Compare 160 optometrists in Colorado Springs, CO. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
160
Optometrists
100%
Accepting patients
96%
Most common: OD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Colorado Springs healthcare revolves around two realities: a large military community centered on Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base, and a fast-growing civilian population that has outpaced the city's medical infrastructure. UCHealth and CommonSpirit are expanding, but primary care wait times remain longer than in Denver.
Colorado Springs has 160 optometrists. The most common credential is OD (96%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Old Colorado City, Downtown Colorado Springs, Broadmoor, and Manitou Springs (nearby).
Medical offices cluster along North Academy Boulevard and the I-25 corridor through the center of the city. UCHealth Memorial Central sits downtown, while Penrose-St. Francis is on the south side near the Broadmoor. Military families can access Evans Army Community Hospital on Fort Carson, but many also use off-base TRICARE providers along Academy.
Nearby hospitals include UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, and Evans Army Community Hospital (Fort Carson). Local training programs run through University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and Colorado College. Colorado Springs' large military population from Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base drives demand for veterans' and active-duty healthcare.
TRICARE coverage is more common here than in nearly any other Colorado city due to the Fort Carson and Peterson bases. On the civilian side, Anthem and Cigna have the widest provider networks. Kaiser Permanente has a smaller footprint here than in Denver. Health First Colorado (Medicaid) enrollment is moderate, with access through Peak Vista Community Health Centers. 54% accept Medicare.
A comprehensive eye exam takes 30 to 60 minutes. It includes reading an eye chart, checking eye pressure (glaucoma screening), examining the internal structures of your eye, testing how your eyes work together, and determining your prescription. Your eyes may be dilated with drops, which temporarily blurs close-up vision for a few hours.
See an optometrist for routine eye exams (every one to two years for adults, annually for children and adults over 60), new or updated glasses or contact lens prescriptions, dry eyes, eye strain from screens, red or irritated eyes, and monitoring of conditions like glaucoma. For surgical needs (cataracts, LASIK), they will refer you to an ophthalmologist.
Eye exam (with vision insurance): $0-25 copay · Eye exam (without insurance): $100-250 · Glasses: $100-400+ · Contact lens fitting: $50-200
Annual eye exams do more than update your glasses prescription. Optometrists screen for glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and systemic conditions like diabetes that show early signs in the eyes.
Getting the right prescription and fit matters for comfort and clear vision. Optometrists determine your prescription, recommend lens types, and ensure contacts fit your eyes properly.
Chronic dry, gritty, or burning eyes affect millions of people. Optometrists identify the type of dry eye and recommend treatments from artificial tears and warm compresses to prescription drops.
Extended screen time causes eye fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision. Your optometrist can recommend specialized lenses, screen habits, and exercises to reduce strain.
Glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy often have no early symptoms. Optometrists use specialized imaging to detect these conditions before vision loss occurs.
Colorado Springs, CO has 160 licensed optometrists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of optometrists in Colorado Springs, CO are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
TRICARE is a significant part of the local insurance mix due to the military presence. For civilians, Connect for Health Colorado marketplace plans are available from Anthem and Cigna. Kaiser Permanente has a limited network in the Springs. Health First Colorado covers Medicaid-eligible residents.
An eye exam with vision insurance costs $0 to $25 as a copay. Without insurance, an exam costs $100 to $250. Glasses range from $100 to $400 or more. Contact lens fitting runs $50 to $200. Actual costs in Colorado Springs, CO depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Vision insurance and health insurance cover different things. Vision insurance covers routine exams, glasses, and contacts. Medical insurance covers treatment of eye diseases. You may need both for complete coverage.
Colorado Springs is served primarily by UCHealth (Memorial Hospital system) and CommonSpirit (Penrose-St. Francis). The city has fewer specialists per capita than Denver, so referrals for complex cases often route to the Anschutz Medical Campus about 70 miles north. Military families have Evans Army Community Hospital on Fort Carson as an additional option.
54% of optometrists in Colorado Springs, CO accept Medicare. Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams or glasses. It does cover annual eye exams for people with diabetes and treatment for eye diseases like glaucoma. Some Medicare Advantage plans include vision benefits. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Some optometrists in Colorado Springs, CO accept Health First Colorado, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers eye exams and glasses for children in all states. Adult vision coverage varies by state, with some covering comprehensive exams and glasses and others covering only medical eye conditions. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Health First Colorado participation before scheduling.
Yes. TRICARE covers care at many off-base providers throughout the city, particularly along Academy Boulevard and Powers Boulevard. You will need a referral from your PCM for most specialist visits under TRICARE Prime. TRICARE Select offers more flexibility to self-refer.
El Paso County has been growing faster than its primary care supply. New patient waitlists at some practices run several weeks. UCHealth and Optum urgent cares can bridge the gap while you establish a primary care relationship.
Top accepted carriers in Colorado Springs, CO include unitedhealthcare, qhp-44228, qhp-87571, qhp-33602, and qhp-30751.
Vision insurance and health insurance cover different things. Vision insurance (like VSP or EyeMed) covers routine eye exams, glasses, and contacts. Medical insurance covers treatment of eye diseases (glaucoma, infections, injuries). If you have both, routine exams go through vision insurance. Make sure your optometrist accepts your specific vision plan, not just medical insurance.