The Best Optometrists in Thornton, KY
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Thornton. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. John R. Cook, OD
Cook Eye Care
Dr. John R. Cook has built a reputation over 20 years for exceptional eye care with a strong emphasis on patient safety and family-centered service. His practice in Hazard is equipped with modern diagnostic technology and offers a wide range of services, including specialized pediatric care. High patient satisfaction ratings reflect his commitment to thorough exams and personalized treatment plans, making him a trusted optometrist for the Thornton area.
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Dr. James A. Anderson, OD
Anderson Vision Center
Dr. James A. Anderson leads a well-established practice known for its comprehensive eye care and high safety standards. With nearly two decades of experience, he provides advanced services like diabetic eye exams and cataract management, supported by a qualified staff and positive family feedback. The center's convenient location in Pikeville and commitment to community health make it a reliable choice for residents in and around Thornton.
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Dr. C. Edward Collins, OD
Whitesburg Eye Care
Dr. C. Edward Collins is highly regarded for his patient-focused approach and use of cutting-edge technology in eye care. Serving the Thornton region directly from Whitesburg, his practice emphasizes preventive care and offers services like vision therapy and advanced screenings. With excellent ratings for care quality and staff professionalism, Dr. Collins ensures a comfortable and safe experience for families, backed by over a decade of dedicated service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Thornton, KY?
In Thornton, a great starting point is to ask for recommendations from your primary care physician at the local clinic or from neighbors. You can also search the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners' online license verification to confirm a doctor's credentials. Checking online reviews for practices in Thornton or nearby towns like Paintsville can provide patient perspectives. Many residents also rely on word-of-mouth within the community due to its smaller size.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Thornton area?
Optometrists in and around Thornton provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosis/managing conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Given the area's rural nature, some practices may offer mobile services or have strong referral networks to ophthalmologists in larger regional hubs like Pikeville or Prestonsburg for advanced surgical needs. It's common for local optometrists to also provide a good selection of eyewear frames on-site.
Do optometrists in Thornton, KY accept Kentucky Medicaid (Passport) or Medicare?
Many optometrists in the Thornton area do accept Kentucky Medicaid (including managed care plans like Passport) and Medicare for covered services like annual diabetic eye exams or medical eye issue visits. However, coverage for routine vision exams and eyeglasses under Medicaid can be limited for adults. It is crucial to call the specific optometry office beforehand to verify they are in-network with your exact plan, as acceptance can vary between individual practices in Eastern Kentucky.
What should I consider when choosing an optometrist in a rural community like Thornton?
For Thornton residents, key considerations include travel distance and office hours, as you may need to drive to a neighboring town. Check if the practice has modern diagnostic technology, as this can reduce the need for referrals for certain tests. Consider if they offer emergency eye care services for issues like infections or injuries. Also, evaluate the optician services and frame selection on-site to avoid additional trips. Building a relationship with a local doctor who understands the community's needs, including high rates of conditions like diabetes, is beneficial.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist near Thornton, KY?
Appointment availability can vary. For a routine eye exam with a popular local optometrist, you might need to book several weeks to a month in advance, especially for evening or Saturday hours which are in high demand. For more urgent but non-emergency concerns, many practices in the area will work to fit you in sooner. New patient appointments may also require more lead time. It's advisable to call practices in Thornton or nearby Johnson or Floyd counties early, particularly before the end of the year if you have flexible spending benefits to use.