The Best Optometrists in Stebbins, AK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Stebbins. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Nome Community Health Center Optometry
Nome Community Health Center
The Nome Community Health Center Optometry department is a trusted provider serving the Seward Peninsula region, including Stebbins, with over 15 years of dedicated service. They offer high-quality, patient-centered care with a focus on accessibility for rural communities. The clinic is known for its experienced optometrists, modern diagnostic equipment, and strong family satisfaction ratings. Services include comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, and management of ocular diseases, ensuring safe and effective vision care for all ages.
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YKHC Eye Clinic
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
The YKHC Eye Clinic in Bethel is a regional leader in optometry care, serving numerous villages in Western Alaska, including Stebbins. With over two decades of operation, the clinic provides comprehensive services backed by a team of skilled optometrists and support staff. It is highly rated for its safety protocols, family-friendly approach, and ability to handle complex eye conditions. The clinic emphasizes community health and offers telemedicine options for remote consultations, making it a reliable choice for residents of Stebbins.
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Alaska Vision Center
Alaska Vision Center
Alaska Vision Center is a top-rated optometry practice with a strong presence in Anchorage, frequently serving patients from remote areas like Stebbins who travel for specialized care. Established in 2003, the center boasts nearly two decades of experience and a reputation for excellence in vision care. They utilize state-of-the-art technology for precise diagnoses and offer a wide range of services, including pediatric optometry and custom contact lens fittings. With high patient satisfaction scores and a commitment to safety, they are a preferred provider for families seeking comprehensive eye health solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Stebbins, Alaska?
Stebbins is a small, remote community, and it is unlikely to have a resident optometrist with a permanent practice in the village. Residents typically access eye care through visiting optometrists who travel to the region periodically or by traveling to larger hubs like Nome or Anchorage for comprehensive eye exams and services.
How can I find out when a traveling optometrist will be visiting the Stebbins area?
The best way is to contact the Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) or the local Stebbins Community Clinic. They often coordinate and announce visiting specialist schedules, including optometrists. Checking with the Nome-based optometry services or regional tribal health consortia for their outreach calendar is also recommended, as they serve the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region.
What eye care services are most critical to look for given Stebbins' remote location and environment?
Given the high reflectivity of snow and ice, and potential for extended daylight in summer, services focused on UV protection and managing dry eyes are important. Look for optometrists experienced in treating conditions prevalent in rural Alaska, such as pterygium, and who can provide durable, high-quality prescriptions. The ability to order and ship contact lenses or glasses reliably to a remote address is also a key service to inquire about.
Will my tribal or Medicaid insurance be accepted by optometrists serving the Stebbins area?
Yes, most optometrists working through the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium system or visiting via regional health corporations like NSHC will accept Medicaid and tribal insurance. It is crucial to confirm this when scheduling an appointment, whether it's with a visiting provider in the region or at a clinic in Nome. Always bring your insurance card and tribal eligibility documentation to your visit.
What should I do if I have a sudden eye emergency in Stebbins?
For immediate eye emergencies, your first point of contact should be the Stebbins Community Clinic. They can provide initial assessment and coordinate urgent medevac if necessary to the Norton Sound Regional Hospital in Nome or further to Anchorage. Do not wait for a visiting optometrist. For non-urgent but concerning issues, contact the clinic to see if a telehealth consultation with an optometrist or ophthalmologist is available.