The Best Optometrists in Ballard, WV
Compare 3 verified eye care professionals in Ballard. Read reviews, check credentials, and find the perfect optometrist for your vision needs.
Verified Eye Care Professionals
Dr. James R. McNeer
Princeton Eye Associates
Princeton Eye Associates is a highly-rated independent practice known for personalized care and advanced diagnostic technology. Dr. McNeer and his team have over 18 years of experience serving Mercer County and surrounding areas like Ballard. They emphasize thorough eye health evaluations, family-friendly services, and a wide selection of eyewear. Patients consistently praise their attentive staff, clean facility, and commitment to safety and comfort during exams.
Services:
Dr. Steven L. Mathews
Bluefield Eye Center
Bluefield Eye Center provides comprehensive optometric care with a focus on patient education and preventive health. Dr. Mathews leads a team with over a decade of experience, offering state-of-the-art amenities like digital retinal imaging and same-day appointments for urgent needs. Serving Ballard and the wider region, the practice is recognized for its high safety standards, friendly atmosphere, and positive family feedback, particularly for managing chronic conditions like diabetes-related eye issues.
Services:
Dr. Mark A. Wills
America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
As part of a reputable national chain, this Beckley location serves Ballard residents with affordable, quality eye care. Dr. Wills and the staff are praised for efficient service, a vast selection of frames, and thorough exams. With over 10 years in operation, the practice maintains strong ratings for care quality, safety protocols, and family satisfaction, offering amenities like on-site lab services and flexible scheduling to accommodate rural communities.
Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a reputable optometrist in or near Ballard, WV?
In the Ballard area, a good starting point is to ask for recommendations from your primary care physician at a local clinic or from neighbors in Monroe County. You can also search online directories for optometrists in nearby towns like Union, Peterstown, or Rich Creek, which serve the Ballard community. Checking with local pharmacies or the Monroe County Health Department for referrals can also be helpful, as they often know which eye care providers local residents trust.
What eye care services are typically available from optometrists serving the Ballard area?
Optometrists in the practices near Ballard, WV, generally provide comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and diagnosis/managing of common eye conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. Given the rural setting, many also focus on managing age-related vision changes common in the community. For more specialized surgical care (like cataracts), they will refer patients to ophthalmologists in larger centers like Lewisburg or Roanoke.
Do optometrists near Ballard, WV, accept Medicaid or Medicare?
Yes, many optometry practices in the region, including those serving Monroe County residents from Ballard, do accept both Medicaid and Medicare. However, it is crucial to verify this directly with the specific office when scheduling your appointment, as participation can vary. Be sure to also ask about coverage details for exams, glasses, and contact lenses, as benefits can differ. Some smaller local practices may have more flexible payment plans for those with coverage gaps.
What should I consider when choosing an optometrist in a rural area like Ballard?
For Ballard residents, key considerations include the optometrist's proximity and travel time, as you may need to drive to a neighboring town. Check their office hours for flexibility, especially if you have farming or other rural work schedules. It's also important to confirm they offer the specific services you need (e.g., pediatric exams, diabetic eye exams) and can handle emergency eye care. Reading reviews from other Monroe County patients can provide insight into their bedside manner and reliability.
How far in advance do I typically need to book an eye exam with an optometrist near Ballard, WV?
Appointment availability can vary. For routine eye exams with popular local optometrists in towns like Union, you might need to book several weeks in advance, especially for evening or Saturday hours. For more urgent concerns, many practices will try to accommodate same-week or next-day appointments. It's advisable to call early in the year if you need to use annual insurance benefits, as schedules can fill up. New patient appointments may also require more lead time.