The Best Optometrists in Southworth, WA
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Southworth. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. Michael J. O'Donnell
Kitsap Eye Center
Dr. Michael J. O'Donnell at Kitsap Eye Center is highly regarded for his extensive experience and patient-centered approach. The practice emphasizes thorough eye health evaluations using advanced diagnostic technology, including digital retinal imaging and visual field testing. With a strong focus on family care, they offer specialized pediatric services and maintain an excellent safety record with strict hygiene protocols. Patients consistently praise the friendly staff, minimal wait times, and comprehensive follow-up care. The center is easily accessible from Southworth via the ferry and local highways, making it a convenient choice for Kitsap County residents.
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Dr. Susan K. Lee
Port Orchard Vision Center
Dr. Susan K. Lee leads Port Orchard Vision Center with a commitment to personalized and compassionate eye care. The practice is known for its modern amenities, including a wide selection of frames and same-day service on many eyewear orders. They prioritize patient education and safety, with detailed consultations and sanitized equipment. Families appreciate the child-friendly environment and flexible scheduling. Located just a short drive from Southworth, the center has built a strong reputation for reliability and high satisfaction rates in the community over nearly two decades.
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Dr. James R. Thompson
America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
Dr. James R. Thompson at America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Silverdale provides accessible and budget-friendly optometry services with a focus on quality care. The practice features state-of-the-art examination equipment and a large inventory of eyewear, catering to all ages. They are praised for efficient service, clear communication, and adherence to safety standards, including contactless check-in options. As part of a trusted national chain, they offer membership plans that include free exams, making them a popular choice for families in Southworth and the wider Kitsap area. The location is easily reachable via major roads and public transit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a local optometrist in Southworth, WA, given it's a smaller community?
While Southworth itself is a smaller waterfront community, many residents find excellent optometric care by looking in nearby areas like Port Orchard, Bremerton, or even taking the ferry to Seattle for specialized services. A great starting point is to search online directories like the American Optometric Association's 'Find a Doctor' tool, filtering for Kitsap County. You can also ask for recommendations from your primary care physician at local clinics or from neighbors at community hubs like the Southworth Ferry Terminal. Checking with optical retailers in Port Orchard is another practical option.
What should I look for when choosing an optometrist serving the Southworth area?
For Southworth residents, key factors include convenience and comprehensive services. Look for an optometrist with a practice location that is easily accessible from State Route 160 or near the ferry route, minimizing travel time. Given the area's demographics, practices that offer services for all ages, from pediatric eye exams to managing age-related conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration, are ideal. It's also beneficial to choose a practice that offers flexible scheduling to accommodate ferry timetables and provides a full optical shop on-site to avoid multiple trips.
Do optometrists near Southworth, WA, accept my vision or medical insurance?
Most optometry practices in the greater Kitsap County area, including those accessible to Southworth residents, accept a wide range of vision insurance plans (like VSP or EyeMed) and major medical insurance providers (such as Premera, Regence, or Kaiser Permanente). However, it's crucial to verify this directly before booking an appointment. When you call a practice in Port Orchard or Bremerton, simply ask if they are in-network with your specific plan. Be sure to clarify whether your visit is for a routine vision exam (often covered by vision insurance) or a medical eye issue (which may be billed to your health insurance).
What specialized eye care services might I need to travel to Seattle for from Southworth?
While local optometrists in Kitsap County can handle routine exams, contact lens fittings, and manage common conditions like dry eye or glaucoma, some specialized services may require a trip to Seattle. These can include advanced medical or surgical care for complex retinal diseases, certain types of pediatric strabismus (eye turn) surgery, or highly specialized contact lens fittings for irregular corneas (like keratoconus). The Washington State Ferries route from Southworth to downtown Seattle makes this access feasible. Your local Southworth-area optometrist can provide a referral to a trusted specialist in Seattle if needed.
How far in advance should I schedule an eye exam with an optometrist near Southworth?
For a routine comprehensive eye exam with a popular optometrist in Port Orchard or Bremerton, it's advisable to schedule 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially for evening or Saturday appointments. For more urgent concerns, such as sudden vision changes, eye pain, or flashes/floaters, most practices keep slots open for same-day or next-day medical visits—be sure to specify the urgent nature of your call. To streamline the process, ask if the practice offers online scheduling. Remember to factor in ferry schedules if your appointment is across the water, and consider booking the first appointment of the day to avoid potential delays.