Compare 51 ophthalmologists in Sarasota, FL. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
51
Ophthalmologists
100%
Accepting patients
88%
Most common: MD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Sarasota is a retirement and cultural hub that has built a remarkably deep healthcare infrastructure for a mid-size city. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is publicly owned, which means it reinvests in the community rather than sending profits elsewhere. That model, combined with the area's wealthy retiree base, has attracted specialists who might otherwise only practice in Tampa or Miami.
Sarasota has 51 ophthalmologists. The most common credential is MD (88%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Sarasota Memorial's main campus anchors healthcare downtown, with Doctors Hospital of Sarasota providing a second option south of the city center. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center serves the fast-growing communities east of I-75. US-41 (the Tamiami Trail) is the primary north-south corridor connecting providers, and Bee Ridge Road serves as the main east-west medical corridor. Barrier island residents on Siesta Key and Longboat Key face bridge crossings that add 15 to 30 minutes.
Providers practice throughout Sarasota. Downtown Sarasota is the urban core near Sarasota Memorial Hospital, with specialist offices clustered along Main Street and Ringling Boulevard. St. Armands Circle is an upscale shopping and dining circle on the barrier island with boutique medical practices and proximity to Sarasota Memorial. Burns Court is a small arts-oriented neighborhood near downtown with walkable access to Sarasota Memorial and Doctors Hospital. Gillespie Park is a residential neighborhood just north of downtown with easy access to Sarasota Memorial's main campus.
Nearby hospitals include Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Local training programs run through University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee and Ringling College of Art and Design. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is a public, community-owned hospital system and one of the largest in Florida, consistently ranked among the best in the state.
The first visit includes a comprehensive eye exam with dilation, detailed imaging of your retina and optic nerve, and a review of your symptoms and medical history. The ophthalmologist will explain their findings, discuss treatment options (including whether surgery is indicated), and outline next steps. Plan for two to three hours total because of dilation and imaging.
Sarasota Memorial operates a large physician network, and their patient navigation team can help match you with a primary care provider accepting new patients. Call the main line and ask for physician referral services.
See an ophthalmologist for cataracts, glaucoma requiring surgery or advanced management, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal tears or detachment, eye injuries, LASIK evaluation, eyelid problems, crossed eyes in children, or any eye condition your optometrist has referred you for. You should also see one if you have a systemic disease (diabetes, autoimmune conditions) that affects the eyes.
Office visit copay: $30-75 · Cataract surgery: $3,000-5,000 per eye · LASIK: $2,000-3,000 per eye · Retinal imaging: $50-200
Sarasota, FL has 51 licensed ophthalmologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of ophthalmologists in Sarasota, FL are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Medicare is the primary insurance type in Sarasota County. Traditional Medicare with a Medigap supplement is widely accepted. Medicare Advantage plans from Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna compete heavily in this market. For residents under 65, Florida Blue and Ambetter are the main ACA marketplace options.
An office visit copay is $30 to $75. Cataract surgery costs $3,000 to $5,000 per eye. LASIK runs $2,000 to $3,000 per eye. Retinal imaging costs $50 to $200. Actual costs in Sarasota, FL depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Medical eye conditions (cataracts, glaucoma) are billed to medical insurance. Routine refraction for glasses is billed to vision insurance. LASIK is typically self-pay. Verify which insurance applies to your visit type.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital is the dominant system, operating the main hospital, a cancer center, and a network of outpatient clinics. Doctors Hospital of Sarasota (HCA) and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center provide alternatives. Most local physicians are affiliated with Sarasota Memorial, though some specialists maintain privileges at multiple facilities.
MD stands for Doctor of Medicine and DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Sarasota, FL, 88% hold the MD credential and 6% hold DO. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
78% of ophthalmologists in Sarasota, FL accept Medicare. Medicare covers eye exams for conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Cataract surgery is covered. Routine vision exams for glasses prescriptions are not covered under Original Medicare. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Yes. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is owned and operated by the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board, a special taxing district. This means it serves all patients regardless of ability to pay and reinvests revenue back into facilities and services rather than distributing profits to shareholders.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard is the primary hospital serving the community. There are also numerous outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and specialist offices along University Parkway and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
Top accepted carriers in Sarasota, FL include medicare, qhp-16842, unitedhealthcare, centene, and qhp-17091.
Medical insurance covers ophthalmology visits for eye diseases and conditions (glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye exams). Vision insurance covers routine refraction and glasses prescriptions. LASIK is typically not covered by either. Cataract surgery is covered by medical insurance. Verify in-network status and whether pre-authorization is needed for surgery or diagnostic imaging.