The Best Optometrists in Livingston, IL
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Livingston. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Timothy J. Smith
Pontiac Eye Center
Dr. Timothy Smith leads this highly-regarded practice serving Livingston County and surrounding areas. With over 25 years of experience, he provides comprehensive eye care including advanced diagnostic testing for glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease. The practice is known for its thorough examinations, modern equipment, and personalized approach to patient care. Patients consistently praise Dr. Smith's expertise, bedside manner, and the friendly, professional staff. The clinic offers a wide selection of frames and accepts most insurance plans.
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Dr. Jeffrey A. Wessler
Fairbury Eye Care
Dr. Jeffrey Wessler has been serving the Livingston County region for over two decades with his practice in nearby Fairbury. Specializing in family eye care, he provides services for patients of all ages including children's vision development and emergency eye care. The practice features state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and offers comprehensive vision therapy programs. Patients consistently highlight Dr. Wessler's patience, detailed explanations, and the comfortable, modern office environment. The practice maintains strong relationships with local schools and community organizations.
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Dr. Michael J. Bertsche
Bertsche Eye Center
Dr. Michael Bertsche operates a well-established practice in Pontiac that serves the Livingston community with advanced eye care services. The practice specializes in difficult contact lens fittings, dry eye management, and sports vision optimization. Dr. Bertsche is known for his expertise in managing complex eye conditions and providing pre- and post-operative care for cataract and LASIK patients. The clinic features the latest diagnostic technology and offers an extensive selection of eyewear. Patients frequently commend the thorough examinations and the staff's attention to detail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in or near Livingston, IL?
In Livingston and the surrounding Edgar County area, start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician or local pharmacists. You can also check online directories like the Illinois Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool, filtering for the 60958 zip code. Reading verified patient reviews for clinics in nearby towns like Paris, Chrisman, or Marshall can also help identify reputable practices that serve the Livingston community.
What specific eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Livingston area?
Optometrists in clinics serving Livingston, IL, typically offer comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and management of common conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. Given the rural setting, many also provide pre- and post-operative care for cataract surgery, which patients may have done at regional surgical centers. It's common for local practices to have advanced diagnostic technology like retinal cameras and visual field testers to minimize the need for distant referrals.
Do optometrists near Livingston, IL, accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in the area accept major vision plans (like VSP or EyeMed) and medical insurance (like Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and local provider networks). However, due to the smaller number of clinics, it's highly recommended to call ahead. Verify with both the optometrist's office and your insurance provider to confirm they are in-network, as coverage can vary significantly between plans, especially for medical eye exams versus routine vision checks.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in a rural community like Livingston?
When choosing an optometrist in Livingston's rural setting, consider proximity and availability for urgent care needs like red eye or foreign object removal. Look for a practice with flexible hours or emergency contact options. It's also beneficial to choose an optometrist who has a strong referral network with ophthalmologists in larger nearby cities (like Danville or Terre Haute) for specialized care. Finally, check if the practice has an on-site optical lab or a wide selection of frames, as this can save you trips for glasses adjustments or repairs.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist in the Livingston area?
For routine eye exams in the Livingston area, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is common, especially for popular times like after-school hours or Saturdays. New patient appointments may require more lead time. For urgent but non-emergency issues, many local practices try to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments. It's advisable to schedule your annual exam well in advance during the fall, as this is a busy season due to insurance benefits renewing and patients preparing for the winter months.