Indiana Eye Doctors

Meet our Doctors What's an O.D.? Pediatric Care Insurance

Our optometrists are at the core of our eye care clinics.

Experienced and professional eye doctors are located at all of our Heartland Vision eye clinics. There you will find personalized care and cutting edge technology.

Maintaining your vision and protecting your future eye health is an ongoing union between you and your eye doctor. Our patients are encouraged to share any relevant health information, ask any pertinent questions, and make regular eye checkups part of their continuing preventive eye care.

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Meet Our Doctors:

Indianapolis Area Doctors

Dr. Brian Swift, O.D. English

Dr. Roger Wilson, O.D. English

Dr. Jacquelyn Patterson, O.D. NEW English

Kokomo Area Doctors

Dr. Mitchel Kemp, O.D. NEW English

Anderson Area Doctors

Dr. Rebecca Hales, O.D. English

Dr. Lynn Helms, O.D. English

Fort Wayne Area Doctors

Dr. Robert Scott, O.D. English

What is an Optometrist?

An optometrist is an eye doctor with a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Usually, they already have obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology or related sciences, followed by four years of professional training and study at an accredited optometry school.

Optometrists are healthcare providers who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the eyes. They perform eye exams to measure vision and health-related to your eyes, such as diabetes.

The scope of the medical practice performed by optometrists is defined by state law. In Indiana, optometrists are legally permitted to (but not limited to):

Prescribe oral medications, including antivirals, NSAIDs, antifungals, and steroids
Diagnose and treat glaucoma with oral and/or topical drugs
Use drops such as miotics, mydriatics, cycloplegics and anesthetics
Prescribe Schedule IV drugs and Tramadol
Order imaging
Deliver injections

Heartland Vision eye doctors can diagnose, prevent and treat your eye health issues. If further specialized medical or surgical care is necessary, we will refer you to a qualified ophthalmologist.

Why are annual eye exams important?

An annual eye exam allows your optometrist to detect and address health issues before any symptoms become obvious to you. Unfortunately, many eye conditions have no signs or symptoms in their early stages. By the time you notice many of them, the damage has already been done. An annual eye exam is the only way to detect eye conditions early when it’s best to treat them and prevent permanent damage.

Regular annual eye exams enable your eye doctor to track your vision and eye health over extended periods, revealing trends in your eye health. Identifying any deterioration in your eye health at an early stage enables more proactive treatment, and significantly increases the likelihood of maintaining excellent vision and eye health as you age.

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Pediatric Eye Doctors

All Heartland Vision eye care clinics in Indiana provide thorough eye healthcare and eye exams for children. We provide eye care for toddlers 3 and over, kids, tweens and children with special needs.

For children under age 3 please contact us for a referral. We always welcome new patients.

Studies have shown that 20% of preschool-aged children and 25% of children in school are impacted by vision problems. You may not even know your child has vision problems.

Our eye doctors work in partnership with Prevent Blindness America to ensure Indiana children with vision problems are able to get the care they need and deserve.

Do Eye Doctors Take Insurance? YES!

Heartland Vision optometrists are authorized providers of more insurance providers than other eye clinics. Here is a list of vision insurance plans we accept, or you can contact one of our 6 Indiana locations to see if your insurance plan or union health & welfare plan is accepted. We offer free coverage checks so you’ll exactly how much your insurance will cover before the bill comes.

Insurance Plans We Take

Optometrist Frequently Asked Questions

What does an optometrist do?

Optometrists are eye doctors who diagnose and treat vision and eye-related problems. Optometrists conduct comprehensive eye exams to evaluate eye health, and they write prescriptions to correct vision and help with eye-related health issues.

What’s an optician?

Opticians work closely with optometrists to dispense and fit corrective eyewear for patients. Opticians are eyewear specialists, but they’re not eye doctors. Heartland Vision opticians are also customer service and insurance experts, ready to help you understand your benefits, explain optical lens options and adjust or repair frames.

What’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?

An optometrist is your go-to eye doctor for routine eye exams, vision correction and treatment of common eye problems like a stye or pink eye. Optometrists can diagnose and write prescriptions for eye conditions, and if you require specialized care they’ll provide a referral to an ophthalmologist.

If you experience vision loss or decreased vision, have a family history of eye disease or suffer an eye injury, you’ll want to see an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and specialists in ocular diseases and disorders.

Is an optometrist an eye doctor?

Yes-optometrists are eye doctors who hold a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. To become an optometrist, individuals must first complete a bachelor's degree, typically in biology or a related field, and then pursue four years of study in an accredited optometry program.

Do eye doctors accept vision insurance?

Yes! Heartland Vision accepts most types of vision insurance. Call us for a free benefits check before your appointment to learn more about your coverage details.

Does Heartland Vision accept CareCredit?

Yes. All Heartland Vision locations accept CareCredit for vision care including eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses and more.

Does Heartland Vision have pediatric eye doctors?

Yes. Our optometrists provide care for children ages 3 and up. If you need a referral for your toddler or infant, give us a call! We are happy to give you a referral.

Heartland Vision is always accepting new patients.

Are your eye doctors open on Saturdays?

Yes, all of our eye doctors are open on Saturday to see patients. In general, Saturday appointments are in high demand, so please be prepared to book ahead.