The Best Optometrists in Avery, CA
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Avery. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Kelli L. Smith
Quincy Vision Center
Dr. Kelli L. Smith operates Quincy Vision Center, serving the Plumas County region including Avery. With over 15 years of experience, she provides comprehensive eye care using advanced diagnostic technology. The practice is known for thorough examinations, personalized contact lens fittings, and family-friendly care. Patients consistently praise Dr. Smith's attention to detail, clear explanations, and comfortable office environment. The practice serves both routine vision needs and medical eye conditions.
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Dr. Michael J. O'Neill
Quincy Vision Center
Dr. Michael J. O'Neill is part of the Quincy Vision Center team, providing expert optometric care to the Eastern Sierra region including Avery residents. Specializing in medical eye conditions, he offers comprehensive management of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataract evaluations. The practice features state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and emphasizes preventive eye health. Patients appreciate his thorough approach and the practice's commitment to serving remote mountain communities.
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Dr. Jennifer R. Thompson
Portola Family Vision
Dr. Jennifer R. Thompson leads Portola Family Vision, serving Plumas County and surrounding areas including Avery. Her practice focuses on comprehensive family eye care with special attention to children's vision development and sports vision needs. The clinic features a complete optical dispensary and offers emergency eye services for the region. Patients consistently note her friendly demeanor, professional staff, and ability to handle complex vision needs while making patients feel comfortable and well-cared for.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in or near Avery, CA?
In Avery and the surrounding Sierra foothills, start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at Mark Twain Medical Center or from local pharmacists. You can also use online directories from vision insurance providers or the California Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool, filtering for the 95224 area code. Checking reviews for practices in nearby towns like Sonora, Angels Camp, or Murphys, which serve the Avery community, is also helpful due to the limited number of clinics directly in Avery.
What specific eye care services are most important for an optometrist in the Avery area to offer?
Given Avery's rural setting and proximity to outdoor activities in the Stanislaus National Forest, look for optometrists who offer comprehensive services for sun and environmental protection. This includes expertise in prescribing high-quality sunglasses and sports eyewear, managing dry eye (common in the drier climate), and providing thorough screenings for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. Since specialty care may require travel to Modesto or Stockton, finding a local optometrist with a wide scope of practice for ongoing management is key.
Do optometrists in Avery, CA typically accept my vision or medical insurance?
Acceptance varies. Most optometry practices in the Avery region, including those in neighboring communities, commonly accept major medical insurance (like Medicare, Blue Cross) for health-related eye exams and major vision plans such as VSP or EyeMed. It's crucial to call ahead to confirm, as some smaller, independent practices may be out-of-network for certain plans. Be sure to specify if your visit is for a medical issue (like an eye infection) or a routine vision check, as this affects which insurance (medical vs. vision) is billed.
What should I consider regarding appointment availability and scheduling with an Avery-area optometrist?
Due to the smaller number of providers serving the Avery population, scheduling an appointment may require more advance planning, especially for comprehensive exams. Many practices offer limited days of service or may have longer wait times for new patients. When calling, ask about their policy for urgent care needs (like a sudden eye injury or infection) and if they have partnerships with other clinics for after-hours emergencies. Some offices in Sonora or Angels Camp may offer more flexible hours, including Saturdays, which can be convenient for Avery residents.
Are there optometrists in Avery that specialize in care for children or seniors?
While there may not be pediatric or geriatric specialists solely located in Avery, many general optometrists in the area and in nearby towns like Sonora have extensive experience serving these demographics. For children, look for practices that are family-friendly and experienced in pediatric eye exams. For seniors, given the older demographic in the Sierra foothills, many local optometrists are well-versed in managing age-related conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. They can also help navigate the specifics of Medicare coverage for eye care.