The Best Optometrists in Laurel Hill, FL
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Laurel Hill. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Stephen C. Craft
Craft Vision Center
Dr. Stephen Craft has been serving the North Florida community for over two decades with exceptional vision care. His practice is known for thorough comprehensive eye exams using advanced diagnostic technology. Patients consistently praise his detailed approach, friendly staff, and ability to explain complex eye conditions clearly. The practice specializes in managing ocular diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, while also offering extensive contact lens services and frame selections.
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Dr. Christopher T. Johnson
Johnson Optometric Associates
Dr. Christopher Johnson leads a family-focused optometry practice renowned for its comprehensive care approach. The practice excels in pediatric optometry and sports vision training, making it popular with families throughout Okaloosa County. They utilize state-of-the-art equipment for precise prescriptions and early disease detection. Patients frequently mention the comfortable office environment, minimal wait times, and the doctor's patience with children and elderly patients.
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Dr. David A. Smith
VisionFirst Eye Center
VisionFirst Eye Center provides advanced optometric care with a focus on medical eye conditions and specialized vision services. Dr. David Smith and his team are known for their expertise in managing complex eye diseases and offering cutting-edge treatments for conditions like dry eye syndrome. The practice features a modern optical dispensary with extensive frame selections and advanced lens technology. Patients appreciate the thorough explanations, professional staff, and comprehensive follow-up care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in or near Laurel Hill, FL?
In Laurel Hill, you can find local optometrists by searching online directories like Google Maps or Healthgrades with "optometrist Laurel Hill, FL." Checking with the Crestview or Fort Walton Beach Chambers of Commerce for recommendations is also helpful, as many residents in this rural area use eye care providers in nearby larger towns. Asking for referrals at local pharmacies or from your primary care physician in the North Okaloosa Medical Center network can also yield good local options.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in the Laurel Hill area?
Given Laurel Hill's smaller, rural setting, prioritize an optometrist's range of services and accessibility. Look for practices that offer comprehensive eye exams, manage conditions like dry eye (common in Florida's climate), and have a good selection of frames. Since you might need to travel to Crestview or DeFuniak Springs, consider the clinic's hours and appointment availability. Checking online reviews from other Okaloosa or Walton County residents can provide insight into patient experience and wait times.
Do optometrists in the Laurel Hill, FL area accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in and around Laurel Hill accept major vision insurance plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision, as well as medical insurance (Medicare, Blue Cross, etc.) for health-related eye care. It's crucial to call the specific office beforehand to verify they are in-network with your plan. Due to the area's demographics, many local optometrists are also experienced with Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Always confirm coverage details for both exams and materials like glasses or contacts.
What specific eye care services are most important to look for from an optometrist in North Florida's climate?
In the Laurel Hill area, the humid, sunny climate and high pollen count make certain services particularly valuable. Look for an optometrist skilled in diagnosing and managing allergies and dry eye syndrome. Services like comprehensive dilated eye exams to monitor for UV-related damage, expertise in fitting sunglasses with full UV protection, and care for contact lens wearers in a dusty, sandy environment are essential. Some local practices may also have diagnostic technology for detecting early signs of sun-related conditions.
How far in advance should I schedule an eye exam with an optometrist near Laurel Hill, and what should I bring?
For optometrists serving the Laurel Hill community, it's advisable to schedule routine eye exams 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for popular times like after school starts or at the beginning of the year when insurance benefits renew. For more immediate concerns, call to ask about cancellation lists. To your appointment, bring your current glasses or contacts, a list of medications, your insurance cards, and a form of ID. If you have a complex medical history, bringing relevant records can be helpful, as some patients may see specialists in larger nearby cities.