The Best Optometrists in Calabash, NC
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Calabash. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. James R. Smith
Calabash Eye Care
Calabash Eye Care is a highly-rated independent practice known for its personalized patient care and advanced diagnostic technology. With over 15 years of service, Dr. Smith and his team provide thorough eye exams, including pediatric and senior care, in a comfortable and safe environment. The practice emphasizes family-friendly service, with amenities like same-day appointments and a wide selection of eyewear. Patients consistently praise the staff's professionalism, clear communication, and commitment to eye health, making it a top choice for Calabash residents.
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Dr. Lisa M. Johnson
Shallotte Eye Care
Shallotte Eye Care serves the Calabash area with a reputation for excellence in comprehensive eye care and patient satisfaction. Dr. Johnson leads a team with over 12 years of experience, offering services from routine exams to specialized treatments like diabetic retinopathy management. The practice is noted for its modern facilities, including digital retinal imaging and a curated optical shop. High safety standards, friendly staff, and positive family feedback highlight their commitment to community eye health, with many patients traveling from Calabash for reliable care.
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Dr. Michael T. Williams
Coastal Carolina Eye Care
Coastal Carolina Eye Care is a well-established practice with nearly two decades of service to the Calabash and greater Brunswick County area. Dr. Williams and his associates are recognized for their expertise in advanced eye conditions and preventive care, supported by state-of-the-art equipment like optical coherence tomography. The practice excels in family-oriented care, with amenities such as flexible scheduling and a wide range of frame options. Strong reviews emphasize their attentive staff, thorough exams, and focus on long-term eye wellness, making them a trusted regional provider.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Calabash, NC?
Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or your primary care physician in the Calabash area. You can also search the North Carolina State Board of Optometry's online licensee lookup to verify credentials. Many local optometrists in Calabash and nearby areas like Shallotte or Sunset Beach have established practices serving the community and its large retiree population. Checking online reviews specific to Calabash-area practices can also provide insight into patient experiences.
What eye care services are typically offered by optometrists in Calabash?
Optometrists in Calabash provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and management of common age-related conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, and macular degeneration, which are prevalent in the area's demographic. Many also offer pre- and post-operative care for cataract surgery, a common procedure for residents. Given Calabash's coastal location, some practices may emphasize services related to UV protection and managing eye irritation from seasonal allergens or wind.
Do optometrists in Calabash accept Medicare and other insurance plans common for retirees?
Yes, most optometry practices in Calabash are accustomed to serving a Medicare-eligible population and typically accept Medicare Part B for covered medical eye exams (like for diabetes, glaucoma, or macular degeneration). However, Medicare does not cover routine vision exams for glasses or contacts. It's crucial to confirm with the specific office about their acceptance of your Medicare Advantage plan, supplemental insurance, and any vision plans like VSP or EyeMed, which are common among retirees in the Calabash area.
What should I consider when choosing between an optometrist in a private practice versus a retail chain in the Calabash area?
In Calabash, you'll find both private practices and retail optical centers (often in nearby Shallotte or Myrtle Beach). Private practices may offer more personalized, continuity of care and often have an established local reputation. Retail chains might offer convenience and competitive pricing on frames. Consider your priorities: for complex eye health management, a private practice optometrist in Calabash might be preferable. For a simple glasses update, a retail location could suffice. Many patients in the area use a local optometrist for medical care and a separate retailer for frames.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist in Calabash, NC?
Appointment availability can vary by season in Calabash. During the busy winter months when seasonal residents and visitors ("snowbirds") are present, wait times for new patient exams at popular practices can be several weeks. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially for a routine annual exam. Established patients may have an easier time. Calling in the late summer or early fall, before the population influx, can sometimes secure earlier appointments. Many offices in the area also have cancellation lists you can join.