Compare 159 ophthalmologists in Cleveland, OH. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
159
Ophthalmologists
100%
Accepting patients
77%
Most common: MD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Cleveland is, in many ways, a healthcare city first. Cleveland Clinic is one of the most recognized hospital brands in the world, and University Hospitals provides the academic counterweight. Together, they employ more people than any other industry in northeast Ohio and attract patients from around the globe for cardiac surgery, transplant medicine, and cancer care.
Cleveland has 159 ophthalmologists. The most common credential is MD (77%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Ohio City, Tremont, University Circle, and Lakewood (nearby).
Most major medical facilities cluster along the Euclid Avenue corridor from downtown through University Circle. Cleveland Clinic's main campus sits in the Fairfax neighborhood, while University Hospitals is just up the road in University Circle. MetroHealth serves the west side and safety-net populations. RTA's HealthLine bus rapid transit runs directly between the two hospital systems, making it one of the few cities where you can reach top-tier care by public transit.
Nearby hospitals include Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and MetroHealth Medical Center. Local training programs run through Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Cleveland State University. Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among the top 5 hospitals in the nation and is a global leader in cardiac care.
Medical Mutual of Ohio is the largest Ohio-based health insurer and has strong networks with both Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the other major commercial carrier. Ohio Medicaid is managed through CareSource, Molina, and Buckeye Health Plan. Many Cleveland employers offer plan options specifically designed around Cleveland Clinic or UH networks. 77% accept Medicare.
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.
Both Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals use MyChart portals. If you are choosing between the two systems, consider which one your employer's insurance plan favors. Switching between them mid-treatment creates records gaps.
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
Cleveland, OH has 159 licensed ophthalmologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of ophthalmologists in Cleveland, OH are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Medical Mutual of Ohio and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield are the dominant carriers. Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals each have preferred relationships with different insurers, so check your plan's network before booking. Ohio Medicaid through CareSource and Molina is accepted at MetroHealth and most Clinic and UH locations.
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 Cleveland, OH 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.
The Cleveland healthcare market is essentially a two-system town: Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. MetroHealth serves as the public safety-net hospital. Your insurance will likely steer you toward one system, so start there.
77% of ophthalmologists in Cleveland, OH 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.
Some ophthalmologists in Cleveland, OH accept Ohio Medicaid, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers medically necessary eye care in all states. Coverage for routine vision exams and glasses varies by state. Children have broader coverage than adults. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Ohio Medicaid participation before scheduling.
For complex cardiac, transplant, and cancer cases, it genuinely is one of the best in the world. For routine primary care, you may find shorter wait times and more convenient locations through University Hospitals or independent practices.
For many specialties, yes. Cleveland Clinic allows self-referral for new patients, though your insurance may still require a referral from your primary care doctor for coverage purposes. Call their appointment line to verify.
Top accepted carriers in Cleveland, OH include unitedhealthcare, medicare, qhp-17091, qhp-54192, and centene.
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.