Optometry at RCMC with Dr. Hartford

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Joseph Hartford is proud to provide trusted eye care for patients of all ages in the Black Hills region. As an experienced optometrist at Rapid City Medical Center, Dr. Hartford specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of vision concerns helping children, adults, and seniors achieve and maintain healthy eyesight.

When Should You See an Optometrist?

Many people wonder when it’s time to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. You should see an optometrist if you experience:

Blurry or double vision
Frequent headaches or eye strain
Difficulty seeing at night
Sudden changes in vision
Eye pain, redness, or irritation
Trouble focusing or reading up close
The need for a routine vision exam or updated prescription

Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, regular eye exams are important for maintaining eye health and detecting problems early.

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Joseph Hartford, OD

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Why Choose Dr. Hartford for Your Vision Care?

Dr. Hartford believes clear vision enhances quality of life at every stage. His care includes:

Comprehensive eye exams for children, adults, and seniors
Contact lens fittings and personalized recommendations
Prescription glasses tailored to your needs
Diagnosis and management of diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and dry eyes
Preventive care to monitor vision changes over time

When you come to Rapid City Medical Center for your vision needs, you are not just seeing an eye doctor, you’re stepping into a full-service eye care team. From glasses and contacts to advanced treatments, we have you covered. And if you ever need surgery, you won’t have to go anywhere else, our team is right here to make sure you get the care you need, all in one place.

What’s the Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?

Optometrist (OD): Provides routine eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and manages many vision and eye health concerns.
Ophthalmologist (MD): A medical doctor who can perform eye surgery and treat advanced eye diseases. At Rapid City Medical Center, our optometry and ophthalmology teams work together to give patients complete, convenient vision care under one roof.

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?

Children: First eye exam before age 5, then as recommended by your provider.
Adults (18–64): Every 1–2 years, or sooner if you have vision changes.
Seniors (65+): Annually, to check for age-related vision concerns.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, more frequent exams may be recommended

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About Dr. Joseph Hartford

Dr. Hartford has been caring for patients in Rapid City for more than 30 years. Known for his thorough approach and friendly manner, he is passionate about helping patients of all ages see clearly and comfortably. Whether fitting a child for their first pair of glasses, updating prescriptions for adults, or managing senior vision needs, Dr. Hartford provides expert care you can trust.

Schedule Your Eye Exam in Rapid City

Protecting your vision is one of the best investments you can make in your health. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph Hartford at Rapid City Medical Center’s Optometry clinic today. Conveniently located in Rapid City, SD and proudly serving patients from across the Black Hills.

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