The Best Optometrists in Ellis, ID
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Ellis. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Michael D. O'Brien
Clearview Eye Care
Clearview Eye Care is a highly-rated practice known for its personalized patient care and advanced diagnostic technology. Dr. O'Brien and his team provide thorough eye examinations with a focus on family-friendly services, including pediatric eye care and contact lens specialties. Patients consistently praise the practice for its compassionate staff, modern facilities, and commitment to eye health safety.
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Dr. James E. Brown
Grangeville Vision Center
Grangeville Vision Center offers reliable optometry services with a strong local reputation for attentive care and affordable options. Dr. Brown emphasizes preventive eye health and provides comprehensive exams using up-to-date equipment. The practice is noted for its friendly atmosphere, efficient service, and high patient satisfaction, making it a trusted choice for families in the Ellis area.
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Dr. David B. Hawley
Lewiston Eye Care Center
Lewiston Eye Care Center is an established practice with decades of experience serving the region, including Ellis residents. Dr. Hawley leads a team dedicated to excellence in eye care, offering a wide range of services from routine exams to specialized treatments. The practice is acclaimed for its professional staff, state-of-the-art technology, and strong safety record, ensuring high-quality care for all ages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in or near Ellis, Idaho?
Given Ellis's small size, you may need to look in surrounding areas. Start by checking with the Ellis general store or post office for community recommendations. Online directories like the Idaho Optometric Physicians Association website or general search engines using terms like "optometrist near Ellis, ID" or "eye doctor in Lemhi County" are effective. Neighboring towns like Salmon or Challis are likely to have the closest practicing optometrists, and local residents often rely on word-of-mouth referrals.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in a rural area like Ellis?
In a rural setting like Ellis, key factors include travel distance and scope of services. Look for an optometrist whose practice is within a reasonable drive (e.g., in Salmon) who offers comprehensive eye exams, manages common eye diseases, and has an on-site optical lab or strong connections to one to minimize wait times for glasses. Check if they offer emergency eye care services, which is crucial when far from major cities. It's also wise to confirm they accept your vision or medical insurance plan.
Do optometrists serving the Ellis area accept my insurance?
Coverage varies. The optometrists in nearby towns like Salmon typically accept major medical insurance (e.g., Blue Cross, Medicare) and vision plans (like VSP or EyeMed), but you must verify directly with their office. When calling, have your insurance card ready. For Ellis residents, it's also common to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for eye care expenses. Some rural practices may also offer cash-pay discounts or payment plans for uninsured patients.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists near Ellis?
Optometrists in communities serving Ellis, such as Salmon, generally provide comprehensive eye exams for all ages, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosis/managing conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease. Given the outdoor lifestyle in Idaho, look for practices that specialize in sports vision or protective eyewear. Many also offer pre- and post-operative care for patients who need surgical procedures referred to ophthalmologists in larger cities like Idaho Falls or Boise.
How far in advance do I need to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist near Ellis?
Appointment availability can vary seasonally. For routine exams, it's advisable to schedule 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for popular times like late summer (before school starts) or early spring. For more urgent concerns, many practices in the area will work to accommodate you sooner. When calling, be sure to mention you are coming from Ellis, as some offices may block longer appointment times for patients traveling a distance. Scheduling in the off-season (late fall or winter) may offer more flexibility.