The Best Optometrists in Buchanan, VA
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Buchanan. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Robert D. Claytor
Claytor Family Eye Care
Dr. Robert D. Claytor operates a highly respected family eye care practice serving the Buchanan and Botetourt County area. With over 25 years of experience, his practice is known for personalized care and comprehensive eye health services. Patients consistently praise the thorough examinations, friendly staff, and modern equipment. The practice specializes in family eye care, including children's vision, contact lens fittings, and management of eye diseases. Located in nearby Fincastle, they serve patients throughout the region including Buchanan residents.
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Dr. William H. Dowdy
Vistar Eye Center
Vistar Eye Center, led by Dr. William H. Dowdy and a team of ophthalmologists and optometrists, provides comprehensive eye care services to the Buchanan area. With multiple locations including Roanoke, they offer advanced diagnostic technology and treatment for complex eye conditions. The practice is particularly noted for their medical eye care expertise, including diabetic retinopathy management and glaucoma treatment. Patients appreciate the professional staff, modern facilities, and thorough approach to eye health. They serve patients from Buchanan and surrounding communities.
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Dr. Michael J. Sulewski
Valley Eye Clinic
Valley Eye Clinic, with Dr. Michael J. Sulewski as one of their primary optometrists, serves the Buchanan area from their Roanoke location. The practice has built a strong reputation for comprehensive vision care and advanced contact lens services. They offer specialized services including vision therapy for children and adults, sports vision enhancement, and management of complex vision conditions. Patients consistently mention the knowledgeable staff, comfortable atmosphere, and excellent patient education. The clinic has been serving the region for nearly two decades with a focus on personalized care and advanced vision solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in Buchanan, VA?
In Buchanan and the surrounding Botetourt County area, a good starting point is to ask for recommendations from your primary care physician at a local clinic or from friends and neighbors. You can also search the Virginia Board of Optometry's online licensee lookup to verify credentials. Many residents also consider optometrists in nearby towns like Fincastle, Roanoke, or Clifton Forge, which may offer more options while remaining convenient for Buchanan residents.
What specific eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Buchanan community?
Optometrists in and around Buchanan provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and management of common conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. Given the area's demographics, many practices focus on routine, family eye care. For specialized surgical procedures or treatment of complex diseases, patients are typically referred to ophthalmologists in larger nearby hubs like Roanoke, which is about a 30-45 minute drive from Buchanan.
Do optometrists in Buchanan, VA accept my vision or medical insurance?
Insurance acceptance varies by practice. Many optometry offices in the Buchanan area accept major medical insurance (like Medicare, Anthem, and Aetna) for medically necessary visits and major vision plans (like VSP or EyeMed) for routine exams. It's highly recommended to call the specific optometrist's office ahead of time to verify they are in-network with your plan, as options within the town itself are limited. Be sure to ask if they file insurance claims directly or if you need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement.
What should I consider when choosing between the few local optometrists in Buchanan versus traveling to a larger city?
Consider convenience versus specialization. A local Buchanan optometrist offers shorter travel times and personalized, community-focused care, ideal for routine check-ups and eyeglass adjustments. However, if you require a specific type of contact lens fitting, advanced diagnostic technology, or have a complex eye health condition, you may find a wider range of services and appointment availability by traveling to a practice in Roanoke or Salem. Many patients use a local optometrist for primary care and get referrals for specialized needs.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist in the Buchanan area?
For the optometry practices closest to Buchanan, appointment lead times can vary. For a routine comprehensive exam, it's common to book several weeks to a month in advance, especially for popular times like after-school hours or Saturdays. New patient appointments may require additional lead time. Calling in the spring or early summer for back-to-school exams is advisable. Some offices may have cancellation lists you can join for earlier slots. Practices in nearby larger towns may offer more frequent appointment openings.