The Best Optometrists in Silverton, CO
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Silverton. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Mark R. Tarr
Durango Vision Center
Durango Vision Center has been serving the San Juan region for over two decades, with Dr. Tarr providing exceptional eye care to patients throughout Southwest Colorado. The practice is known for its comprehensive approach to vision health, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, and personalized patient care. They serve patients from Silverton and surrounding mountain communities, offering advanced services including digital retinal imaging and specialized contact lens fittings. The practice maintains an excellent safety record and receives consistently high marks for patient satisfaction and staff professionalism.
Services:
Dr. Scott G. Robins
Animas Eye Associates
Animas Eye Associates provides comprehensive medical optometry services to the Four Corners region, including regular service to patients from Silverton. Dr. Robins and his team specialize in medical eye conditions, offering advanced diagnostic capabilities and treatment for complex eye health issues. The practice is particularly noted for their emergency eye care services, which is valuable for the remote mountain communities. Patients consistently praise the thorough examinations, modern facility, and the practice's ability to handle complex medical eye conditions with expertise and compassion.
Services:
Dr. Jennifer L. Smith
20/20 NOW Durango
20/20 NOW Durango serves as a trusted vision care provider for residents throughout Southwest Colorado, including regular patients from Silverton. Dr. Smith brings extensive experience in comprehensive eye care with particular expertise in vision therapy and sports vision optimization. The practice is known for its efficient service, modern optical selection, and patient-centered approach. They offer flexible scheduling to accommodate patients traveling from remote mountain towns and maintain strong relationships with local ophthalmologists for specialized care referrals. The practice receives excellent feedback for their friendly staff and thorough, educational approach to patient care.
Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a local optometrist in Silverton, CO, given the town's small size and remote location?
Given Silverton's remote location in the San Juan Mountains, local options are limited. Your best starting point is to check with the Silverton Medical Center or local pharmacies for recommendations. Many residents travel to larger nearby towns like Durango or Montrose for comprehensive eye care. It's also highly effective to use online directories like the American Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool, filtering for the 81433 zip code and surrounding areas, to see which practices serve the Silverton community or offer telehealth consultations.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in the Silverton area?
When choosing an optometrist near Silverton, prioritize practices that understand the needs of a rural, high-altitude community. Look for optometrists who offer flexible scheduling or telehealth options to minimize travel. Consider their range of services—do they handle emergencies like snow sports-related eye injuries? Check if they have strong relationships with optical labs for timely delivery of glasses or contacts to a remote address. Reading reviews from other San Juan County residents can provide insight into their reliability and patient care, especially regarding travel and follow-up logistics.
Do optometrists serving Silverton typically accept vision insurance, and how should I verify coverage?
Yes, most optometrists in the region, including those in Durango who serve Silverton patients, accept major vision insurance plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision. However, it's crucial to verify coverage directly before scheduling an appointment due to network restrictions. Call the optometrist's office with your insurance card in hand to confirm they are in-network. Also, inquire about any travel-related policies, as some plans may have different coverage tiers for out-of-area providers, which is a common consideration for Silverton residents seeking care.
What specific eye care services are most important for residents of a high-altitude town like Silverton?
For Silverton residents living at over 9,300 feet, specific eye care needs are paramount. You should seek an optometrist experienced in managing conditions exacerbated by high altitude and intense UV exposure, such as pterygium, cataracts, and photokeratitis (snow blindness). Comprehensive exams should include detailed assessments of ocular surface health and UV protection counseling. Furthermore, given the outdoor lifestyle, services for sports vision, prescription sunglasses or goggles, and rapid treatment for foreign bodies or trauma from activities like skiing, mining, or OHV riding are highly valuable.
How far in advance should I schedule an eye exam with an optometrist near Silverton, and what's the typical appointment availability?
Due to the limited number of local providers and the need for many residents to travel, it's advisable to schedule routine eye exams several weeks to a couple of months in advance, especially before winter when travel can be unpredictable. For optometrists in Durango (about a 50-mile drive), new patient appointments may have longer wait times. Many practices offer online scheduling. For urgent needs, always call the practice directly, explain you are from Silverton, and they may accommodate you sooner. Planning around seasonal road conditions on the Million Dollar Highway is also a key part of scheduling successfully.