Chinook Eye Center

Advanced, Personalized eye care on the Hi-Line

Welcome to Chinook Eye Center

Your Eye Care Home on the Hi-Line

With two convenient locations in Havre and Chinook, we provide comprehensive eye health services to families, ranchers, and communities across north-central Montana and southern Alberta. 

Expert eye care CENTER

Comprehensive Eye Health Services

Every service we offer is designed around one goal: protecting your vision for the long term. Dr. Perez examines your eyes with the same thoroughness whether you are here for a routine prescription update or a complex medical concern.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Thorough evaluations for patients of all ages, from children through seniors, using advanced diagnostic imaging.

Cataract Evaluations

Early detection and monitoring of cataracts with guidance on when surgical intervention makes sense.

Diabetic Eye Exams

Specialized retinal screenings that catch diabetic eye disease before symptoms appear, critical for anyone managing diabetes.

Dry Eye Treatment

Personalized treatment plans that address the root cause of dry, irritated eyes, especially common in Montana's windy, dry climate.

Macular Degeneration

Ongoing monitoring and management for age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss.

Contact Lens Fitting

Precise measurements and trial fittings to find contact lenses that match your eyes, your vision needs, and your daily life.

Comfort Options

Dilation-free retinal imaging and gentle pressure testing so your exam is as comfortable as possible.

Transparency you can trust

Insurance, Cash Pay, and Clear Answers

Chinook Eye Center welcomes patients using insurance as well as those who prefer to pay out of pocket. Because every plan is a little different, and benefits can change from year to year, the best way to find out how your specific coverage applies is to give our office a call before your appointment. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and answer questions about cost.
For patients paying out of pocket, our pricing is fair and clearly communicated up front, so you can plan ahead with confidence.
We are always working to make your experience at Chinook Eye Center as smooth and straightforward as possible, from your first phone call through follow-up care.

Have a coverage or cost question? Call us at (406) 357-3740. We’re glad to help.

Eye Care Center For The Hi-Line

Convenient and High Quality Care

Finding quality eye care in rural Montana used to mean a long drive to Billings or Great Falls. Chinook Eye Center changes that. Dr. John Perez wanted this practice specifically to serve the communities along Highway 2 and the surrounding region, from Chinook and Havre to the farms, ranches, and small towns that stretch across Hill County, Blaine County, and beyond.

We provide the same advanced diagnostic technology and clinical expertise you would find in a major metro practice, delivered in a setting where you are treated like a neighbor, because you are one. Whether you need a routine eye exam, are concerned about cataracts or macular degeneration, manage diabetes and need specialized retinal monitoring, or simply want comfortable contact lenses that fit your lifestyle, we are here for you.

Trusted across the region

Serving Patients Across a 150-Mile Radius

Our patients drive from across north-central Montana and southern Alberta because quality eye care is worth the trip, and because there are not many options out here. We proudly serve:
If you are crossing the border from Canada for eye care, we welcome you. Many of our Canadian patients choose Chinook Eye Center because of our proximity to the border, our transparent cash pricing that eliminates insurance complications across international lines, and the quality of care they receive.

Cutting-edge care, close to home

Advanced Technology in a Hometown Setting

Dr. Perez has invested in the same diagnostic technology used in major metropolitan practices. Optomap retinal imaging captures a detailed, wide-field view of the back of your eye in less than a quarter of a second, no dilating drops, no blurry vision after your appointment. The iCare tonometer measures eye pressure with a gentle touch rather than a traditional puff of air. These tools allow us to detect conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma earlier and more accurately, and they make your visit more comfortable from start to finish.

Better vision starts here

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Your eyes deserve the same level of care that patients in any major city receive. At Chinook Eye Center, that is exactly what you get, without the drive, the wait, or the billing headaches.

Call (406) 357-3740 today to schedule your appointment at our Havre or Chinook office.

Common Eye Center Questions

FAQs

Chinook Eye Center is based in Chinook at 419 Pennsylvania St., Chinook, MT 59523. 

Dr. Perez also sees patients in Havre at 416 3rd Ave., where he practices alongside other eye care providers. 

Both locations are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call Havre at (406) 265-1231 or Chinook at (406) 357-3740 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Perez.

Chinook Eye Center welcomes patients using insurance as well as those who prefer to pay out of pocket. Because coverage can vary from plan to plan, we encourage you to call our office before your appointment so our team can help you understand how your benefits apply and what to expect for cost. For patients paying out of pocket, our pricing is transparent and communicated up front. Either way, you will know what to expect before your visit begins. Have a coverage or cost question? Call us at (406) 357-3740.

Chinook Eye Center is committed to transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Whether you are using insurance or paying out of pocket, you will receive a clear picture of your costs before your visit. Call (406) 357-3740 to ask about current exam pricing for your specific needs, whether that is a routine vision exam, a diabetic eye exam, or a cataract evaluation.

Chinook Eye Center is led by Dr. John Perez, who built this practice specifically to bring advanced eye care to the Hi-Line communities of north-central Montana. Dr. Perez uses the same diagnostic technology found in major metropolitan practices and provides the same level of thorough, personalized care whether you are visiting for a routine exam or a complex medical concern.

Chinook Eye Center provides a full range of optometry services, including:


Comprehensive Eye Exams: for patients of all ages, from children through seniors Cataract Evaluations: early detection and monitoring Diabetic Eye Exams: specialized retinal screenings for patients managing diabetes Dry Eye Treatment: personalized plans that address root causes, not just symptoms Macular Degeneration Monitoring: ongoing management of age-related AMD Contact Lens Fittings: precise measurements and trial fittings Comfort Options: dilation-free retinal imaging and gentle pressure testing

In most cases, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment at Chinook Eye Center. Simply call our office and we will get you scheduled. If your insurance plan requires a referral, we recommend checking with your provider in advance. Call (406) 357-3740 to schedule at our Havre or Chinook location.

Yes. Dr. Perez is fluent in Spanish and is happy to conduct your exam and answer your questions in Spanish. While not all staff members speak Spanish, you are welcome to request Dr. Perez directly when you call to schedule. Call us at (406) 357-3740 to set up your appointment.

Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. Patients who wear glasses or contacts, manage diabetes, have a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, or are over age 60 should be seen annually. Children should have their first eye exam before starting school. Dr. Perez will recommend the right schedule based on your individual eye health at your first visit.

Yes. Chinook Eye Center welcomes patients from southern Alberta and other Canadian communities near the Coutts, Wild Horse, and Aden border crossings. Our transparent pricing and straightforward payment process make it easy for international patients to understand exactly what to expect, without the insurance complications that can arise across borders. Our proximity to the border makes us one of the most convenient options for quality eye care in the region. Many Canadian patients make the trip specifically for our transparent pricing and advanced diagnostic technology.

Chinook Eye Center serves patients across a 150-mile radius in north-central Montana and southern Alberta, including Havre, Chinook, Malta, Glasgow, Harlem, Dodson, Turner, Big Sandy, Rudyard, Chester, Shelby, Cut Bank, and Box Elder. We also serve Hill County, Blaine County, Phillips County, and Chouteau County, as well as the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservations.

Chinook Eye Center uses the same advanced diagnostic equipment found in major metropolitan practices. Optomap retinal imaging captures a wide-field view of the back of your eye in less than a second, with no dilating drops required, so there is no blurry vision after your appointment. Our iCare tonometer measures eye pressure with a gentle touch rather than the traditional puff of air. These tools allow Dr. Perez to detect conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma earlier and more accurately.

Chinook Eye Center uses the same advanced diagnostic equipment found in major metropolitan practices. Optomap retinal imaging captures a wide-field view of the back of your eye in less than a second, with no dilating drops required, so there is no blurry vision after your appointment. Our iCare tonometer measures eye pressure with a gentle touch rather than the traditional puff of air. These tools allow Dr. Perez to detect conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma earlier and more accurately.

Yes. Chinook Eye Center offers Optomap retinal imaging as a comfortable alternative to traditional dilation. This technology captures a detailed, wide-field image of your retina in less than a quarter of a second, with no dilating drops, no blurry vision, and no waiting for your eyes to recover before you drive home. Ask about this option when you schedule your appointment.