The Best Optometrists in San Mateo, FL
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in San Mateo. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. John A. Smith
Independent
Dr. John A. Smith leads Palatka Eye Care, an independent practice renowned for its personalized care and high patient satisfaction. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Smith specializes in comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, and pediatric optometry, ensuring thorough care for all ages. The practice is praised for its modern equipment, including digital retinal imaging and glaucoma screening technology, and maintains a strong safety record with strict hygiene protocols. Patients highlight the friendly staff, minimal wait times, and family-friendly environment, making it a top choice for residents of San Mateo and surrounding areas.
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America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
America's Best
America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Palatka provides accessible, high-quality vision care with a focus on affordability and convenience. The practice has been serving the San Mateo area for over 12 years, offering comprehensive eye exams, a wide selection of eyewear, and contact lens services. Staffed by licensed optometrists, it emphasizes patient safety with sanitized equipment and efficient workflows. Reviews frequently commend the knowledgeable team, quick service, and excellent value, particularly for families and individuals seeking reliable care without long waits. Its location in Palatka makes it easily accessible for San Mateo residents.
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Visionworks
Visionworks
Visionworks of Palatka is a trusted chain with a strong local presence, offering expert optometry services to the San Mateo community for over 15 years. The practice is known for its thorough eye exams, advanced diagnostic tools, and stylish eyewear selections. Optometrists here specialize in myopia management, emergency care, and custom contact lens solutions, backed by a commitment to patient safety and comfort. Patients appreciate the professional staff, clean facilities, and family-oriented approach, with many noting high satisfaction with both care quality and follow-up support. Its convenient Palatka location ensures reliable service for nearby areas like San Mateo.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in San Mateo, FL?
In San Mateo, FL, a great starting point is to ask for recommendations from your primary care physician at the local Putnam Community Medical Center or from neighbors in the San Mateo area. You can also use online directories like the American Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool, filtering for the 32187 zip code. Checking reviews for practices in nearby Palatka or Crescent City can also be helpful, as many residents in this rural area may travel slightly for specialized care.
What specific eye care services are most important for an optometrist to offer in the San Mateo area?
Given San Mateo's location in Putnam County and its proximity to rural landscapes and Lake George, look for an optometrist who offers comprehensive services for outdoor lifestyles. This includes management of eye allergies (common with local flora), treatment for dry eye exacerbated by the Florida climate, and durable eyewear options for fishing, farming, or boating. Given the older demographic in parts of Florida, expertise in diagnosing age-related conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration is also highly valuable.
Do optometrists in and around San Mateo, FL, typically accept Medicare and Florida Medicaid?
Yes, most optometry practices in the San Mateo and greater Putnam County area accept Medicare for covered services like annual diabetic eye exams, glaucoma testing, and treatment for medical eye conditions. Acceptance of Florida Medicaid (Sunshine Health, Simply Healthcare, etc.) is also common, but it's crucial to verify this directly with the specific practice when scheduling, as participation can vary. Many offices also work with popular vision insurance plans like VSP or EyeMed for routine vision care.
What should I consider regarding appointment availability with optometrists serving San Mateo, FL?
Since San Mateo is a smaller community, many residents visit optometrists in neighboring towns like Palatka (approx. 15-20 minutes away). When choosing a practice, consider their scheduling flexibility. Ask about wait times for new patient exams, availability for urgent care (like a sudden eye injury or infection), and whether they offer evening or Saturday hours to accommodate schedules. Some practices in the region may have longer booking lead times, so planning your annual exam well in advance is advisable.
Are there optometrists near San Mateo, FL, who specialize in pediatric eye care or contact lens fittings for complex prescriptions?
While San Mateo itself may have limited specialty options, several optometrists in the surrounding Putnam and Flagler County areas offer these services. For pediatric eye care, look for practices in Palatka or Bunnell that specifically mention children's eye exams and have a kid-friendly environment. For complex contact lens fittings (e.g., for astigmatism, presbyopia, or after certain surgeries), you may find specialists in larger nearby hubs like Palatka or even Daytona Beach, which is about a 45-minute drive. Always confirm the optometrist's specific expertise when calling.