The Best Optometrists in Panama, OK
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Panama. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. John C. Hardin, OD
Fort Smith Eye Clinic
Dr. John C. Hardin leads the Fort Smith Eye Clinic with over two decades of experience, providing high-quality eye care services to patients in the Panama area. The clinic is renowned for its comprehensive eye exams, advanced contact lens fittings, and specialized pediatric care. With a strong focus on patient safety and satisfaction, the practice uses state-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnoses. Families appreciate the friendly staff, minimal wait times, and thorough follow-up care. The clinic has maintained excellent ratings due to its consistent care quality and community trust.
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America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
National Vision, Inc.
America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Fort Smith is a highly-rated chain that serves the Panama community with affordable and reliable eye care. Staffed by licensed optometrists, the location offers comprehensive eye exams, a wide selection of contact lenses and eyeglasses, and vision therapy services. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the clinic emphasizes safety, convenience, and high patient satisfaction. With numerous positive reviews highlighting the efficient service and quality eyewear options, it has built a strong reputation in the region for over a decade.
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Poteau Vision Center
Independent Practice
Poteau Vision Center, located just a short drive from Panama, is an independent optometry practice known for its personalized care and expert services. With nearly two decades of operation, the center provides routine eye exams, diabetic eye care, dry eye treatments, and a full optical department. Patients praise the practice for its attentive staff, modern amenities, and commitment to eye health and safety. The optometrists here have extensive experience and focus on building long-term relationships with families, ensuring high satisfaction and reliable vision care for the community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in or near Panama, OK?
In Panama and the surrounding LeFlore County area, a good starting point is to ask for recommendations from your primary care physician at the local Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center or from neighbors. You can also search the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians directory online, filtering for the 74951 zip code. Many residents also find well-regarded practices in nearby Poteau, which is a short drive away and offers additional options for comprehensive eye care.
What specific eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Panama community?
Optometrists in the Panama area provide essential services tailored to the community's needs, including comprehensive eye exams for all ages, diagnosis and management of conditions like dry eye (common in Oklahoma's climate), glaucoma testing, and diabetic eye exams. Given the rural setting, many local optometrists also specialize in fitting contact lenses and prescribing glasses for both vision correction and safety, which is important for the many residents involved in agriculture, forestry, and outdoor work.
Do optometrists in Panama, OK accept SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) or Medicare?
Yes, several optometry practices in and around Panama do accept SoonerCare for eligible patients, particularly for children's eye exams and medically necessary visits. Most also accept Medicare for covered services like annual diabetic eye exams or glaucoma testing. It is crucial to call the specific optometrist's office ahead of your appointment to verify they are currently accepting your plan, as participation can change. Some smaller practices may have limited capacity for certain state plans.
What should I consider when choosing between the optometry practices in Panama?
When choosing in Panama, consider practical factors like office hours that accommodate local work schedules, the availability of emergency eye care for issues like foreign objects or infections, and whether they have an on-site optical lab for quicker glasses repairs and adjustments. Also, check if the optometrist has experience managing ocular diseases, as this can reduce the need for long drives to specialists in larger cities. Reading local reviews or asking at the Panama Pharmacy can provide insights into patient experiences and wait times.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist in Panama, OK?
For a routine eye exam in Panama, it's advisable to schedule 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for popular times like after-school hours or Saturdays if offered. Appointments may be available sooner for urgent concerns. Due to the limited number of providers in this small town, booking for back-to-school exams in late summer or for use of flexible spending account (FSA) funds at year-end should be done several weeks ahead. Some practices may also offer cancellation waitlists.