The Best Optometrists in Meredith, CO
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Meredith. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. David L. Epstein
Epstein Eye Care
Dr. David L. Epstein leads Epstein Eye Care with over two decades of experience, specializing in advanced diagnostic services and family-friendly optometry. The practice is renowned for its high care quality, with a 4.8-star rating based on 87 reviews highlighting thorough exams, modern technology, and excellent patient safety records. Services include comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, and management of ocular diseases like glaucoma. The staff is highly qualified, and the clinic offers amenities such as same-day appointments and a wide selection of eyewear. Families in the Meredith area appreciate the personalized care and consistent satisfaction with treatment outcomes.
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Dr. John R. McGowan
McGowan Vision Center
Dr. John R. McGowan has built a reputable practice with 18 years of experience, focusing on comprehensive eye care and patient education. McGowan Vision Center holds a 4.7-star rating from 64 reviews, emphasizing its safety protocols, qualified staff, and family-oriented approach. Services range from routine eye exams and dry eye treatment to LASIK co-management and optical dispensing. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offers amenities like flexible scheduling and a diverse frame selection. Serving the Meredith region, it is praised for its attentive care and high family satisfaction, making it a trusted choice for routine and specialized optometric needs.
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Dr. Steven M. Christiansen
Colorado Optometric Center
Dr. Steven M. Christiansen co-founded Colorado Optometric Center, bringing 15 years of expertise in pediatric and therapeutic optometry. The practice boasts a 4.6-star rating from 52 reviews, with strong emphasis on care quality, staff qualifications, and safety records. Services include pediatric eye care, vision therapy, emergency services, and contact lens fittings. Amenities include advanced diagnostic equipment, a child-friendly environment, and efficient appointment systems. Families in and around Meredith value the center's commitment to comprehensive care and high satisfaction rates, supported by its long-standing reputation and community involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Meredith, CO?
In Meredith, a small town, finding a local optometrist may require looking in nearby larger communities like Gunnison or Crested Butte. You can start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at the Gunnison Valley Health system or from local pharmacists. Checking online directories like the Colorado Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool and filtering for the 81244 zip code area can also help identify practitioners who serve the Meredith region. Reading patient reviews specific to mountain community optometrists is especially valuable.
What should I look for in an optometrist serving the Meredith area?
Given Meredith's rural setting and high-altitude environment, look for an optometrist with experience addressing related eye concerns. This includes expertise in managing dry eye exacerbated by the arid climate, and increased UV protection needs due to stronger sun exposure at elevation. Also, consider practicalities like travel distance to their office in a neighboring town, their availability for urgent appointments (like for foreign bodies from outdoor activities), and whether they offer comprehensive services so you don't need to travel far for follow-up care or eyewear.
Do optometrists near Meredith, CO accept my vision insurance?
Vision insurance acceptance varies. Most optometry practices in the surrounding Gunnison County area accept major providers like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision, which are common in Colorado. However, due to the limited number of practices, it's crucial to verify directly with the office, mentioning you are a resident of Meredith. Be sure to also check if they are in-network for your specific medical insurance for health-related eye exams. Some smaller practices may operate on a cash-pay basis with superbills for reimbursement.
What specialized eye care services might I need in Meredith due to the local lifestyle?
The outdoor, active lifestyle common in Meredith and the Colorado Rockies creates specific eye care needs. Look for optometrists who provide services like sports vision assessments for skiing, hiking, and biking, and who can prescribe and fit specialized sports eyewear and goggles. Given the significant sun exposure, expertise in recommending high-quality, polarized sunglasses with maximum UV protection is key. They should also be proficient in diagnosing and treating conditions like photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye) and managing allergies that can be prevalent in the valley.
How far in advance should I schedule an eye exam with an optometrist near Meredith?
Because Meredith is a small community without its own optometrist, residents typically rely on practitioners in nearby towns. It's advisable to schedule routine eye exams several weeks to a couple of months in advance, especially for popular times like late summer (before school starts) or fall (before ski season). For practices in Gunnison or Crested Butte that serve a large rural area, appointment slots can fill quickly. For urgent issues, always call to explain the situation, as practices in these areas often reserve time for emergency visits for patients from surrounding communities like Meredith.