The Best Optometrists in Republic, WA
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Republic. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. James R. Gifford
Colville Vision Clinic
Dr. James R. Gifford at Colville Vision Clinic is a highly respected optometrist with over 15 years of experience, serving the Republic area from nearby Colville. The practice is known for its personalized care, advanced diagnostic technology, and family-friendly approach. Patients praise the thorough eye exams, expertise in managing conditions like glaucoma, and excellent staff professionalism. With a 4.8 rating from 48 reviews, it emphasizes safety, patient education, and comprehensive services, making it a top choice for families in the region.
Services:
Dr. Todd G. Morrow
Omak Eye Care
Dr. Todd G. Morrow leads Omak Eye Care, providing reliable optometry services to Republic residents with a focus on quality and comfort. With 12 years of experience, the practice offers modern amenities like digital eye imaging and a wide selection of eyewear. It has a 4.6 rating from 35 reviews, highlighting strong family satisfaction, attentive care for dry eye issues, and efficient co-management with surgical centers. The clinic maintains high safety standards and is praised for its friendly, knowledgeable team.
Services:
Dr. Steven R. Waggoner
America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
Dr. Steven R. Waggoner at America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Spokane Valley offers accessible, high-quality optometry care for Republic patients, with over 10 years of experience. This chain location is renowned for its affordability, extensive eyewear options, and efficient service. With a 4.4 rating from 122 reviews, it excels in family satisfaction, safety protocols, and handling vision insurance needs. The practice provides comprehensive exams and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for those willing to travel for reliable eye care.
Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in or near Republic, WA?
In Republic, you can find local optometrists by checking with Republic Family Medicine or the Ferry County Public Hospital District, as they may have referrals or associated vision services. Given Republic's rural location, many residents also look to nearby towns like Colville or Omak for more specialized eye care. Online directories like the Washington State Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool are useful, but be sure to filter for providers serving Ferry County. Asking for recommendations at Republic Drug or other local pharmacies is also a common and effective method.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist in a rural area like Republic?
When choosing an optometrist in the Republic area, key factors include the range of on-site services, as travel to larger cities can be difficult. Look for practices that offer comprehensive eye exams, have a good optical selection for glasses, and can manage common eye diseases. Given the distance to specialists, it's advantageous if the optometrist has strong referral networks with ophthalmologists in Spokane or Wenatchee. Also, consider their schedule flexibility and ability to handle emergencies, as well as whether they accept your specific insurance plan, such as Medicare or Washington Apple Health, which are common in the region.
Do optometrists in the Republic area accept my vision or medical insurance?
Acceptance varies by practice. Most optometrists serving the Republic and Ferry County area typically accept major medical insurance plans like Medicare, Medicaid (Apple Health), and plans from providers such as Premera Blue Cross or Regence. For standalone vision insurance (e.g., VSP, EyeMed), it's best to call the specific practice in advance to verify, as options are more limited locally. Some clinics in Colville or Omak, which Republic residents often visit, may have broader acceptance. Always confirm coverage details, including copays for exams and allowances for frames or contacts, before scheduling an appointment.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving Republic, WA?
Optometrists in and serving the Republic community generally provide comprehensive eye exams to diagnose vision issues (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism) and check for eye health problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Many also offer contact lens fittings and management of dry eye, which can be exacerbated by the region's climate. Due to the rural setting, some practices may have advanced diagnostic technology on-site. However, for complex surgical needs or certain medical treatments, they will coordinate referrals to ophthalmologists in larger centers like Spokane, which is about a 2.5-hour drive from Republic.
How far in advance should I schedule an eye exam with an optometrist near Republic, and what is the typical cost?
Given the limited number of providers in the immediate area, it's advisable to schedule a routine eye exam at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for popular times like after school starts or at the end of the year when insurance benefits renew. For urgent concerns, practices may have limited same-day or next-day slots. The cost for a comprehensive eye exam without insurance in the Republic region typically ranges from $100 to $150. If you have insurance, your copay will depend on your plan; for example, a Medicare wellness visit may cover a portion, but a refraction (vision prescription check) often incurs an additional fee of around $30-$50.