The Best Optometrists in Riegelwood, NC
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Riegelwood. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Christopher J. Kelly
Coastal Vision Center
Coastal Vision Center serves patients throughout southeastern North Carolina including Riegelwood residents. Dr. Kelly and his team are known for their comprehensive approach to eye care, offering advanced diagnostic technology and personalized treatment plans. The practice has excellent safety records and high patient satisfaction ratings, particularly for their thorough examinations and family-friendly environment. They accept most insurance plans and offer emergency eye care services.
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Dr. Jennifer S. Edwards
Wilmington Family Eye Care
Serving the Riegelwood community for over a decade, Wilmington Family Eye Care provides exceptional optometry services with a focus on family-centered care. Dr. Edwards is highly rated for her patient communication skills and comprehensive approach to eye health. The practice features modern diagnostic equipment and offers a wide selection of eyewear. Patients consistently praise the friendly staff, clean facility, and thorough explanations of eye health conditions.
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Dr. Michael A. Thompson
Columbus Eye Associates
Columbus Eye Associates has been serving Columbus County and surrounding areas including Riegelwood for nearly two decades. Dr. Thompson provides comprehensive eye care services with particular expertise in managing diabetic eye disease and cataract evaluations. The practice is known for its state-of-the-art technology and commitment to patient education. With convenient hours and same-day emergency appointments available, they've built a strong reputation for accessibility and quality care in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there optometrists located directly in Riegelwood, NC, or will I need to travel to a nearby town?
Riegelwood is a small, unincorporated community, so you will likely need to travel to a nearby town for comprehensive optometry services. The closest options are typically in Wilmington, about a 30-minute drive southeast, or in Whiteville, a similar distance to the northwest. Many residents schedule eye care appointments when they are already planning trips to these larger towns for shopping or other services.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist serving the Riegelwood, NC area?
Given the need to travel, key factors include location convenience from Riegelwood, office hours that fit your schedule, and the range of services offered. Look for practices in Wilmington or Whiteville that accept your vision or medical insurance. Reading online reviews from other patients in Columbus or Brunswick counties can provide insight into the doctor's bedside manner and the efficiency of the practice. Also, consider if they offer emergency services for issues like sudden vision changes or eye injuries.
What specific eye care services are most important for an optometrist near a rural area like Riegelwood to offer?
For a rural community like Riegelwood, it's beneficial to choose an optometrist who offers comprehensive services to minimize multiple trips. Look for practices that provide full eye exams, diagnosis and management of conditions like glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, a wide selection of frames and contact lenses on-site, and dry eye treatment. Some practices may also have optical shops, allowing you to get your exam and glasses in one visit to a neighboring town.
How can I find an optometrist near Riegelwood that accepts my insurance, like Medicaid or Medicare?
The most direct method is to contact optometry offices in Wilmington, Whiteville, or even Elizabethtown directly and ask about the specific insurance plans they accept. You can also use your insurance provider's online directory to search for in-network eye doctors by zip code (using Riegelwood's 28456 or a nearby town's). Be sure to confirm coverage details for both routine vision exams and medical eye care before scheduling your appointment, as coverage can differ.
What are the typical appointment wait times for a new patient eye exam with optometrists serving the Riegelwood area?
Wait times can vary. In larger nearby cities like Wilmington, you may find more availability and possibly shorter wait times due to a higher number of practices. For a routine comprehensive eye exam, new patient appointments might be scheduled a few weeks out. It's advisable to call practices in your preferred location (e.g., Wilmington, Whiteville) well in advance, especially if you need an appointment by a specific date or if you have a pressing concern. Some offices may offer waitlists for cancellations.