The Best Optometrists in Bernard, ME
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Bernard. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Scott C. Berry
Coastal Eye Care
Dr. Scott Berry has been serving the Mount Desert Island community for over two decades with exceptional eye care services. His practice is known for thorough comprehensive examinations using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. Patients consistently praise his detailed approach, friendly staff, and ability to explain complex eye health issues clearly. The practice offers a wide range of services including advanced glaucoma testing, diabetic eye exams, and specialized contact lens fittings. Located just 15 miles from Bernard, this practice serves the entire MDI region with reliable, personalized care.
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Dr. James R. Schmidt
Acadia Vision Center
Dr. James Schmidt leads this well-established practice that has been serving Hancock County residents for nearly 20 years. The practice is particularly noted for its comprehensive approach to eye health, including advanced diagnostic services and a full-service optical department. Patients highlight the professional yet warm atmosphere, thorough examinations, and excellent follow-up care. The practice specializes in managing complex eye conditions and offers emergency eye care services. Located approximately 20 miles from Bernard in Ellsworth, they provide accessible care for the surrounding communities.
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Dr. Karen A. Vekasi
Down East Community Eye Care
Dr. Karen Vekasi operates this patient-focused practice known for its comprehensive medical eye care services. The practice emphasizes building long-term relationships with patients and provides thorough evaluations for various eye conditions including diabetes-related eye issues, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Reviews consistently mention the practice's attention to detail, modern equipment, and compassionate care approach. They offer extensive contact lens services and work with multiple vision insurance providers. Situated in Ellsworth about 20 miles from Bernard, this practice serves as a trusted eye care provider for the Down East region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in Bernard, ME?
In Bernard, a small village on Mount Desert Island, you have a few options. You can search for practices in nearby towns like Southwest Harbor, Bar Harbor, or Ellsworth, which serve the Bernard community. Asking for recommendations at the Bernard Post Office or the town office is a great local approach. You can also use the Maine Optometric Association's online directory to find licensed doctors of optometry in Hancock County who accept patients from Bernard.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist near Bernard?
Given Bernard's rural setting, consider an optometrist's proximity and availability for island residents. Look for practices in Southwest Harbor or Bar Harbor that offer comprehensive eye exams, manage common conditions like dry eye (exacerbated by coastal wind), and have experience with the needs of an older population, which is common in the area. Check if they have flexible hours to accommodate ferry schedules if you need to travel off-island and if they provide urgent care for eye injuries, which can be important given the outdoor recreational activities around Acadia National Park.
Do optometrists near Bernard accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in the Mount Desert Island region, including those serving Bernard residents, accept major medical insurance (like Medicare and MaineCare) and vision plans. It's crucial to call ahead, especially if traveling to Ellsworth or Bangor, to confirm they are in-network with your specific plan. Some smaller local practices may also offer direct payment options or discounts for self-pay patients, which can be helpful if you have a high-deductible plan.
What specialized eye care services might I need in the Bernard area?
Residents of Bernard should seek optometrists who offer services relevant to the local lifestyle. This includes managing sun and UV exposure from time spent on the water, diagnosing and treating allergies related to the coastal and wooded environment, and providing durable eyewear solutions for outdoor work and recreation. Given the distance to major surgical centers, look for a practice that offers advanced diagnostic technology for glaucoma and macular degeneration, so monitoring can be done locally without unnecessary travel to Bangor or Portland.
How far in advance should I schedule an eye exam with an optometrist serving Bernard?
Due to the limited number of optometrists on Mount Desert Island and high demand, especially during the summer tourist season, it's advisable to schedule routine eye exams several weeks to a couple of months in advance. For practices in Bar Harbor or Southwest Harbor, booking in the late spring or fall (outside peak season) may offer more availability. If you have an urgent concern, clearly state the issue when calling, as many local practices will try to accommodate Bernard residents with timely appointments.