The Best Optometrists in Saint James, NY
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Saint James. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Michael J. O'Brien
O'Brien Vision Care
Dr. Michael J. O'Brien leads a highly-rated independent practice known for exceptional personalized care and advanced diagnostic technology. With over two decades of experience, the practice emphasizes family-friendly services, including pediatric optometry and thorough eye health screenings. Patients consistently praise the comfortable environment, knowledgeable staff, and commitment to safety, making it a top choice for Saint James residents seeking reliable vision care.
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Dr. John A. DeCarlo
Smithtown Vision Center
Dr. John A. DeCarlo operates Smithtown Vision Center, a family-owned practice celebrated for its comprehensive eye care and extensive frame selections. Established over 20 years ago, it boasts high patient satisfaction due to its attentive staff, modern amenities, and focus on preventive care. The practice is well-regarded for its safety protocols and ability to serve all ages, providing trusted services to the Saint James community.
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Dr. Steven A. Eisman
Eisman Eye Care
Dr. Steven A. Eisman heads Eisman Eye Care, a reputable practice known for its advanced care options and patient-centered approach. With decades of experience, the team offers specialized services like laser vision consultations and sports vision therapy, supported by state-of-the-art equipment. The practice maintains excellent safety records and high family satisfaction, serving Saint James with consistent, quality optometric care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Saint James, NY?
Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or your primary care physician in the Saint James area. You can also search online directories like the American Optometric Association's Find a Doctor tool, filtering for Saint James or nearby zip codes like 11780. Reading verified patient reviews on platforms like Google or Healthgrades for local practices can provide insight into patient experiences. Many Saint James optometrists are located in the Smithtown/Saint James corridor along Route 25A or in nearby shopping plazas, making them convenient for local residents.
What specific eye care services are commonly offered by optometrists in the Saint James area?
Optometrists in Saint James typically offer comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings (including for astigmatism and presbyopia), and prescriptions for glasses. Many also provide management and co-management of conditions like dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. Given the community's demographics, several practices specialize in pediatric eye care and myopia control for children, as well as low vision services for older adults. It's common to find on-site optical shops for immediate selection of frames and lenses after your exam.
Do Saint James optometrists accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in Saint James accept a wide range of insurance plans common to Suffolk County residents, including Medicare, Medicaid (NYS Medicaid), and major vision plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision. Many also participate with local medical insurance networks such as Northwell Health Direct, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, and UnitedHealthcare. The best practice is to call the specific Saint James optometrist's office before your appointment. Provide them with your insurance details (carrier, plan ID, and member number) so they can verify your coverage for routine exams, medical eye care, and materials like glasses or contacts.
What should I look for when choosing between the different optometry practices in Saint James?
Consider the optometrist's credentials, experience, and any specializations relevant to your needs (e.g., pediatric care, dry eye treatment). Evaluate the practice's technology—many Saint James offices now offer advanced digital retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for detailed eye health analysis. Assess convenience factors like office hours, location on the North Shore, ease of scheduling, and whether they have an on-site optical lab for quicker turnaround on glasses. Finally, consider the overall patient experience, including staff friendliness and communication style, which you can often gauge from local reviews or a preliminary phone call.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an appointment with a Saint James optometrist, and what should I bring?
For a routine comprehensive eye exam, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is common for Saint James optometrists, though some may have sooner availability for urgent concerns. It's advisable to schedule well in advance for back-to-school exams in late summer or for year-end appointments when many patients use remaining insurance benefits. For your visit, bring your current glasses and/or contact lenses, a list of any medications, your vision and medical insurance cards, and a form of ID. If you're a new patient, download and complete the practice's forms beforehand to save time. Also, bring a pair of sunglasses, as dilation drops are often used during exams.