The Best Optometrists in Latham, MO
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Latham. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Steven M. Hasty
Hasty Eye Care
Dr. Hasty is a highly respected optometrist with over 18 years of experience, known for his thorough eye exams and use of advanced diagnostic technology. His practice emphasizes patient safety, with a focus on preventive care and family-friendly services. Patients consistently praise his attentive staff, clean facilities, and ability to address complex eye conditions, making him a top choice for Latham residents seeking reliable optometric care.
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Dr. Mark A. Schmitz
Schmitz Eye Care
Dr. Schmitz runs a patient-centered practice with a strong track record in safety and care quality. He offers comprehensive services, including dry eye management and emergency care, using modern equipment to ensure accurate diagnoses. With high family satisfaction ratings, his team is commended for their professionalism and welcoming environment, serving the Latham area with dependable optometric solutions.
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Dr. James R. Williams
Williams Eye Care
Dr. Williams provides personalized eye care with expertise in vision therapy and cataract management, backed by over a decade of experience. His practice is noted for its commitment to patient education, safety protocols, and use of innovative technology. Families in Latham appreciate his compassionate approach and the practice's high standards for care, making it a trusted option for routine and specialized needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in or near Latham, MO?
In Latham and the surrounding rural areas, finding an optometrist often involves looking in nearby larger towns. Start by checking online directories like the Missouri Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool, filtering for the 65050 zip code. You can also search for practices in nearby communities such as Sedalia, Windsor, or Clinton, which are common service hubs for Latham residents. Asking for recommendations from your primary care provider at the Latham Medical Clinic or from neighbors at local spots like the Latham Cafe can also yield trusted, personal referrals.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in a rural area like Latham?
Given Latham's rural setting, key factors include the optometrist's proximity and travel logistics. Look for practices in Sedalia or Clinton that offer flexible hours to accommodate travel. It's important to verify they offer comprehensive eye exams, manage common rural concerns like dry eye from farming environments, and have the technology for diabetic eye exams, which is crucial for managing health in areas with potentially fewer specialists. Also, check if they have a reliable optical lab on-site or strong partnerships to ensure your glasses or contacts don't require excessive follow-up trips.
Do optometrists serving the Latham area accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in the regions serving Latham, such as those in Sedalia, accept a wide range of insurance plans common in Missouri, including Medicare, Medicaid (MO HealthNet), and major providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, VSP, and EyeMed. It's always best to call the specific office ahead of your appointment. Be sure to mention you are a Latham resident, as some clinics may have specific networks or billing considerations for patients from outlying areas. They can verify your coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs for exams or frames.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists near Latham, MO?
Optometrists in the clinics that serve Latham and Pettis County generally provide full-scope primary eye care. This includes comprehensive eye exams for adults and children, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosis and management of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Given the agricultural community, many are adept at treating eye allergies, dry eye syndrome, and managing ocular emergencies from foreign bodies. While complex surgical procedures require a referral to an ophthalmologist in a larger city like Columbia, your local optometrist is your first line of defense for most eye health needs.
How far in advance do I need to book an eye exam with an optometrist near Latham?
Appointment availability can vary. For routine eye exams, it's advisable to call optometry offices in Sedalia or Clinton at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for popular times like Saturdays or after-school hours. For more urgent concerns (like sudden vision changes or eye injuries), most practices will work to accommodate Latham-area patients promptly, often with same-day or next-day slots. When scheduling, be upfront about your travel from Latham, as some offices may be able to bundle tests or offer a more streamlined visit to minimize your time and trips.