The Best Optometrists in Sylva, NC
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Sylva. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. John A. Queen
Sylva Eye Care Center
Dr. John Queen has been serving the Sylva community for over two decades with exceptional comprehensive eye care. His practice is known for thorough examinations using advanced diagnostic technology and personalized attention to each patient. Patients consistently praise his expertise in detecting eye diseases early, his gentle approach with children, and his commitment to explaining conditions and treatment options clearly. The practice offers a wide selection of frames and accepts most insurance plans, making quality eye care accessible to families throughout Jackson County.
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Dr. James H. Schmid
Appalachian Vision Care
Dr. James Schmid leads Appalachian Vision Care with a focus on comprehensive family eye care and advanced ocular disease management. The practice is particularly noted for its diabetic eye care services and emergency eye care availability. Patients frequently mention the friendly, professional staff and the modern, comfortable facility. Dr. Schmid has built a strong reputation for his diagnostic expertise and his ability to handle complex eye conditions while maintaining a warm, personal approach to patient care that families in the Sylva area have trusted for years.
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Dr. David L. Mace
Mace Eye Care
Located in nearby Waynesville (approximately 20 minutes from Sylva), Dr. David Mace's practice serves patients throughout the western North Carolina region with exceptional comprehensive eye care. The practice is known for its state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and extensive frame selection. Dr. Mace specializes in managing age-related eye conditions while also providing excellent routine and pediatric eye care. Patients consistently praise his attention to detail, modern approach to eye care, and the practice's ability to accommodate urgent eye care needs, making it a popular choice for Sylva residents seeking high-quality optometric services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Sylva, NC?
In Sylva, you can find reputable optometrists by checking online directories like Healthgrades or Zocdoc, asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at Harris Regional Hospital or local pharmacies, and reading patient reviews specific to Sylva practices. The Sylva Eye Care Center and other local clinics often have strong community reputations built over many years of service.
What specific eye care services are commonly offered by optometrists in the Sylva area?
Optometrists in Sylva typically offer comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings (including for astigmatism and presbyopia), management of dry eye syndrome (common in our mountain climate), diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts, and pediatric eye care. Many also provide a wide selection of eyewear, including frames suited for an active, outdoor lifestyle common in Jackson County.
Do optometrists in Sylva accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in Sylva accept major vision insurance plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision, as well as medical insurance (Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, Medicaid) for medically necessary visits. It's always best to call the specific office, such as Sylva Family Eye Care or Western Carolina Eye Associates, ahead of your appointment to verify they are in-network with your plan and understand your coverage for exams and materials.
What should I look for when choosing between the optometrists in Sylva?
When choosing an optometrist in Sylva, consider their experience and any specializations (e.g., pediatric care, dry eye treatment), the technology they use for exams, the range of eyewear brands in their optical shop, office hours and location convenience relative to downtown Sylva or surrounding communities like Cullowhee, and the overall patient experience noted in reviews. A personal consultation can help you gauge if their approach matches your needs.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with a Sylva optometrist?
For a routine eye exam in Sylva, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is common, especially for popular practitioners or during back-to-school and end-of-year insurance deadline periods. However, some clinics may have sooner availability for urgent concerns. New patient appointments might require more lead time. It's advisable to call practices like Vision Center of Sylva early, particularly if you need an appointment that fits around Western Carolina University's academic calendar.