The Best Optometrists in Pembroke, ME
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Pembroke. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Down East Eye Care
Independent Practice
Down East Eye Care has served the Calais and Pembroke areas for over 20 years, providing exceptional family-focused optometry services. Led by experienced optometrists, the practice is renowned for its thorough eye exams, advanced diagnostic technology, and personalized care plans. Patients consistently praise the friendly staff, clean facility, and commitment to eye health, with special attention to children's vision needs and senior eye care. The practice maintains an excellent safety record and offers a wide selection of eyewear.
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Machias Vision Center
Independent Practice
Machias Vision Center is a highly-rated optometry practice serving Pembroke and surrounding Washington County communities. With over 16 years of operation, they offer comprehensive eye care using state-of-the-art equipment. The practice is known for its skilled optometrists who provide detailed evaluations and treatments, including management of ocular diseases. Family satisfaction is high due to their compassionate approach, minimal wait times, and educational focus on preventive care. They accept most insurance plans and offer flexible scheduling.
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Bangor Eye Care
Regional Eye Care Group
Bangor Eye Care serves patients from Pembroke and across eastern Maine, offering advanced optometric services in a modern, patient-centered environment. Founded in 2012, the practice has built a strong reputation for clinical excellence, with optometrists specializing in complex eye conditions and cutting-edge treatments. Amenities include a full optical lab, same-day service for glasses, and telehealth options. Reviews highlight the professional staff, thorough exams, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a top choice for comprehensive eye health management.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in Pembroke, ME, and what should I look for?
In Pembroke, you can start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at the local health center or from neighbors. You can also search online directories like the Maine Optometric Association website, filtering for Washington County. Look for an optometrist with strong local reviews, convenient office hours for the rural community, and who offers comprehensive eye exams. Given Pembroke's smaller size, you may also consider nearby towns like Calais or Eastport for more options, but verify they accept your insurance.
What specific eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Pembroke area?
Optometrists in and around Pembroke, ME, generally 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 older demographic and outdoor lifestyle, look for practices experienced in managing cataracts, macular degeneration, and offering sports vision or safety eyewear. Some may offer advanced diagnostic technology. It's important to ask if they provide emergency eye care services, as access to immediate specialist care in Washington County can require travel to larger cities.
Do optometrists in Pembroke, ME, accept MaineCare or common vision insurance plans?
Many optometry practices in the Pembroke region accept MaineCare (Medicaid) for eligible patients, as well as Medicare for covered services like diabetic eye exams and glaucoma testing. They also typically work with major vision insurance plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision. However, due to the limited number of providers in rural Washington County, it is crucial to call the specific office ahead of time to verify they are in-network with your plan. Be sure to ask about payment options for services or frames not fully covered by insurance.
What is the average cost of an eye exam in Pembroke, and are there affordable options for those without insurance?
In Pembroke and surrounding Washington County, a comprehensive eye exam typically ranges from $90 to $150 without insurance, though prices can vary. Some local practices may offer discounted exams for seniors, students, or uninsured patients. It's worth inquiring about cash-pay discounts or payment plans. For significant financial need, you can contact the Maine Department of Health and Human Services or local community health organizations for potential assistance programs or referrals to low-cost vision care events that occasionally serve rural areas like Downeast Maine.
How far in advance should I schedule an appointment with a Pembroke-area optometrist, and what should I bring to my visit?
For optometrists in the Pembroke area, it's advisable to schedule routine eye exams 4-6 weeks in advance, as appointment slots can fill quickly due to fewer providers serving the region. For urgent concerns, call to explain your situation, as practices may hold slots for emergencies. To your appointment, bring your current glasses or contacts, a list of medications, your vision and medical insurance cards, and a form of ID. If you have a complex medical history (e.g., diabetes), bring relevant records. Also, be prepared for potential travel, as some specialists or testing may require a trip to Bangor or farther.