Compare 118 ophthalmologists in Salt Lake City, UT. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
118
Ophthalmologists
100%
Accepting patients
89%
Most common: MD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Salt Lake City sits at the intersection of two healthcare powerhouses: the University of Utah, a national leader in genetic research and precision medicine, and Intermountain Health, one of the most studied healthcare systems in the world for operational efficiency. Between them, the Wasatch Front has a depth of care that rivals metros three times its population.
Salt Lake City has 118 ophthalmologists. The most common credential is MD (89%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
University of Utah Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute occupy the foothills east of downtown, accessible via TRAX light rail and bus routes. Intermountain Medical Center, the system's largest facility, sits in Murray about 15 minutes south of downtown. Primary Children's Hospital is adjacent to the U of U campus. The Wasatch Front's north-south layout means most healthcare travel follows I-15 or I-215, and TRAX connects several key medical centers.
Providers practice throughout Salt Lake City. Sugar House is a walkable neighborhood with independent practices and proximity to the University of Utah medical campus. The Avenues is a historic hillside neighborhood near the University of Utah Hospital and Primary Children's Hospital. Downtown Salt Lake City is intermountain Healthcare and University of Utah clinics serve the urban core. Capitol Hill is a central neighborhood near both the U of U medical campus and LDS Hospital.
Nearby hospitals include University of Utah Hospital, Intermountain Medical Center (Murray, nearby), and Primary Children's Hospital. Local training programs run through University of Utah School of Medicine and University of Utah. Intermountain Health, headquartered near Salt Lake City, is one of the most studied healthcare systems in the world for operational efficiency.
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.
New patient appointments with University of Utah or Intermountain primary care typically take one to three weeks. Both systems operate MyChart portals for scheduling and messaging. Bring your insurance card and any recent lab results.
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
Salt Lake City, UT has 118 licensed ophthalmologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of ophthalmologists in Salt Lake City, UT are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
SelectHealth (Intermountain's insurance arm) is one of the largest carriers in Utah, alongside Regence BlueCross BlueShield, DMBA, and UnitedHealthcare. Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, and managed care runs through Molina and Healthy U. Both major health systems accept a broad range of plans.
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 Salt Lake City, UT 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.
University of Utah and Intermountain Health are the two dominant systems, and most specialists are affiliated with one or the other. Start by checking which system your insurance covers best. For rare or complex conditions, the University of Utah is the regional referral center. Intermountain covers a broader geographic footprint with clinics across the Wasatch Front.
67% of ophthalmologists in Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City, UT accept Utah 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 Utah Medicaid participation before scheduling.
University of Utah Health is the academic medical center, focused on research, complex cases, and subspecialty care. Intermountain Health is a large nonprofit system with hospitals and clinics across Utah and surrounding states, focused on operational efficiency and population health. Both are highly regarded, and many patients use both systems depending on their needs.
During temperature inversions, typically in January and February, the Salt Lake Valley can have some of the worst air quality in the country. Local physicians see increased visits for asthma, bronchitis, and COPD flare-ups during these periods. Patients with respiratory conditions should monitor air quality indexes and limit outdoor activity on red days.
Top accepted carriers in Salt Lake City, UT include unitedhealthcare, medicare, qhp-68781, molina, and qhp-63474.
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.