The Best Optometrists in Downs, KS
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Downs. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. C. Thomas Crotinger
Osborne Vision Center
Dr. Crotinger leads Osborne Vision Center with over two decades of experience, providing personalized eye care to families in Downs and the surrounding Osborne area. The practice is renowned for its thorough comprehensive exams, advanced diagnostic technology, and family-friendly approach. Patients consistently praise the staff's professionalism, minimal wait times, and Dr. Crotinger's attentive care, particularly for children and seniors. With a strong focus on preventive care and managing conditions like glaucoma, this practice maintains an excellent safety record and high patient satisfaction.
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Dr. Mark A. Schurle
Smith Center Eye Care
Dr. Schurle at Smith Center Eye Care has built a reputation for reliable, compassionate optometry services serving the Downs community. The practice offers a full range of eye care, including specialized diabetic screenings and urgent eye issue management. Reviews highlight the clean, modern facility, knowledgeable staff, and Dr. Schurle's ability to explain complex eye health topics clearly. With nearly two decades in operation, the practice emphasizes patient education and safety, making it a trusted choice for families seeking consistent, high-quality care.
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Dr. John D. Riedel
Hays Eye Center
Dr. Riedel and the team at Hays Eye Center provide top-tier optometry services with a regional reach that includes Downs residents. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for advanced diagnostics, including LASIK pre-op assessments and cataract management. Patients frequently commend the efficient scheduling, thorough examinations, and friendly atmosphere. With over 20 years of service, the practice has a proven track record in safety and patient satisfaction, offering specialized treatments like dry eye therapy and maintaining strong relationships with the community through educational outreach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in or near Downs, KS?
In Downs, you can start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital or from local pharmacists. Checking online directories like the Kansas Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool and filtering for the 67437 area code is also effective. Many residents in Downs also rely on word-of-mouth referrals from neighbors in the community, as local practitioners are well-known. For a wider selection, you may also look at optometrists in nearby larger towns like Beloit or Osborne, which are common destinations for healthcare services for Downs residents.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Downs area?
Optometrists serving Downs and Osborne County typically offer 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 agricultural nature of the community, some practices may have experience with eye injuries or conditions related to outdoor work. For specialized surgical care or advanced treatment, your local optometrist will coordinate referrals to ophthalmologists in larger regional centers like Salina or Hays.
Do optometrists in Downs accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in and around Downs accept major vision insurance plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision, as well as medical insurance (e.g., Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas) for medically necessary visits. It's crucial to call the specific office ahead of your appointment to verify they are in-network with your plan. Due to the smaller number of providers in the area, confirming insurance acceptance is a key step, as some residents may need to travel to a neighboring town for an in-network provider.
What should I consider when choosing between the optometrists available to Downs residents?
When choosing an optometrist in the Downs area, consider their office hours and availability, as some may have limited days in a satellite office. Check if they offer the specific services you need, such as pediatric eye care, contact lens fittings, or treatment for ocular diseases. Proximity is a factor, but also consider the optometrist's reputation within the close-knit Downs community. Many patients value a practitioner who has long-standing local ties and understands the lifestyle and common eye health needs of rural Kansas residents.
How far in advance do I typically need to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist in Downs, KS?
For routine eye exams in Downs, scheduling 2-4 weeks in advance is common, though availability can vary seasonally. Appointments may be easier to secure at the beginning or end of the week. For more urgent concerns, such as a sudden eye infection or injury, most offices will try to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments for established patients. If you have flexibility, scheduling during traditional farming off-seasons might result in shorter wait times. Be prepared that you may need to schedule an appointment in a neighboring town if the local schedule is fully booked.