Compare 423 optometrists in Philadelphia, PA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
423
Optometrists
100%
Accepting patients
97%
Most common: OD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Philadelphia is a medical city in its bones. Five medical schools, more than 30 hospitals, and CHOP (the oldest children's hospital in the nation) give Philly a density of medical talent that rivals New York and Boston. The Penn and Jefferson systems anchor most of the city's care, but Temple and Einstein (now Jefferson North) serve the neighborhoods that the academic flagships sometimes overlook.
Philadelphia has 423 optometrists. The most common credential is OD (97%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Center City is the medical epicenter, with Jefferson, Penn, and multiple specialty offices all within a few blocks. University City, across the Schuylkill River, is home to HUP, CHOP, and Penn Presbyterian. SEPTA's Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line connect most neighborhoods to one of these hubs within 30 minutes. North Philly relies on Temple University Hospital, while Germantown and Chestnut Hill are served by Jefferson-affiliated community hospitals.
Providers practice throughout Philadelphia. Center City is the heart of Philadelphia's medical corridor, with Jefferson, Hahnemann, and Penn campuses all within reach. Rittenhouse Square is an upscale neighborhood with specialty practices and proximity to Jefferson and Penn hospitals. Old City is a historic neighborhood near Jefferson Hospital and several walk-in clinics along Market Street. University City is home to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, CHOP, and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
Nearby hospitals include Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Local training programs run through University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Thomas Jefferson University (Sidney Kimmel Medical College). Philadelphia has five medical schools and more than 30 hospitals, making it one of the most medically dense cities in the US.
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.
Philadelphia, PA has 423 licensed optometrists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of optometrists in Philadelphia, PA are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is the dominant carrier in the Philadelphia region for employer plans. On the ACA marketplace, Ambetter, Oscar, and IBX compete. Medicaid in Philadelphia is administered through managed care organizations including Keystone First, Health Partners Plans, and Aetna Better Health.
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 Philadelphia, PA 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.
Philadelphia healthcare is dominated by Penn Medicine (HUP, Penn Presbyterian, Lancaster General) and Jefferson Health (Thomas Jefferson, Einstein, Abington). Temple Health serves North Philadelphia, and Main Line Health covers the western suburbs. Most physicians are affiliated with one system. Picking a PCP inside the system with the hospital closest to you simplifies specialist referrals.
51% of optometrists in Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA accept Pennsylvania Medicaid (MA), 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 Pennsylvania Medicaid (MA) participation before scheduling.
Hahnemann University Hospital in Center City closed in 2019 after its owner filed for bankruptcy. Its closure reduced inpatient capacity in the city and shifted patients to nearby Jefferson, Temple, and Penn hospitals. Drexel University College of Medicine, which used Hahnemann for clinical training, has since partnered with Tower Health and other systems.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) primarily serves patients from birth through age 21. Some specialty programs continue care into young adulthood for conditions diagnosed in childhood. CHOP has its main campus in University City and satellite locations throughout the region.
Top accepted carriers in Philadelphia, PA include unitedhealthcare, qhp-97176, qhp-19636, qhp-87571, and qhp-33602.
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.