The Best Optometrists in Forked River, NJ
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Forked River. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Mark R. Soffer, OD
Soffer Eye Institute
Dr. Mark R. Soffer is a highly respected optometrist with over two decades of experience serving the Forked River and greater Ocean County area. His practice is known for utilizing advanced diagnostic technology, including digital retinal imaging and visual field testing, to provide thorough eye care. Patients consistently praise his personalized approach, attention to detail, and family-friendly environment. The practice offers a wide range of services from routine eye exams to managing complex conditions like dry eye and glaucoma, with a strong focus on patient education and safety.
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Dr. James J. O'Donnell, OD
O'Donnell Eye Care
Dr. James J. O'Donnell has built a reputable practice focused on comprehensive eye care for all ages, serving Forked River and surrounding communities. With nearly two decades of experience, he emphasizes preventive care and uses state-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnoses. The practice is noted for its warm, staff-friendly atmosphere and efficient service, including same-day appointments for emergencies. Patients highlight Dr. O'Donnell's expertise in contact lens fittings and management of ocular diseases, along with a wide selection of eyewear options.
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Dr. Richard A. Etting, OD
Etting Eye Care
Dr. Richard A. Etting operates a well-established practice that conveniently serves the Forked River area from nearby Manahawkin. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in comprehensive eye health evaluations, vision therapy, and pre- and post-operative care for cataract patients. The practice is praised for its modern amenities, including advanced diagnostic tools and a comfortable office environment. Dr. Etting is known for his thorough explanations and compassionate care, making him a top choice for families seeking reliable optometry services with a strong safety record and high patient satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist near Forked River, NJ?
Start by searching for 'optometrist Forked River' or 'eye doctor Lacey Township' online and check reviews on Google and health-specific sites. Many local residents also recommend asking for referrals from primary care physicians at practices like Lacey Medical Associates or from neighbors in the Forked River, Lanoka Harbor, and Bayville communities. The New Jersey Optometric Association's website also has a 'Find a Doctor' tool that can filter for practitioners in Ocean County.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in the Forked River area?
Look for an optometrist with a convenient location, perhaps along Lacey Road (Route 9) or in the nearby Forked River Shopping Center, and flexible hours to accommodate your schedule. Check if they offer comprehensive services like glaucoma testing, dry eye management, and pediatric eye exams, which are common needs in the area. It's also crucial to verify they accept your specific vision or medical insurance plan, as provider networks can vary locally. Reading patient reviews that mention wait times and staff friendliness is very helpful.
Do optometrists in Forked River accept my vision insurance?
Most optometry offices in Forked River and surrounding Lacey Township accept major vision plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision, as well as medical insurance (e.g., Horizon BCBS, Aetna) for health-related eye care. However, it's always best to call the specific practice ahead of your appointment. When scheduling, have your insurance card ready to confirm they are in-network. Some offices may also offer affordable self-pay options or financing plans for those without insurance.
What eye care services are typically offered by optometrists in Forked River?
Optometrists in Forked River typically provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and management of conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and dry eye syndrome—issues relevant to the local aging and seasonal allergy-prone population. Many also offer pre- and post-operative care for LASIK and cataract surgery, often coordinating with surgical centers in Toms River or Manahawkin. Some practices have an optical boutique on-site for convenient frame selection.
How far in advance should I schedule an eye exam with a Forked River optometrist?
For a routine eye exam, it's advisable to schedule 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for popular times like after-school hours or Saturdays. For more urgent concerns (e.g., sudden vision changes, eye injury), many Forked River area practices will work to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments. New patient appointments may require more lead time. The busiest seasons are often late summer (for back-to-school exams) and the end of the year when insurance benefits reset, so plan accordingly.