The Best Optometrists in Vaughn, NM
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Vaughn. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Patrick J. Baca
Baca Eye Clinic
Dr. Patrick Baca operates one of the most established eye care practices in Eastern New Mexico, serving Vaughn and surrounding rural communities for over two decades. His clinic is known for comprehensive eye health evaluations with advanced diagnostic equipment. Patients consistently praise his thorough approach, personalized care, and ability to handle complex eye conditions. The practice serves all ages from children to seniors and is particularly valued for managing diabetic eye disease and glaucoma in the region.
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Dr. Robert L. Pate
Santa Rosa Vision Center
Dr. Robert Pate leads this well-regarded practice that serves the extensive rural areas including Vaughn residents. The clinic is recognized for its family-friendly approach and comprehensive vision care services. They offer same-day appointments for eye emergencies and maintain a wide selection of eyewear. The practice has built strong relationships with local schools and organizations, providing sports physicals and vision screenings throughout the region.
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Dr. Mark A. Rangel
Clovis Vision Center
Dr. Mark Rangel operates a modern, full-service eye care practice that serves patients from Vaughn and throughout Eastern New Mexico. The clinic features state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and offers comprehensive medical eye care alongside traditional vision services. Patients appreciate the detailed explanations of eye health conditions and the wide selection of designer frames. The practice is particularly noted for its management of chronic eye conditions and advanced contact lens fittings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in Vaughn, NM?
In Vaughn, your options for local optometrists are limited, as it's a small town. The best approach is to check with Vaughn's main medical clinic or pharmacy for any visiting or affiliated eye care professionals. Most residents look to nearby larger cities like Santa Rosa, Fort Sumner, or even Santa Fe and Albuquerque for regular optometric care. Asking for recommendations from neighbors or your primary care provider in Vaughn is also a practical way to find a trusted practitioner who serves the area.
What should I consider when choosing an optometrist near Vaughn, given the rural location?
Given Vaughn's rural setting, key factors include travel distance, appointment availability, and the range of services offered. Look for optometrists in surrounding communities who offer comprehensive eye exams, have modern diagnostic equipment, and can handle common issues like dry eye (prevalent in New Mexico's climate). It's also wise to confirm if they have a reliable optical lab on-site or partnerships to expedite glasses/contacts, minimizing return trips. Checking if they accept your insurance and offer flexible scheduling for longer drives is crucial.
Do any optometrists in the Vaughn area accept Medicaid or Medicare?
While there may not be a full-time optometrist with an office directly in Vaughn that accepts these plans, many practices in the broader Guadalupe County and neighboring regions do. It's important to call ahead to clinics in Santa Rosa (about 30 miles east) or other nearby towns to verify they accept New Mexico Medicaid (Centennial Care) and Medicare. Some may also offer sliding scale fees for uninsured patients. Your local Vaughn social services office might have a list of participating eye care providers.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Vaughn community?
Optometrists who serve patients from Vaughn generally provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosis/managing conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease. Given the high UV exposure and dusty conditions in central New Mexico, many also specialize in dry eye management and offer protective eyewear. For specialized surgical care or treatment of advanced diseases, they will refer patients to ophthalmologists in larger cities like Albuquerque or Lubbock.
How far in advance should I schedule an eye exam with an optometrist near Vaughn, NM?
Due to the limited number of optometrists serving the rural areas around Vaughn, it's advisable to schedule routine eye exams several weeks to a couple of months in advance, especially for popular times like weekends or school breaks. For more urgent concerns, explain your situation when calling; practices understanding of rural travel often try to accommodate. Some optometrists in Santa Rosa or Fort Sumner may have specific days they dedicate to patients from outlying towns like Vaughn, so ask about those schedules.