The Best Optometrists in Blairsville, GA
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Blairsville. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. David L. Moore
Blairsville Eye Care
Dr. David L. Moore at Blairsville Eye Care is highly regarded for his personalized approach and extensive experience in family optometry. With over 18 years in practice, he emphasizes thorough eye health evaluations, including advanced glaucoma and cataract screenings. The practice is known for its warm, welcoming environment, modern diagnostic technology, and high patient satisfaction scores, particularly for pediatric and senior care. Patients consistently praise the staff's professionalism, short wait times, and comprehensive follow-up care.
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Dr. James R. Brown
Mountain View Eye Care
Dr. James R. Brown leads Mountain View Eye Care, serving the Blairsville area with a focus on comprehensive and preventive eye care. The practice is celebrated for its expertise in diabetic eye disease management and dry eye treatments, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnoses. With a strong safety record and family-oriented approach, patients highlight the friendly staff, efficient service, and ability to handle emergencies promptly. The clinic's longevity and positive reviews reflect its commitment to community health and patient education.
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Dr. Sarah K. Johnson
Hiawassee Eye Care
Dr. Sarah K. Johnson at Hiawassee Eye Care is recognized for her specialized services in vision therapy and advanced retinal imaging, catering to patients from Blairsville and surrounding areas. The practice excels in family-friendly care, with a emphasis on sports vision and senior-specific needs. High ratings are attributed to the optometrist's attentive bedside manner, modern amenities, and robust follow-up protocols. Patients frequently commend the practice for its thorough explanations, comfortable atmosphere, and effective management of complex eye conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Blairsville, GA?
Start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at Union General Hospital or from neighbors in the Blairsville community. You can also check online directories like the Georgia Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool, filtering for Blairsville. Reading verified patient reviews on local practice websites or Google Business profiles for offices in the town square or along Highway 515 can provide insight into patient experiences. Many long-established practices in the area have built strong reputations over years of serving Union County residents.
What specific eye care services should I look for in a Blairsville optometry practice?
Given Blairsville's demographics, including an active retirement community, look for practices offering comprehensive services beyond basic exams. Key services include management of age-related conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, as well as diabetic eye exams. For families, seek practices offering pediatric eye care and myopia control. Given the outdoor lifestyle in the North Georgia mountains, practices that provide specialized sports eyewear, UV-protective lenses, and treatments for dry eye (which can be exacerbated by seasonal allergies) are particularly valuable. Some local optometrists also offer emergency eye care for injuries that might occur during hiking or gardening.
Do optometrists in Blairsville accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in Blairsville accept a range of insurance plans commonly held by local residents, including Medicare, Georgia Medicaid (PeachCare for Kids), and major providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, VSP, and EyeMed. It's always best to call the specific practice ahead of your appointment. Be sure to clarify whether you're scheduling a routine vision exam (often covered by vision insurance) or a medical visit for a specific issue like eye infection or glaucoma monitoring (which may be billed to your medical insurance). Staff at local offices are typically familiar with the coverage details for plans popular in Union County.
What is the typical cost for an eye exam without insurance in Blairsville?
For a comprehensive eye exam without insurance at a Blairsville optometrist, you can generally expect to pay between $90 and $150. This base fee usually covers the examination to determine your prescription and check eye health. Additional costs may apply for specialized testing, such as retinal imaging or visual field tests, which could add $25 to $75. It's advisable to ask for a detailed price estimate when booking. Some local practices may offer discounts for seniors, students, or cash-paying patients. Remember, this is for the exam only; frames, lenses, and contact lenses are separate expenses.
How far in advance do I need to book an appointment with an optometrist in Blairsville, and what should I bring?
For routine exams, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is common, especially for popular times like after school or on Saturdays. For more urgent needs, many Blairsville practices try to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments. When you go, bring your current glasses and/or contact lens boxes, a list of any medications, your photo ID, and all insurance cards (both vision and medical). If you have a referral from another doctor, bring that documentation. If you're a new patient, arrive early to complete paperwork, or ask if forms can be filled out online beforehand through the practice's website.