The Best Optometrists in Howard, SD
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Howard. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Family Vision Center
Family Vision Center
Family Vision Center is a highly-rated independent practice known for its personalized care and family-friendly approach. With over 15 years of service, they offer state-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnoses and treatments, including advanced retinal imaging and dry eye management. Patients from Howard and surrounding areas praise their compassionate staff, short wait times, and thorough eye exams. They accept most insurance plans and provide a wide range of eyewear options, ensuring high family satisfaction and safety standards.
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Avera Eye Institute
Avera Health
As part of the reputable Avera Health system, Avera Eye Institute has served the Howard area for over two decades with a focus on comprehensive eye health. They boast a team of experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists, offering specialized services like cataract evaluations, diabetic eye exams, and emergency care. With a strong emphasis on patient safety and advanced diagnostic equipment, they maintain high ratings for care quality and staff professionalism. Their integrated health network ensures seamless referrals and consistent family satisfaction.
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Visionworks of Sioux Falls
Visionworks
Visionworks is a well-established national chain with a strong local presence in Sioux Falls, serving patients from Howard and beyond. Known for affordable, high-quality eye care, they provide efficient services with a focus on customer convenience, including same-day eyeglasses and a broad selection of frames. With over 10 years in operation, their optometrists are praised for friendly, thorough exams and handling diverse vision needs. They prioritize safety with modern sanitization protocols and have a track record of positive family feedback for their accessible hours and insurance flexibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many optometrists are available in Howard, SD, and what are my main options for eye care locally?
As a smaller community, Howard has a limited number of optometry practices directly within the city limits. Your primary options typically include one or two local independent optometry clinics. For a broader selection of providers, services, and frame inventories, many residents also consider optometrists in nearby larger towns like Madison, Brookings, or Sioux Falls, which are within a reasonable driving distance for comprehensive eye care.
What specific eye care services can I expect from an optometrist in Howard, SD?
Optometrists serving the Howard area provide comprehensive eye exams for prescriptions, diagnose and manage conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, and cataracts, and fit contact lenses. Given the community's demographic, many also specialize in managing age-related eye conditions. Some local practices may offer a curated selection of eyewear, though for extensive frame choices, you might need to visit optical centers in larger neighboring cities. It's best to call the specific Howard clinic to confirm their available services.
Do optometrists in Howard accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in Howard and the surrounding Miner County area accept major vision insurance plans (like VSP or EyeMed) and medical insurance (like Medicare, Sanford Health Plan, or Dakotacare) for medically necessary visits. However, due to the small number of providers, it is highly recommended to contact the clinic directly before your appointment. Verify they are in-network with your specific plan and understand what your coverage includes for exams, lenses, and frames.
What should I look for when choosing between the local Howard optometrists?
When choosing an optometrist in Howard, consider their experience, especially with any specific eye health concerns you have. Check their office hours for compatibility with your schedule, as rural practices may have limited days. Read local reviews or ask for recommendations from neighbors at places like the Howard City Pharmacy or community center. Also, consider whether they have an on-site optical shop for convenience or if you'll need to take your prescription elsewhere for glasses. Their ability to coordinate care with regional medical centers in Madison or Sioux Falls for specialized issues can also be important.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist in Howard?
Appointment availability in Howard can vary. For routine eye exams, booking several weeks in advance is common, especially for popular times like after-school hours or Saturdays. For urgent concerns (like sudden vision changes or eye injuries), local optometrists will usually make an effort to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments. It's advisable to schedule your annual exam well ahead of time, particularly if you need to use Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds before year-end. Calling the practice directly is the most reliable method.