The Best Optometrists in Wilder, VT
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Wilder. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. John R. Pelton, OD
Upper Valley Eye Care
Dr. Pelton leads Upper Valley Eye Care with a focus on personalized, high-quality vision care for the entire family. The practice is known for its thorough eye exams, advanced diagnostic technology, and friendly staff. Patients consistently praise the comfortable environment, attention to detail, and effective management of conditions like dry eye and cataracts. With over 15 years of service, the clinic maintains strong safety records and high family satisfaction, offering amenities such as same-day appointments and a wide selection of eyewear.
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Dr. David A. Brown, OD
Advanced Eye Care of the Upper Valley
Dr. Brown's practice is highly regarded for its comprehensive eye care services and patient-centered approach. The clinic features state-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnoses and treatments, with a emphasis on pediatric and adult vision health. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable staff, short wait times, and excellent follow-up care. Serving the Wilder area for over a decade, Advanced Eye Care boasts a strong track record in safety and family satisfaction, including options for vision therapy and designer frames.
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Dr. Michael J. O'Brien, OD
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Eye Center
Part of the renowned Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system, Dr. O'Brien and the Eye Center provide top-tier optometric care with a focus on complex medical conditions and preventive health. The center is praised for its multidisciplinary team, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care, making it a trusted choice for families in Wilder and the broader Upper Valley. With high ratings for safety, staff expertise, and patient amenities like telehealth consultations, the practice has built a reputation for excellence over two decades.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Wilder, VT?
In Wilder, a village within Hartford, finding a reputable optometrist often involves checking with local healthcare networks like the Dartmouth-Hitchcock system, which has a strong presence in the Upper Valley. You can search the Vermont Optometric Association's online directory for licensed practitioners. Additionally, asking for personal recommendations from neighbors or your primary care physician at the Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center can be very effective, as the local community is tight-knit and values trusted referrals.
What specific eye care services are typically offered by optometrists in the Wilder area?
Optometrists in Wilder and the surrounding Upper Valley region typically offer comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings (including for astigmatism and presbyopia), and management of conditions like dry eye, which can be exacerbated by Vermont's seasonal climate. Many also provide pediatric eye care and co-manage pre- and post-operative care for procedures like cataract surgery with the nearby surgical centers in Lebanon, NH. Given the area's aging population, expertise in managing age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease is common.
Do optometrists in Wilder, VT accept my vision insurance?
Most optometry practices in Wilder accept major vision insurance plans like VSP and EyeMed, as well as medical insurance for health-related eye care. It's always best to call the specific office ahead of your appointment. Be sure to confirm if they are in-network with your plan, as some smaller local practices may be part of larger regional groups with specific affiliations. If you are on Medicaid (Green Mountain Care), you will need to verify the optometrist's participation, as not all private practices accept it.
What should I consider when choosing between an independent optometrist and a retail optical store in Wilder?
In Wilder, your main choice may be between an independent practice, often located in a professional building or as part of a local healthcare clinic, and larger retail optical stores found in nearby West Lebanon, NH. Independent optometrists in Wilder often provide highly personalized, continuity of care and may have longer appointment times. Retail stores might offer more frame selection and potentially later hours. Consider your priorities: for complex eye health management, a local independent doctor may be preferable, while for convenience and a wide selection of eyewear, a short drive to a retail location might suit you.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist in Wilder?
For a routine comprehensive eye exam in Wilder, it's advisable to book 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially for popular practitioners or if you need an appointment after work or on a Saturday. Demand can be higher during late summer (before school starts) and at the end of the year when insurance benefits expire. For urgent issues like sudden vision changes or eye injuries, most practices will work to accommodate you the same day or direct you to the appropriate urgent care facility in the Upper Valley region.