The Best Optometrists in Buffalo, KS
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Buffalo. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Steven R. Harris
Wilson County Eye Care
Dr. Harris leads Wilson County Eye Care, serving Buffalo and surrounding areas with over two decades of experience. The practice is highly regarded for its thorough eye exams, modern diagnostic equipment, and family-centered approach. Patients consistently praise the staff's professionalism, clean and safe environment, and excellent communication. Specializes in managing ocular diseases and fitting specialty contact lenses, with high satisfaction ratings for both adult and pediatric care.
Services:
Dr. Lisa M. Thompson
Independence Eye Care
Dr. Thompson's practice is known for its patient-friendly atmosphere and comprehensive care, serving Buffalo residents with a focus on preventive eye health. With nearly two decades of experience, she utilizes advanced technology for accurate diagnoses and offers personalized treatment plans. The practice excels in safety protocols and staff training, earning high marks for family satisfaction and follow-up care. Services include management of chronic conditions like diabetes-related eye issues.
Services:
Dr. Mark A. Davis
Chanute Vision Center
Dr. Davis operates a top-rated practice that attracts patients from Buffalo due to its exceptional care quality and state-of-the-art amenities. Specializing in complex vision cases and sports-related eye health, the center is praised for its meticulous safety records and compassionate staff. With over 15 years in operation, it maintains a strong reputation for thorough exams, timely appointments, and high family satisfaction, particularly in managing age-related eye conditions and providing emergency services.
Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in Buffalo, KS?
In a smaller community like Buffalo, finding an optometrist often involves local referrals and checking with nearby cities. Start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at the Wilson Medical Center or from neighbors. You can also search online directories, but be prepared to look in surrounding areas like Fredonia or Independence, as Buffalo itself may have limited on-site options. Checking with the Buffalo Pharmacy if they have a visiting optometrist schedule is another good local strategy.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Buffalo area?
Optometrists serving Buffalo and Wilson County typically provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and management of common eye conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. Given the rural setting, many focus on primary eye care. For more specialized services like surgical consultations or treatment for advanced retinal diseases, patients are often referred to ophthalmologists in larger regional hubs like Pittsburg, KS, or Joplin, MO.
Do optometrists near Buffalo, KS, accept my vision or medical insurance?
Insurance acceptance varies. It's crucial to call ahead to any optometry office you're considering, whether in Buffalo or a neighboring town. Many will accept major medical insurance (like Medicare, Blue Cross, or Aetna) for medically necessary exams and major vision insurance plans (like VSP or EyeMed) for routine vision care. Be sure to verify your coverage and if the provider is in-network, as traveling to a nearby city for an out-of-network provider can add unexpected costs.
What should I consider when choosing an optometrist in a rural area like Buffalo?
When choosing an optometrist in rural Wilson County, key factors include proximity and travel time, office hours that fit your schedule, and the range of on-site services. Consider if the practice has an optical shop for immediate glasses selection or if you'll need to order them. Also, check the optometrist's availability for urgent care needs (like a foreign object or sudden vision change) and their referral network for specialists, as you may need to travel for complex care. Reading local reviews or asking for personal recommendations in the community is very valuable.
How far in advance do I typically need to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist in the Buffalo region?
Appointment availability can vary. For a routine eye exam with a popular local optometrist or a visiting practitioner in Buffalo, you might need to schedule several weeks to a couple of months in advance, especially for seasonal times like before school starts. If you're willing to travel to a larger practice in a city like Chanute or Parsons, you may find more flexible scheduling, sometimes within a week or two. It's always best to call early, explain if you have an urgent concern, and ask about cancellation lists.