The Best Optometrists in Washington, NC
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Washington. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. James K. Ellis
Washington Eye Care
Dr. James K. Ellis leads Washington Eye Care with over 18 years of dedicated service to the Washington community. Known for exceptional care quality and a family-friendly approach, the practice emphasizes thorough eye health evaluations, advanced diagnostic technology, and personalized treatment plans. Patients consistently praise the staff's professionalism, minimal wait times, and commitment to safety, making it a top choice for families and individuals seeking reliable optometry services in the area.
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Dr. Michael D. Smith
East Carolina Eye Care
Dr. Michael D. Smith at East Carolina Eye Care is highly regarded for his expertise and patient-centered care, serving the Washington and Greenville regions. With a focus on comprehensive eye health and modern amenities, the practice offers state-of-the-art equipment for precise diagnostics and treatments. Reviews highlight the team's compassion, efficient service, and strong safety protocols, ensuring high family satisfaction and trust for routine and specialized eye care needs.
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Dr. David L. Jones
Carolina Vision Center
Dr. David L. Jones at Carolina Vision Center brings 15 years of experience providing top-tier optometry services to patients in Washington and surrounding areas. The practice is celebrated for its innovative approaches to vision care, including advanced retinal imaging and personalized vision therapy programs. With a stellar safety record and emphasis on patient education, families appreciate the comfortable environment, skilled staff, and consistent outcomes, solidifying its reputation as a leader in regional eye health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Washington, NC?
Start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at the Washington Medical Group or from friends and neighbors in the Beaufort County area. You can also use online directories like the North Carolina State Board of Optometry's licensee lookup, filtering for Washington, NC. Checking reviews for local practices like those on 15th Street or near the Beaufort County Hospital can provide insight into patient experiences. Many Washington residents also rely on trusted, long-standing family practices in the downtown area.
What eye care services are typically offered by optometrists in Washington, NC?
Optometrists in Washington provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and management of conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. Given the area's aging population and high prevalence of conditions like diabetes, many local practices specialize in diabetic eye exams and macular degeneration monitoring. Most also offer a wide selection of eyewear frames. For surgical needs like cataracts, they will coordinate referrals to ophthalmologists in nearby Greenville or New Bern.
Do optometrists in Washington, NC accept my vision insurance?
Most optometry practices in Washington, such as those in the Pamlico Plaza or along Carolina Avenue, accept major vision insurance plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision, as well as medical insurance for health-related eye care. It's very important to call ahead, especially if you have Medicare or Medicaid (NC Medicaid), to confirm participation, as networks can vary. Some smaller, independent practices might also offer competitive self-pay pricing or in-house membership plans for uninsured patients.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in Washington, NC?
Consider the optometrist's experience, especially with managing conditions common in our coastal community, such as allergies and sun-related eye damage. Check office hours and location convenience—practices on Stewart Parkway or near the bridge may be easier for those coming from Chocowinity. Look for a practice with modern diagnostic technology for accurate exams. Finally, consider if you need a family-friendly practice that sees children or one that specializes in adult and senior eye care, which is a significant need in the Washington area.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam in Washington, NC?
For a routine eye exam with a popular optometrist in Washington, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is common, especially at the start of the school year or before the holiday season. New patient appointments may require more lead time. However, some practices may have sooner availability for urgent issues like eye infections or sudden vision changes. Due to the smaller number of practices compared to larger cities, it's advisable not to wait until the last minute, particularly if you need an appointment that fits around local work schedules or ferry times from nearby communities.