The Best Optometrists in Hartford, KY
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Hartford. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. James R. Payne
James R. Payne, OD
Dr. James R. Payne has been serving the Hartford community for over 25 years with exceptional eye care services. His practice is known for thorough comprehensive eye examinations, advanced diagnostic technology, and personalized patient care. Patients consistently praise his detailed approach, friendly staff, and ability to explain complex eye health issues in understandable terms. The practice specializes in managing conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy while offering a wide selection of eyewear and contact lens options.
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Dr. Christopher J. Payne
Owensboro Family Vision
Located approximately 25 minutes from Hartford, Dr. Christopher Payne operates Owensboro Family Vision with a focus on family-oriented eye care. The practice receives high marks for their modern facility, advanced diagnostic equipment, and comprehensive approach to vision health. Specializing in both pediatric and adult eye care, they offer emergency services, contact lens fittings, and management of chronic eye conditions. Patients appreciate the comfortable atmosphere, minimal wait times, and the doctor's thorough explanations of treatment options.
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Dr. Jennifer R. Cecil
Cecil Vision Center
Dr. Jennifer Cecil operates a well-regarded practice in nearby Owensboro, serving patients from Hartford and surrounding communities. Her practice is recognized for cutting-edge technology including digital retinal imaging and visual field testing. Special services include sports vision training, myopia control programs for children, and pre/post-operative care for cataract and LASIK patients. The practice receives consistent praise for their professional staff, extensive frame selection, and Dr. Cecil's expertise in managing complex vision conditions while maintaining a welcoming patient experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Hartford, KY?
In Hartford, you can start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at Ohio County Family Medicine or from friends and neighbors. Checking online reviews for local practices like Hartford Family Eye Care or those in nearby Beaver Dam can be helpful. The Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners website also verifies licenses. Many Hartford residents also rely on word-of-mouth referrals within the community due to its smaller size.
What eye care services are typically offered by optometrists serving the Hartford area?
Optometrists in and around Hartford provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and management of common conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. Given the area's rural nature, some practices may offer mobile services or have strong referral networks to specialists in Owensboro or Bowling Green for more complex surgical needs. Many also carry a selection of frames for immediate purchase after your exam.
Do Hartford optometrists accept Kentucky Medicaid (Passport) or Medicare?
Many optometry offices in Hartford and Ohio County do accept Kentucky Medicaid (including Passport Health Plan) and Medicare for covered services, such as annual diabetic eye exams or glaucoma screenings. However, coverage for routine vision exams and glasses can be limited. It's crucial to call the specific practice, such as those on Main Street or in the Hartford Plaza, ahead of your appointment to verify they are in-network with your specific plan and to understand what your benefits will cover.
What should I consider when choosing between optometrists in a smaller town like Hartford?
In a close-knit community like Hartford, consider the optometrist's local reputation and years of service to the area. Convenience is key—look at office hours to ensure they work with local schedules, including farmers or shift workers. Check if they have an on-site optical lab for quicker glasses repairs or adjustments. Also, consider their willingness and ability to manage ongoing conditions locally versus how easily they can refer you to a network of specialists in larger cities when needed.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam in Hartford, KY?
For a routine eye exam in Hartford, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is common, though some practices may have sooner availability. Appointments can fill up faster at the end of the year when people use remaining insurance benefits or before the start of the school year. For urgent issues like a sudden eye infection or injury, most Hartford-area optometrists will work to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments for established patients, so it's always worth calling to explain the situation.