The Best Optometrists in Melrose, FL
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Melrose. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Michael A. Campo
Campo Eye Care
Dr. Michael A. Campo operates Campo Eye Care, a highly-rated independent practice known for its family-friendly approach and advanced diagnostic technology. With over 18 years of experience, he provides personalized care, including comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, and pediatric services. The practice emphasizes patient safety, staff expertise, and high satisfaction ratings, making it a top choice for families in the Melrose and Gainesville areas.
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Dr. David B. Kessler
Gainesville Family Vision
Dr. David B. Kessler leads Gainesville Family Vision, an established practice renowned for its thorough eye care and excellent patient reviews. With 15 years of experience, he specializes in dry eye treatment, vision therapy, and comprehensive exams, using modern equipment for accurate diagnoses. The practice is praised for its compassionate staff, safe environment, and strong family satisfaction, serving the Melrose community with reliability and care.
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Dr. Sarah L. Thompson
America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
Dr. Sarah L. Thompson practices at America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, a national chain with a strong local presence in Gainesville. With 12 years of experience, she offers affordable, high-quality services including eye exams, contact lens fittings, and eyewear options. The location is known for its convenient amenities, safety protocols, and positive family feedback, making it accessible for Melrose residents seeking reliable optometric care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in or near Melrose, FL?
In Melrose and the surrounding North Central Florida area, a great starting point is to ask for recommendations from your primary care physician at the local Melrose Family Practice or from neighbors in communities like Keystone Heights or Interlachen. You can also use online directories from your vision insurance provider, which often list in-network doctors. Checking reviews for practices in nearby towns like Palatka or Gainesville, which serve the Melrose community, can also help you find a well-regarded eye care professional.
What specific eye care services are typically offered by optometrists serving the Melrose area?
Optometrists in the Melrose region provide comprehensive eye exams to diagnose vision issues like nearsightedness and presbyopia, which are common in an area with a significant population of retirees and outdoor enthusiasts. They also manage and treat conditions like dry eye, which can be exacerbated by Florida's climate, and ocular allergies. Crucially, they screen for eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, and can provide referrals to ophthalmologists in Gainesville if specialized surgical care is needed.
Do optometrists near Melrose, FL accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in the area accept a range of vision insurance plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision, as well as major medical insurance (e.g., Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida) for medical eye exams. It's always best to call the specific office in advance to verify they are in-network with your plan. Given Melrose's proximity to larger medical hubs, some residents may choose providers in Gainesville or Palatka, which often have broader insurance networks, so confirming coverage before your appointment is highly recommended.
What should I consider when choosing between an independent optometrist and a retail optical chain near Melrose?
Your choice depends on your priorities. Independent optometrists in smaller towns like Melrose or nearby Keystone Heights often offer highly personalized, continuity of care and may have more flexibility with appointment times. Retail chains in larger nearby cities like Gainesville or Ocala may offer extended hours, a wider immediate selection of frames, and potentially more promotional pricing. For routine, convenient care, a local independent practice can be excellent, while for a one-stop shopping experience, a short drive to a retail chain might be preferable.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist in the Melrose, FL area?
For a routine comprehensive eye exam, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is common, especially for popular independent practices serving the Melrose community. Appointments may be easier to secure during weekdays. If you have an urgent eye concern (like sudden vision changes or eye injury), most offices will work to accommodate you as a same-day or next-day urgent visit. Planning ahead is advised, particularly before the end of the year if you want to use remaining vision insurance benefits, as many residents in the area have flexible spending accounts or annual allowances.