The Best Optometrists in Canton, NY
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Canton. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Michael J. O'Brien, OD
Canton Eye Care
Canton Eye Care is a highly respected independent practice led by Dr. O'Brien, offering personalized care with a focus on family needs. The practice is known for its advanced diagnostic technology, including digital retinal imaging, and a commitment to patient safety. With a 4.5-star rating from 55 reviews, patients consistently praise the friendly staff, thorough exams, and wide selection of eyewear. The practice emphasizes preventive care and has built a strong reputation in the community over 20 years.
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Dr. James P. LaValley, OD
North Country Eye Care
North Country Eye Care is a top-rated practice serving the Canton area with over two decades of excellence. Dr. LaValley and his team provide comprehensive eye care using state-of-the-art equipment, focusing on safety and patient education. The practice has a 4.7-star rating from 75 reviews, highlighting their family-friendly approach, skilled staff, and modern amenities. Services include specialized care for conditions like diabetes and dry eye, making it a trusted choice for families.
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Dr. Karen M. Smith, OD
St. Lawrence Vision
St. Lawrence Vision is a well-established practice known for its high-quality care and patient-centered services. Dr. Smith leads a team that prioritizes safety, using advanced techniques for comprehensive exams and treatments. With a 4.6-star rating from 65 reviews, the practice is commended for its comfortable environment, experienced staff, and family satisfaction. Amenities include a broad range of eyewear options and emergency care services, serving the wider Canton region reliably.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Canton, NY?
In Canton, you can start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center's local clinics or from friends and neighbors. The SUNY Canton and St. Lawrence University health centers may also provide referrals for students and staff. Checking online reviews for practices like those on Main Street or US Route 11, and verifying New York State licensure through the NYS Office of the Professions website, are also effective steps.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in a smaller town like Canton?
In a smaller community like Canton, consider an optometrist's range of services, as some local practices may offer comprehensive care including pediatric exams, glaucoma management, and dry eye treatment, reducing the need to travel to Watertown or Potsdam for specialty care. Also, check their hours for flexibility around the academic schedules of the local universities, their policy on emergency appointments, and whether they have strong relationships with optical shops in the area for convenient eyewear fitting.
Do optometrists in Canton, NY typically accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in Canton accept major vision plans like VSP and EyeMed, as well as medical insurance (e.g., Blue Cross Blue Shield, MVP) for health-related eye exams. It's always best to call the specific office ahead of your appointment. Given the presence of SUNY and St. Lawrence University, many offices are also familiar with student health insurance plans. Some smaller independent practices may also offer competitive self-pay rates or payment plans for those without insurance.
What eye care services are commonly available at Canton optometry offices?
Optometrists in Canton typically provide comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings (including for astigmatism and multifocal needs), diagnosis and management of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, and treatment of eye infections or injuries. Many also have an optical dispensary on-site. Given the rural setting, some practices may emphasize services like diabetic eye exams and management of dry eye, which is common in the region's climate. For complex surgical needs, they will coordinate referrals to ophthalmologists in nearby Ogdensburg or Watertown.
How far in advance should I schedule an eye exam with a Canton optometrist, especially during peak times?
For a routine exam, scheduling 2-4 weeks in advance is typical. However, demand can increase during key times such as late summer (for back-to-school and university student appointments) and the end of the year when insurance benefits reset. It's advisable to call for an appointment well in advance during these periods. For more urgent concerns, many Canton practices will work to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments for issues like sudden vision changes, eye pain, or injuries.