The Best Optometrists in Mount Lemmon, AZ
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Mount Lemmon. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Michael A. Mittleman
Mittleman Eye
Mittleman Eye is a top-rated practice known for its exceptional patient care and use of advanced diagnostic technology. Dr. Mittleman has over two decades of experience providing comprehensive eye exams, specialized pediatric care, and management of conditions like glaucoma. The practice maintains an excellent safety record, with highly qualified staff and a family-friendly environment, earning high marks for patient satisfaction and personalized service for Mount Lemmon residents.
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Dr. Richard L. Windsor
Windsor Eye Care
Windsor Eye Care offers a compassionate and professional approach to eye care, with Dr. Windsor specializing in dry eye treatment, emergency services, and routine exams. The practice is praised for its modern amenities, skilled staff, and high family satisfaction ratings. With a strong focus on safety and patient education, it serves the Mount Lemmon area with reliable, comprehensive optometric services.
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Dr. Steven M. Shields
Southwest Eye Care
Southwest Eye Care is renowned for its state-of-the-art equipment and wide range of services, including LASIK consultations and sports vision programs. Dr. Shields brings over 20 years of experience, emphasizing thorough exams and patient safety. The practice has a strong track record of family satisfaction, with a dedicated team that ensures personalized care for Mount Lemmon clients, making it a trusted choice in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there optometrists located directly in Mount Lemmon, or will I need to travel to the Tucson area for an eye exam?
Mount Lemmon is a small, mountainous community with limited medical services. There are no optometry practices physically located in Mount Lemmon itself. For comprehensive eye exams, fittings, and eyewear, you will need to travel down the mountain to the greater Tucson area. Many residents schedule appointments in Tucson or nearby foothills communities like Oro Valley or Catalina.
What should I look for in a Tucson-area optometrist to ensure they can address issues related to high-altitude and sunny mountain living?
Given Mount Lemmon's high elevation and intense UV exposure, it's wise to choose a Tucson-area optometrist with expertise in managing sun-related eye health. Look for practices that emphasize comprehensive retinal health screenings, offer high-quality UV-protective lens options (like polarized or photochromic lenses), and have experience diagnosing and treating conditions like pterygium or cataracts, which can be accelerated by sun exposure.
How can I find an optometrist in Tucson who accepts my vision insurance, and is this coverage common for Mount Lemmon residents?
Most Mount Lemmon residents use major national or Arizona-based vision insurance plans (like VSP, EyeMed, or Davis Vision) which are widely accepted by optometrists in Tucson. The best way to find an in-network provider is to use your insurance company's online directory, filtering for Tucson zip codes (e.g., 85718, 85749). You can also call prospective offices in the foothills to verify they accept your specific plan before making the drive.
For urgent eye issues while on Mount Lemmon, what are my options before I can get to a Tucson optometrist?
For true eye emergencies (like sudden vision loss, severe pain, or chemical exposure), your nearest option is to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For non-emergent but urgent issues (like a scratched cornea or sudden floaters), you can contact Tucson optometry practices that offer same-day urgent care appointments. It's advisable to have the contact information for a few such practices saved, knowing you'll have a 1-2 hour drive depending on weather and road conditions on the Catalina Highway.
What are the benefits of choosing an optometrist in the Tucson foothills versus downtown for someone living on Mount Lemmon?
Choosing an optometrist in the northern Tucson foothills or Oro Valley can significantly reduce your travel time from Mount Lemmon. These locations are closer to the base of the Catalina Highway (Mount Lemmon Highway). Practices in these areas are often accustomed to serving patients from surrounding mountainous communities and may offer more flexible scheduling to accommodate longer travel times. They also typically have ample parking, making your visit more convenient compared to navigating downtown Tucson.