Compare 83 optometrists in Minneapolis, MN. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
83
Optometrists
100%
Accepting patients
95%
Most common: OD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Minneapolis benefits from a healthcare ecosystem built around competition between three major systems: Allina Health, Fairview/M Health, and HealthPartners. The University of Minnesota Medical Center adds academic depth, and the city's Scandinavian-rooted public health tradition means preventive care infrastructure is strong. Minnesota consistently ranks among the healthiest states, and Minneapolis reflects that.
Minneapolis has 83 optometrists. The most common credential is OD (95%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
The major hospital campuses form a loose triangle: the University of Minnesota Medical Center near Dinkytown, Abbott Northwestern in south Minneapolis near Uptown, and Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC) downtown. Metro Transit bus and light rail connect many of these campuses. In winter, patients should plan extra travel time and consider the skyway system downtown for walking between appointments near Hennepin Healthcare.
Providers practice throughout Minneapolis. Uptown is a vibrant neighborhood near the Chain of Lakes with community clinics and proximity to Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Northeast Minneapolis is a diverse arts district with growing healthcare options and Hennepin Healthcare facilities. North Loop is a trendy warehouse district downtown with walking access to Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC). Loring Park is adjacent to downtown and the Hennepin Healthcare campus, with specialist offices in nearby medical buildings.
Nearby hospitals include University of Minnesota Medical Center, Abbott Northwestern Hospital (Allina Health), and Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC). Local training programs run through University of Minnesota Medical School and Augsburg University. Minnesota is consistently ranked among the healthiest states in the US, with Minneapolis having exceptional healthcare access.
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.
Minneapolis, MN has 83 licensed optometrists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of optometrists in Minneapolis, MN are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
MNsure is the state ACA marketplace, with plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Medica, and UCare. Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and MinnesotaCare provide coverage for lower-income residents. Employer plans often run through BCBS, HealthPartners, or Medica. The Twin Cities have one of the highest insured rates in the country.
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 Minneapolis, MN 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.
Minneapolis healthcare is split among Allina Health (Abbott Northwestern, Unity, and Mercy hospitals), Fairview/M Health (University of Minnesota Medical Center), and HealthPartners (Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Park Nicollet in St. Louis Park). Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC) is the county safety-net system. Your insurance network often determines which system you can access most affordably.
59% of optometrists in Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis, MN accept Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare, 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 Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare participation before scheduling.
Allina Health is the largest system in the Twin Cities, operating Abbott Northwestern (the highest-volume hospital in the metro). Fairview/M Health includes the University of Minnesota Medical Center and is more research-oriented. HealthPartners is a consumer-governed nonprofit that runs both insurance plans and hospitals. Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC) is the public safety-net system and a Level I trauma center.
Snow and ice can disrupt appointment schedules from November through March. Most clinics have cancellation policies for weather events. The skyway system downtown provides climate-controlled walking access near Hennepin Healthcare. If you rely on Metro Transit, check for service alerts during major storms.
Top accepted carriers in Minneapolis, MN include qhp-73751, qhp-57845, unitedhealthcare, medicare, and qhp-20173.
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.