The Best Optometrists in Bellwood, PA
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Bellwood. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. James L. Shultz
James L. Shultz, OD
Dr. James L. Shultz has been serving the Bellwood community for over two decades with exceptional eye care services. His practice is known for personalized attention, thorough examinations, and family-friendly approach. The practice offers state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and maintains an extensive selection of eyewear. Patients consistently praise Dr. Shultz for his expertise, gentle manner with children, and comprehensive follow-up care.
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Dr. Richard Woomer
Woomer Eye Care
Located just 10 miles from Bellwood in Altoona, Dr. Richard Woomer operates a highly-regarded practice with modern diagnostic technology and comprehensive eye care services. The practice specializes in managing complex eye conditions and offers advanced treatments for dry eye and macular degeneration. Patients appreciate the friendly staff, minimal wait times, and Dr. Woomer's detailed explanations of eye health conditions and treatment options.
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Dr. Scott Hunter
Hunter Vision Center
Serving the Bellwood area from nearby Tyrone (approximately 8 miles away), Dr. Scott Hunter operates a full-service vision center with comprehensive eye care and extensive optical offerings. The practice is known for its advanced contact lens fitting expertise and collaborative approach to surgical co-management. Patients consistently note the practice's modern facility, wide selection of frames, and Dr. Hunter's attentive approach to addressing individual vision needs and lifestyle requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Bellwood, PA?
Start by asking for recommendations from your primary care physician at the Bellwood Family Health Center or from friends and neighbors in the Bellwood or Tyrone area. You can also search the Pennsylvania Optometric Association's online directory, filtering for Blair County. Checking online reviews for local practices and confirming they offer the specific services you need, such as pediatric eye care or dry eye treatment, is also helpful.
What eye care services are typically offered by optometrists in the Bellwood area?
Optometrists in Bellwood and the surrounding Blair County communities provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosis/managing conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Many also offer pre- and post-operative care for LASIK, treatment for dry eye syndrome, and pediatric eye exams. Given the area's demographics, some practices may specialize in managing age-related eye conditions.
Do Bellwood optometrists accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in Bellwood accept major vision insurance plans like VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision, as well as medical insurance (e.g., Highmark, UPMC) for medical eye issues. It's crucial to call the specific office ahead of your appointment to verify they are in-network with your plan. Some smaller local practices may also offer competitive self-pay pricing or payment plans for those without insurance.
What should I consider when choosing between a local Bellwood optometrist and a larger chain in Altoona?
Choosing a local Bellwood optometrist often means more personalized, continuous care and convenience for routine visits. Larger chains in nearby Altoona may offer extended hours, a wider immediate selection of frames, and potentially more advanced diagnostic technology. Consider your priorities: for ongoing management of chronic conditions or a family-focused approach, a local practice may be best. For one-stop shopping and weekend appointments, a chain might be preferable.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam in Bellwood, PA?
For a routine comprehensive eye exam in Bellwood, scheduling 2-4 weeks in advance is common, though some practices may have sooner availability. Appointments for specific issues like sudden vision changes or eye injuries are often treated as urgent and can usually be scheduled within a few days. It's advisable to book well in advance (1-2 months) for back-to-school exams in late summer or if you need to use Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds before year-end.