The Best Optometrists in Gilliam, MO
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Gilliam. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Kevin J. O'Dell
Kirksville Eye Associates
Dr. O'Dell and Kirksville Eye Associates are highly regarded for their exceptional patient care and advanced diagnostic technology. With over two decades of experience, the practice emphasizes thorough eye health evaluations, including retinal imaging and digital eye exams. Patients consistently praise the friendly staff, minimal wait times, and family-friendly environment. The practice maintains strong safety protocols and offers a wide selection of frames and lenses, making it a top choice for families in the Gilliam area seeking reliable optometric care.
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A.T. Still University Eye Institute
A.T. Still University
The A.T. Still University Eye Institute provides university-backed optometric care with a focus on cutting-edge technology and evidence-based practices. Staffed by licensed optometrists and residents, the institute offers comprehensive services, including pediatric and geriatric eye care. Patients report high satisfaction with the detailed explanations, modern amenities, and commitment to safety. The facility is known for its educational approach, ensuring families understand their eye health, and serves as a regional hub for advanced optometric needs, easily accessible from Gilliam.
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Dr. Randy J. Altic
Altic Eye Care
Dr. Altic leads a practice renowned for personalized care and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With nearly two decades of experience, he specializes in managing complex eye conditions and providing tailored vision solutions. The practice features state-of-the-art equipment, such as digital retinal cameras, and emphasizes patient education and safety. Families appreciate the flexible scheduling, thorough follow-ups, and high level of staff professionalism. Altic Eye Care is a trusted option for residents in and around Gilliam seeking consistent, high-quality optometric services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in or near Gilliam, MO?
Given Gilliam's small size, you may need to look in nearby towns for a full-service optometrist. Start by checking online directories like Google Maps or Healthgrades for 'optometrist near Gilliam, MO.' Neighboring communities such as Marshall, Slater, or Carrollton are likely to have established practices. You can also ask for recommendations from your primary care provider at the Gilliam Medical Clinic or from local pharmacists who often know the area's healthcare providers.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in a rural area like Gilliam?
When choosing an optometrist serving a rural area like Gilliam, prioritize convenience and comprehensive services. Look for a practice within a reasonable driving distance that offers a wide range of services—comprehensive eye exams, treatment for dry eye and infections, glaucoma testing, and a good selection of frames—to minimize the need for multiple trips to larger cities. Also, check if they have flexible hours to accommodate travel and if they accept your specific vision or medical insurance plan, which is crucial for managing costs in areas with fewer provider options.
Do optometrists near Gilliam, MO accept Medicaid or Medicare for eye exams?
Many optometry practices in the broader Saline County and north-central Missouri region do accept Medicaid (MO HealthNet) and Medicare, but coverage specifics can vary. It's essential to call the optometrist's office directly before scheduling an appointment in Marshall, Slater, or other nearby towns to confirm they are currently accepting new patients with your specific insurance. Be sure to ask what services are covered under your plan, as Medicaid for adults in Missouri often covers medical eye issues but may not include routine vision exams or glasses without additional vision insurance.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Gilliam community?
Optometrists serving rural communities like Gilliam typically provide essential primary eye care. This includes comprehensive eye exams for all ages, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, diagnosis and management of conditions like dry eye, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and glaucoma screenings. Many also offer pre- and post-operative care for cataract surgery, which you might have at a surgical center in a larger city like Columbia or Sedalia. However, for highly specialized care or ocular surgery, you will likely be referred to an ophthalmologist in a metropolitan area.
How far in advance do I need to book an appointment with an optometrist near Gilliam, MO?
Appointment availability can vary, but for non-urgent routine eye exams, it's advisable to call at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for popular practices in nearby towns like Marshall. For more urgent concerns (e.g., sudden vision changes, eye pain, or injury), be sure to explain the situation when you call, as many offices will work to fit you in for a same-day or next-day sick visit. Given the rural setting, scheduling well in advance for yourself and family members is the best strategy to secure a convenient time and avoid long waits.