialized services or procedures requiring complex equipment would likely require a referral and travel to a larger facility in Bethel or Anchorage.
How do I schedule an eye exam living in Shageluk, and what are the typical costs?
Scheduling is done through the regional health provider, typically YKHC. You would contact their optometry department or your local village clinic to get on a list for the next visiting clinic. Costs are often covered for eligible residents through IHS, Medicaid, or other tribal health benefits. If you have private insurance, check with YKHC about billing. Out-of-pocket costs for uninsured services can vary, but many programs aim to minimize barriers to care in remote communities.