Best Eye Doctors In Salem, OR

Why trust us?

VisionCenter is committed to connecting patients to the best local healthcare providers. We reviewed Salem Optometrists in Salem, Salem, and chose this list based on their:

  • Qualifications and education
  • Years of experience
  • Reputation and resources
  • Past customer experiences

We used AI technology to analyze Salem reviews from Google, Yelp, and Facebook to find patients' favorite surgeons in the area. Our team then went through and hand picked our list of the best Optometrists in Salem.

Eye Care Physicians & Surgeons

4.5 out of 5 (590 reviews)

1309 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Summary

This eye care center receives mostly positive feedback for their friendly, professional, and knowledgeable doctors and staff. However, some patients report issues with parking availability, long wait times, unhelpful staff interactions, and dissatisfaction with exam fees or quality.

Highlights

  • Friendly and knowledgeable doctors and staff: Many reviews specifically mention the professionalism, kindness, and expertise of the doctors and staff members at the eye care center.
  • Thorough and attentive eye exams: Multiple reviews highlight the careful and detailed nature of the eye exams, as well as the doctors taking the time to explain procedures, results, and next steps to the patients.
  • Excellent service and comfortable experience: Reviewers frequently express satisfaction with the overall experience, including short wait times, smooth check-in and check-out processes, and a comfortable and professional atmosphere at the clinic.

Sterling Vision | West Salem Vision Center

4.8 out of 5 (439 reviews)

1594 Edgewater St NW STE 190, Salem, OR 97304

Summary

The eye care center receives mostly positive reviews for the punctual, friendly, and professional service of its staff. Patients frequently note the comprehensive eye exams and appreciate the eye doctors taking time to review results and answer questions. Though some mention issues with communication, the office is largely recommended for attentive care at fair prices.

Highlights

  • The staff at this eye care center are punctual and accommodating, even for high-risk patients with specific needs.
  • The optometrists, Dr. Rossman and Dr. Glennie, provide thorough and detailed eye exams, taking the time to explain the results and answer any questions.
  • The office has invested in the latest eye exam technology, including an eye imaging machine, for the benefit of their patients.

Eye Focus Northwest

4.7 out of 5 (379 reviews)

3816 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Summary

Most reviews of this eye care center were positive, highlighting thorough and efficient exams and a helpful, friendly staff. However, a small number cited unexpected costs, billing issues and unprofessional behavior by some employees.

Highlights

  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff who provide thorough and efficient eye exams.
  • Modern and up-to-date equipment used for eye exams, including state-of-the-art technology that eliminates the need for pupil dilation.
  • Helpful and accommodating in finding the perfect glasses, with a wide selection to choose from.

Eye Care Physicians & Surgeons (South Salem)

4.8 out of 5 (362 reviews)

2001 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Summary

Reviews overwhelmingly praise the eye care center’s friendly, knowledgeable staff and skilled doctors who perform comprehensive exams while making patients feel at ease. Wait times are short with efficient check-in. However, some criticisms were made regarding past customer service and lack of mask-wearing in the lobby. Still, most reviewers highly recommend this professional and comfortable eye care center.

Highlights

  • Knowledgeable and thorough doctors: Dr. Chung, Dr. Paluska, and Dr. Stice were all praised for being thorough, providing requested education, and catching eye disorders.
  • Friendly and helpful staff: Receptionists, technicians, and assistants were all described as friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, making patients feel comfortable and well taken care of.
  • Efficient and organized: Many reviews mentioned that the check-in process was reasonable and efficient, with efficient communication and facilitation of the whole eye care process.

Visionworks Willamette Towne Center

4.5 out of 5 (340 reviews)

799 Lancaster Dr NE Suite 120, Salem, OR 97301

Summary

The eye care center receives consistently positive feedback for its professional, knowledgeable staff. Patients mention the attentive service of optometrist Elias and sales associates Zach and Zeb. One reviewer highlights the efficiency of their eye exam and glasses purchase, leaving satisfied with two new pairs. Multiple customers emphasize the friendliness of all staff members.

Highlights

  • Professional and knowledgeable staff: Multiple reviews mention the staff being professional and knowledgeable, particularly Elias who provided a positive experience and didn't push unwanted options.
  • Friendly and helpful optometrists: Some reviews highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the optometrists during eye exams, making patients feel comfortable and including them in the entire process.
  • Quick and efficient service: Several reviews mention quick and efficient service, with optometrists getting patients in and out of appointments quickly and glasses being ready sooner than expected.

Family Focus Eye Care – Dry Eye Center of Salem

4.9 out of 5 (220 reviews)

338 Hawthorne Ave NE, Salem, OR 97301

Summary

Family Focus Eye Care is lauded for their knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly staff who provide personalized care, thorough explanations, and efficiently address all patient questions and concerns. Patients consistently praise the clinic’s short wait times, wide selection of frames and lenses, and positive experiences with eye exams and doctors.

Highlights

  • Knowledgeable and helpful staff
  • Transparent billing practices and not pushy with extras
  • Efficient and quick appointments

All Family Vision Care-Salem

4.6 out of 5 (150 reviews)

990 Broadway St NE Suite 100, Salem, OR 97301

Summary

Most reviews of the eye care center are positive, highlighting the friendly and knowledgeable staff, with doctors praised for their professionalism, warmth and thoroughness, especially with children. However, one reviewer cited long waits and unexpected costs from double-billing insurance. Still, the majority highly recommend the center.

Highlights

  • Highly recommended for children: Multiple reviews praise the eye care center for their exceptional service and expertise in working with children during eye exams. The staff is described as friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, making it an ideal place for young ones to receive eye care.
  • Professional and friendly staff: Many reviews mention the friendly and professional nature of the staff members. They are described as respectful and kind, creating a pleasant environment for customers. The optometrists are also commended for their expertise, making patients feel comfortable and explaining procedures thoroughly.
  • Good customer service and personalized approach: The eye care center is praised for providing excellent service and taking the time to address individual needs. Reviewers appreciate that the staff listens to their preferences and offers honest feedback, rather than pushing unnecessary products. The personalized approach is highlighted as a positive aspect of the center.

Dr. Paluska Robert M OD

4.9 out of 5 (117 reviews)

2001 Commercial St SE S, Salem, OR 97302, United States

Summary

Dr. Paluska receives consistently positive feedback for his thorough exams, clear communication, and caring rapport with patients. Patients also appreciate the staff’s friendliness and helpful assistance. With his patient-focused approach, Dr. Paluska comes highly recommended.

Highlights

  • Dr. Paluska is highly recommended by multiple reviewers for his thorough examinations, clear explanations, and easy-going humor, making patients feel reassured and valued.
  • The staff at the eye care center are described as friendly, helpful, and informative, taking the time to answer questions and ensuring that each step of the process is explained.
  • The clinic is praised for its total eye care services, with reviewers highlighting the knowledgeable and skilled assistant who conducts preliminary testing and the welcoming and personable demeanor of Dr. Paluska himself.

Eye Care Oculofacial Plastic Surgery

4.8 out of 5 (99 reviews)

1285 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Summary

The eye care center received positive feedback for its friendly, professional staff and knowledgeable doctors. Patients commented on the thorough eye exams, clear doctor communication, welcoming facilities, and efficient appointment process.

Highlights

  • Friendly and professional staff: Multiple reviews mentioned that the staff at this eye care center were friendly, courteous, and professional. This creates a comfortable and positive environment for patients seeking eye care.
  • Efficient and knowledgeable doctor: Several reviews mentioned that the doctor at this eye care center was efficient, knowledgeable, and able to address their eye care needs effectively. Patients appreciated the doctor's ability to diagnose and provide treatment options.
  • Accommodating and expedited service: One review highlighted the doctor's willingness to see a patient on a weekend, opening the clinic specifically for their needs. This shows a level of care and accommodation for patients, ensuring they are seen promptly and their concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

Capitol Eye Care

4.4 out of 5 (117 reviews)

2755 Commercial St SE Suite 102, Salem, OR 97302

Summary

This eye care center receives mostly positive reviews for their friendly, helpful staff and knowledgeable doctors who provide comfortable, thorough eye exams and frame fittings. A few negative reviews cite issues with communication and long wait times for glasses. Overall, most recommend this center for eye doctor and exam needs.

Highlights

  • Knowledgeable and friendly staff: Reviewers consistently mention the friendly and helpful staff at Capitol Eye Care. They provide thorough explanations during the eye exam and are informative and patient when answering questions.
  • Affordable pricing: Several reviewers mentioned that the pricing at Capitol Eye Care was competitive and even beat prices from other sources. This can provide cost savings, especially for contact lens wearers.

Choosing the Right Eye Care Provider

The kind of eye doctor you should visit depends on your issues. You may need an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or both.

Optometrists provide primary eye care, including vision tests and prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. You may also visit an optometrist for eye infections or issues that don’t require surgery. 

For more complicated issues, your optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care. They can treat a broader range of medical conditions. 

When choosing an eye care clinic, look for a place that can address your specific needs. You may ask your friends and family for recommendations. Reading reviews online and checking with your insurance company can also help you find the right provider.

Understanding Eye Conditions and Their Treatment

The most common eye problems include refractive errors, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. Symptoms of these eye conditions include blurred vision, headaches, and eye strain. 

Once you experience severe pain in your eye, it’s important to visit an eye doctor immediately. Other symptoms, such as fever and eye discharge, may indicate a more severe infection. This is why seeking medical attention is essential if you experience these symptoms.

Treatment for eye conditions will vary depending on your symptoms. Eye doctors sometimes collaborate with other specialists to determine the best course of action.

Maintaining Your Vision Health

Proper care and prevention are the best ways to maintain your vision health. Here are some tips on how to ensure that your eyes stay in the best condition possible:

  • Protective eyewear. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection outdoors or safety goggles when working with tools can prevent eye damage.
  • Proper nutrition. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E can help you receive the proper nutrients to protect your eyes. Getting enough sleep and limiting alcohol consumption is also part of proper nutrition for eye care.
  • Regular breaks from screens. Follow the 20-20-20 rule when working with screens. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  • Manage chronic conditions. Chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension can also affect your eye health. Managing them can help decrease their effects on your eyes. 
  • Regular eye exams. Visiting your eye doctor regularly can help detect eye problems early on. If needed, they can provide proper treatment immediately to prevent further complications. 

Eye Care Insurance and Managing Costs

Insurance companies vary in terms of coverage when it comes to eye care. Vision insurance is usually separate from general health insurance.

You can save money and avoid surprises by consulting your insurance provider regarding coverage. Ask about your coverage for eye examinations, contact lenses or glasses, and other treatments. 

If you don’t have insurance, these financing options are available:

Vision Health Trends in Oregon

  • Examining vision health as one ages reveals In 2018, a higher percentage of people aged 65 and older in Oregon reported being blind or having difficulty seeing compared to those aged 40-64. in Oregon, signaling the need for proactive eye care.

Risk Factors Impacting Vision in Oregon

  • A family history of eye issues, diabetes, and alcoholism can all influence vision health in Oregon.
  • The In Oregon in 2018, people with diabetes had a significantly higher risk of vision problems, with a percentage of 12.3 compared to the overall percentage of 4.68 for the population without any risk factors. and In Oregon in 2018, the percentage of people who were blind or had difficulty seeing was higher among those who smoked tobacco (7.06%) compared to the overall population (4.68%), indicating that smoking increases the risk of vision problems by approximately 2.38%. statistics underscore the impact of these factors on vision health.

Vision Impairment Statistics in Oregon

  • In Oregon, 4.68% of individuals report significant vision impairment, with specific age groups reporting varying degrees of difficulty.

Age-Specific Vision Challenges in Oregon

  • Amongst those aged 18 to 39, 3.95% experience vision difficulties.
  • The percentage increases to 4.75% in the 40-64 age range.
  • Seniors over 65 in Oregon face even higher rates at 5.72%.

Addressing Vision Health Beyond Age in Oregon

  • Other factors such as diabetes and smoking contribute to vision impairment in Oregon.
  • 12.3% of those with diabetes and 7.06% of smokers report difficulty seeing.

Children's Vision Health in Oregon

  • Early vision care is crucial, with 67.65% of children in Oregon having had their vision tested.
  • Of those, 1.74% report vision problems, emphasizing the need for early detection and care.

Proactive Vision Health Measures in Oregon

  • Regular eye exams and UV protection are essential, especially considering the 4.68% of the population with vision impairment.
  • A healthy diet, smoking cessation, and regular breaks from screens contribute to better vision health, which can help mitigate the statistics on vision impairment in Oregon.

Summary

Proper vision care is crucial for people of all ages. Your treatment will vary depending on your condition and issues. Finding the right eye care provider can help you receive the necessary treatment and care. 

Sources:

  1.  "Common Eye Disorders and Diseases." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
  2. “Finding an Eye Doctor | National Eye Institute.” National Eye Institute.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. FastStats - Health Insurance Coverage.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020. 
  4. "Healthy Vision Tips." National Eye Institute. 
  5. “Optometry.” UC Davis, 2017.
The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist.