The Best Optometrists in Howard, GA
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Howard. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. John R. Lee
Lee Eye Center
Dr. John R. Lee at Lee Eye Center is a highly respected optometrist with over 25 years of experience serving Middle Georgia, including Howard residents. The practice is known for its exceptional care quality, modern diagnostic technology, and family-friendly approach. Patients consistently praise the thorough eye exams, personalized contact lens fittings, and management of conditions like glaucoma and dry eye. With a strong safety record and high patient satisfaction, the center offers a comfortable environment with amenities like advanced retinal imaging and a wide selection of eyewear. Its long-standing reputation and proximity to Howard make it a top choice for comprehensive vision care.
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Dr. David K. Brown
Brown Eye Center
Dr. David K. Brown leads Brown Eye Center, an established practice renowned for its patient-centered care and advanced services tailored to families in the Howard area. With nearly two decades of experience, the center emphasizes safety, using state-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnoses and treatments. Services include comprehensive eye exams, contact lens management, and pre- and post-operative care for procedures like LASIK. Patients highlight the friendly staff, short wait times, and effective communication. The practice's high ratings and positive reviews reflect its commitment to quality, making it a reliable option for routine and specialized vision needs.
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Dr. Robert Taylor
Taylor County Eye Care
Dr. Robert Taylor at Taylor County Eye Care provides personalized optometry services to the Howard community, with a
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Howard, GA?
In Howard, a smaller community, finding a reputable optometrist often involves local recommendations and checking nearby resources. Start by asking for referrals from your primary care physician at the Houston Medical Group or from neighbors. You can also search for providers through your vision insurance network or use online directories like the Georgia Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool, filtering for the 31039 area. Since Howard itself has limited options, many residents also consider optometrists in the larger neighboring areas of Warner Robins or Perry, which are a short drive away and offer more choices for comprehensive eye care.
What specific eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Howard area?
Optometrists in and around Howard, GA, typically provide comprehensive eye exams for all ages, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and management of common eye conditions like dry eye, allergies, and glaucoma. Given the area's demographics, many practices also specialize in managing diabetic eye disease and age-related conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. For more specialized surgical needs or complex diseases, your local optometrist will coordinate referrals to ophthalmologists in nearby centers like Macon or Warner Robins. It's common for practices in this region to offer a full optical shop on-site for convenience.
Do optometrists in Howard, GA, accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in the Howard area accept a range of vision and medical insurance plans. Common providers include VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision, and Medicare for eligible services, as well as major medical insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia. However, given the rural nature of Howard, it is crucial to verify coverage directly with the optometrist's office before scheduling an appointment. Be sure to ask if they are in-network for your specific plan and what services are covered (e.g., routine exam vs. medical visit for an eye infection). Some smaller local practices may also offer competitive self-pay rates or payment plans for uninsured patients.
What should I look for when choosing between a local Howard optometrist and one in a larger nearby city?
When choosing between a local Howard optometrist and one in a larger city like Warner Robins or Macon, consider convenience, scope of services, and personal needs. A local provider offers shorter travel times and often provides more personalized, community-focused care, which is ideal for routine exams and ongoing management. However, a practice in a larger nearby city may have more advanced diagnostic technology, a wider selection of eyewear frames, and possibly more immediate appointment availability for specialized contact lens fittings or pediatric eye care. For most routine needs, a Howard-area optometrist is perfectly suitable, but for complex cases, the expanded resources of a larger metropolitan practice might be beneficial.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist in Howard, GA?
For routine eye exams in the Howard area, it's advisable to book appointments several weeks in advance, especially for popular times like after-school hours or Saturdays. Due to the limited number of providers serving the community, schedules can fill up quickly. For urgent concerns (like a sudden eye injury or infection), most practices will work to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments as a medical priority. New patient appointments may also require more lead time. To secure your preferred slot, especially during back-to-school or end-of-year insurance benefit periods, consider scheduling 4-6 weeks ahead. Many offices now offer online booking for added convenience.