The Best Optometrists in Tilden, IL
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Tilden. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. David A. Bathon
Bathon Eye Care
Dr. David A. Bathon leads Bathon Eye Care with over two decades of experience, providing high-quality vision care services to the Tilden area and surrounding communities. The practice is renowned for its thorough eye exams, advanced diagnostic technology, and family-friendly approach. Patients consistently praise the staff's professionalism, minimal wait times, and compassionate care, particularly for children and seniors. With a strong safety record and a focus on personalized treatment plans, this practice maintains excellent patient satisfaction and community trust.
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Dr. James R. Kessler
Kessler Eye Care
Dr. James R. Kessler operates Kessler Eye Care, serving Tilden and the wider Randolph County area with a commitment to exceptional eye health and vision correction. The practice offers a full range of optometric services, including specialized care for diabetic patients and an on-site optical lab. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable staff, modern amenities, and efficient service, with many families noting the practice's ability to handle complex vision issues safely and effectively. Established in 2003, it has built a reputation for reliability and high patient satisfaction.
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Dr. Thomas W. Jokerst
Jokerst Eye Care
Dr. Thomas W. Jokerst at Jokerst Eye Care provides top-tier optometry services to Tilden residents, emphasizing advanced care techniques and patient education. The practice is known for its expertise in dry eye management and sports vision, alongside standard eye exams and contact lens fittings. Patients appreciate the comfortable environment, state-of-the-art equipment, and staff's attentiveness to safety and hygiene. With nearly two decades of operation, the practice has consistently received high marks for family satisfaction and clinical excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in or near Tilden, IL?
In Tilden, a smaller community, you can start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at the local clinic or from neighbors. Since Tilden may have limited on-site options, many residents look to nearby towns like Sparta, Red Bud, or Chester, which have established optometry practices. Checking online directories like the Illinois Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool and filtering for the 62292 zip code can help identify practitioners serving the Tilden area. Reading verified patient reviews for clinics in these surrounding communities is also a key step.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving Tilden residents?
Optometrists in the clinics serving Tilden and the surrounding Randolph County area typically provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosis/managing of conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Given the area's demographics, many practices emphasize management of age-related eye conditions. For specialized surgical care or advanced treatment, these local optometrists can provide referrals to ophthalmologists in larger regional centers like Belleville or St. Louis.
Do optometrists near Tilden accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry offices in the towns surrounding Tilden accept a range of insurance plans common in Southern Illinois, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and popular vision plans like VSP or EyeMed. It's crucial to call the specific practice ahead of your appointment to verify they are in-network with your plan. Be sure to have your insurance card ready. Some smaller local practices may also offer affordable self-pay options or payment plans for patients without vision coverage.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in the Tilden area?
When choosing an optometrist for Tilden-area care, consider the practitioner's experience, especially with any specific eye health concerns you have. Check the clinic's hours and location—since you'll likely travel to a neighboring town, convenience matters. Look for a practice that offers the services you need, such as a wide selection of frames or contact lens fittings. Personal rapport is important, so consider scheduling a consultation. Also, verify if the optometrist has modern diagnostic technology, which may require a trip to a larger nearby practice.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist near Tilden, IL?
Appointment availability can vary. For routine eye exams with popular optometrists in nearby towns like Sparta or Red Bud, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is common, especially for evening or Saturday hours. New patient appointments may require more lead time. For urgent issues like sudden vision changes or eye injuries, most practices serving the Tilden community will work to accommodate same-day or next-day emergency visits. It's always best to call the office directly for the most accurate and current availability.