The Best Optometrists in Forrest, IL
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Forrest. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Gregory S. Black
Gregory S. Black, OD
Dr. Gregory Black operates a highly-rated independent optometry practice serving the Forrest area from nearby Mattoon. With over three decades of experience, this practice is known for thorough comprehensive eye examinations and personalized patient care. The practice specializes in managing ocular diseases including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, and offers extensive contact lens services. Patients consistently praise Dr. Black's attention to detail, friendly staff, and the practice's commitment to using advanced diagnostic technology while maintaining a comfortable, family-friendly environment.
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Mattoon Eye Center
Mattoon Eye Center
Mattoon Eye Center provides comprehensive optometric services to the Forrest community with multiple optometrists on staff. The practice has built a strong reputation for family eye care, including specialized pediatric optometry services. They offer a complete optical dispensary with a wide selection of frames and lenses, and are equipped to handle eye emergencies. The practice is noted for its modern facility, advanced diagnostic equipment, and staff that consistently receives high marks for professionalism and patient communication. Their long-standing presence in the region demonstrates reliable, quality eye care.
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Dr. David L. Boster
Boster Eye Care
Dr. David Boster leads a well-established optometry practice that serves patients throughout the Forrest area. With extensive experience in ocular disease management and vision therapy, the practice offers specialized care beyond routine examinations. The practice is particularly noted for its management of complex eye conditions and coordination with surgical specialists when needed. Patients appreciate the comprehensive approach to eye health, the modern facility equipped with current technology, and the practice's commitment to thorough patient education. The practice has maintained consistent high ratings for both clinical expertise and patient satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in or near Forrest, IL?
In Forrest and the surrounding Livingston County area, a good starting point is to ask for recommendations from your primary care physician at the local clinic or from neighbors. You can also search online directories filtered for Forrest, IL, and check reviews for practices in nearby towns like Fairbury, Pontiac, or Chenoa, which may serve the Forrest community. The Illinois Optometric Association website also has a 'Find a Doctor' tool that can help locate licensed optometrists in the region.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Forrest area?
Optometrists in practices that serve rural communities like Forrest typically provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosis/managing conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. Given the area's demographics, many also specialize in pediatric eye care and management of age-related conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. For specialized surgical needs, they will coordinate referrals to ophthalmologists in larger regional centers like Bloomington-Normal or Champaign.
Do optometrists near Forrest, IL accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in the region accept major medical insurance (like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois) and vision plans (such as VSP or EyeMed). However, due to the smaller number of providers, it is highly recommended to call the specific office in Forrest or a neighboring town before booking an appointment. Confirm they are in-network with your specific plan, as coverage networks can vary, especially for residents who may have insurance through employers based outside the immediate area.
What should I consider when choosing an optometrist in a small town like Forrest?
When choosing in Forrest, consider the optometrist's availability and office hours, as rural practices may have more limited schedules. Proximity is key for follow-up visits, so check the practice's location relative to Forrest. Also, inquire about the range of services and the optical shop on-site for convenience. It's important to find a practitioner who has experience with the specific eye care needs common in your age group or family. Personal rapport and the ability to handle emergencies or urgent appointments locally are also valuable factors in a smaller community.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist near Forrest, IL?
For routine comprehensive eye exams, booking several weeks to a month in advance is common for optometrists serving the Forrest area, as there are fewer providers relative to the population they serve across the rural county. For more urgent concerns (like sudden vision changes or eye injuries), most practices will try to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments. It's best to call early in the day for urgent slots. New patient appointments may require longer lead times than established patient check-ups.