The Best Optometrists in Howe, ID
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Howe. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Brent Bell
Idaho Eye Center
Dr. Brent Bell at Idaho Eye Center is highly regarded for his extensive experience and use of advanced diagnostic technology, including digital retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography. The practice emphasizes patient safety with stringent hygiene protocols and offers a wide range of services for all ages. Patients consistently praise the thoroughness of exams, friendly staff, and family-friendly environment, making it a top choice for residents in and around Howe.
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Dr. Steven R. Humpherys
Vision Source of Idaho Falls
Dr. Steven R. Humpherys leads a practice known for its personalized care and modern amenities, such as state-of-the-art visual field testers and a broad selection of eyewear. The clinic maintains high safety standards with sanitized equipment and dedicated appointment times to minimize wait periods. Families appreciate the attentive approach to children's eye health and the staff's expertise, resulting in strong satisfaction ratings from the Howe area community.
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Dr. Michael J. Barrus
Barrus Eye Care
Dr. Michael J. Barrus provides exceptional optometric care with a focus on comprehensive health assessments and preventive strategies. The practice is equipped with advanced tools for precise diagnoses and offers a comfortable, safe environment with strict infection control measures. Patients from Howe and surrounding regions value the detailed explanations, flexible scheduling, and commitment to long-term eye wellness, supported by numerous positive reviews highlighting reliability and care quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any optometrists located directly in Howe, Idaho, or will I need to travel to a nearby town?
Howe is a very small, unincorporated community. It is unlikely you will find a dedicated optometry practice within Howe itself. For comprehensive eye exams and optical services, residents typically travel to larger nearby towns such as Arco, Idaho Falls, or Pocatello. Many optometrists in these areas serve patients from surrounding rural communities like Howe.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist to serve my family in the Howe area?
Given the travel required from Howe, prioritize optometrists in nearby towns who understand the needs of rural patients. Look for practices with flexible scheduling to accommodate longer travel times, and those that offer a wide range of services (comprehensive exams, contact lens fittings, treatment for eye diseases) to minimize the need for multiple referrals. Checking if they have experience serving all ages, from children to seniors, is also key for family care.
Do optometrists in the areas surrounding Howe, ID, accept my vision or medical insurance?
Insurance acceptance varies by practice. Most optometry offices in cities like Idaho Falls and Pocatello accept major medical insurance (e.g., Blue Cross, Medicare) for medical eye care and many vision plans (e.g., VSP, EyeMed). It is highly recommended to call the specific practice you're considering before your appointment. Provide them with your insurance details to verify coverage, network status, and any copays, as policies can differ significantly.
Can I get an urgent eye care appointment quickly if I live in Howe?
For urgent issues like sudden vision loss, eye injury, or severe pain, you should proceed to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center, such as in Idaho Falls. For non-emergent urgent needs (e.g., a sudden prescription change, red eye), contact optometry practices in the larger surrounding towns. Explain you are a patient traveling from Howe with an urgent concern. Many practices will try to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments for established patients, and some may offer slots for new patients in such situations.
What eye care services are most important to seek locally when living in a remote area like Howe?
Living in a remote area like Howe makes comprehensive eye health management crucial. Seek an optometrist who provides thorough dilated eye exams to screen for conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, as early detection is vital. A practice that offers an on-site optical lab or a wide selection of frames and lenses can also be beneficial, reducing the number of trips needed for glasses adjustments or repairs. Additionally, confirm they can manage chronic conditions like dry eye, which might otherwise require frequent specialist visits.