The Best Optometrists in Lake Spring, MO
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Lake Spring. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Scott A. Myers
Salem Eye Clinic
Dr. Scott Myers has been serving the Lake Spring and surrounding Dent County area for over 25 years with exceptional eye care services. His practice is known for comprehensive diagnostic technology including digital retinal imaging and visual field testing. Patients consistently praise his thorough examinations, clear explanations, and family-friendly approach. The clinic offers a wide selection of eyewear and accepts most insurance plans, making quality eye care accessible to the Lake Spring community.
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Dr. James R. Smith
Rolla Family Eye Care
Serving the Lake Spring area from nearby Rolla, Dr. James Smith has built a reputation for exceptional family eye care with specialized pediatric services. The practice features state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and offers emergency eye care services. Patients consistently highlight the friendly staff, minimal wait times, and Dr. Smith's ability to explain complex eye conditions in understandable terms. The practice has been serving Phelps County and surrounding areas including Lake Spring for nearly two decades.
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Dr. John A. Vinyard
Vinyard Family Eye Care
Dr. John Vinyard provides comprehensive eye care services to the Lake Spring community from his St. James location. His practice is known for advanced dry eye treatment protocols and thorough eye health evaluations. Patients appreciate the modern facility, extensive frame selection, and personalized care approach. The practice has built strong relationships with local families and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate patients traveling from Lake Spring and surrounding rural communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Lake Spring, MO?
In a smaller community like Lake Spring, word-of-mouth is often the best resource. Ask for recommendations from your primary care doctor at the local clinic, neighbors, or friends. You can also search the Missouri Optometric Association's online directory for licensed doctors of optometry in the area. Additionally, checking online reviews for practices in nearby towns like Salem or Rolla can be helpful, as many Lake Spring residents utilize services in those larger hubs.
What specific eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Lake Spring area?
Optometrists in and around Lake Spring provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and management of common eye conditions like dry eye, allergies, and glaucoma. Given the rural setting and potential for outdoor activities, many also focus on sports vision, UV protection, and diagnosing conditions related to aging. For specialized surgical care (like cataracts), they will refer patients to ophthalmologists in larger regional centers such as Rolla or Jefferson City.
Do optometrists near Lake Spring, MO accept my vision insurance?
Acceptance varies by practice. Many optometry offices in the region accept major vision plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision, as well as medical insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers) for medical eye exams. It's crucial to call the specific office you're considering, as some smaller independent practices in rural Missouri may be out-of-network for certain plans. Be sure to have your insurance information ready when scheduling.
What should I consider when choosing between an independent optometrist and a retail optical chain near Lake Spring?
Your choice depends on your priorities. Independent optometrists in the Lake Spring/Salem area often offer highly personalized, continuity of care and may have more flexibility with appointment times. Retail chains in nearby shopping areas (like in Rolla) might offer more frame selection and potentially later hours. For routine family eye care, many Lake Spring residents value the long-term relationship with a local independent doctor who understands the community's needs.
How far in advance do I typically need to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist in the Lake Spring region?
For a routine comprehensive eye exam, it's advisable to schedule 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for popular times like after-school hours or Saturdays. Due to the limited number of providers serving the rural Lake Spring area, appointment slots can fill quickly. If you have an urgent eye concern (like an injury or sudden vision change), most practices will work to accommodate you as an emergency visit, so always call to explain the situation.