The Best Optometrists in Smith River, CA
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Smith River. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Michael J. O'Brien, OD
Crescent City Eye Care
Dr. O'Brien leads a well-established practice known for its high-quality care and modern diagnostic technology. The practice emphasizes family-friendly services, with special expertise in pediatric optometry and senior eye health. Patients consistently praise the thoroughness of exams, compassionate staff, and efficient service. Safety protocols are rigorously maintained, and the practice offers a wide range of eyewear options. With over 18 years of experience, Dr. O'Brien has built a strong reputation in the Smith River and Crescent City areas for reliability and excellent patient outcomes.
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Dr. Lisa R. Williams, OD
North Coast Vision Associates
Dr. Williams specializes in managing eye diseases and providing advanced diagnostic services, with a focus on diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. The practice is noted for its compassionate approach and high patient satisfaction, particularly in emergency and routine care. Staff are highly qualified, and the facility features state-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnoses. Reviews highlight the practice's cleanliness, organized scheduling, and family-oriented environment. Serving Smith River and surrounding communities, this practice has been a trusted option for over a decade.
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Dr. Mark A. Davis, OD
Brookings Family Eye Care
With two decades of experience, Dr. Davis operates a patient-centered practice that extends services to Smith River residents. The practice is acclaimed for its flexible hours, same-day appointments, and expertise in sports vision and emergency care. Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and thorough eye health evaluations. The practice maintains excellent safety records and uses modern amenities to enhance patient comfort. High review counts reflect consistent satisfaction with staff professionalism and care quality, making it a reliable choice for comprehensive optometry needs in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in Smith River, CA?
Given Smith River's small size, there are limited in-town options. Your best resources are to check with the Del Norte County health directory, ask for recommendations at the local pharmacy, or search online for 'optometrist near Smith River, CA.' Many residents also travel to nearby Crescent City, which has several optometry practices. Checking with your health insurance provider's directory for in-network doctors in the 95567 zip code is also a practical first step.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in the Smith River area?
Given the rural nature of the area, key factors include the range of services offered on-site and travel convenience. Look for an optometrist who provides comprehensive eye exams, manages ocular diseases, and has a good selection of frames, as you may have fewer nearby alternatives. Check if they have experience with conditions common in the region, such as dry eye from coastal winds or managing diabetes-related eye care. Reviews from other Del Norte County residents and the optometrist's willingness to coordinate care with other local health providers are also important considerations.
Do optometrists in the Smith River area accept my vision insurance?
Insurance acceptance varies by practice. The few optometrists serving Smith River and the greater Del Norte County area typically accept major vision plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision, as well as Medicare for medical eye exams. It is crucial to call the specific practice ahead of time to verify they are in-network for your plan. Be prepared to provide your insurance details. If you have Medi-Cal, confirm which local providers are approved, as options may be more limited.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists near Smith River, CA?
Optometrists in and around Smith River generally offer comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosis/treatment of eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Due to the area's demographics, many also provide pediatric eye care and management of age-related eye diseases. Some practices may offer advanced diagnostic technology. However, for complex surgical procedures, you will likely be referred to an ophthalmologist in a larger city like Medford or Eureka.
How far in advance should I schedule an appointment with an optometrist in Smith River?
Because there are a limited number of eye care providers serving the Smith River community, it's advisable to schedule routine eye exams several weeks to a couple of months in advance, especially for popular times like after school or on Saturdays. For urgent but non-emergency issues (like a sudden prescription change or eye infection), call as soon as possible, as practices may hold slots for same-day or next-day appointments. For true eye emergencies, residents are typically directed to the nearest emergency room in Crescent City.