Compare 111 optometrists in Nashville, TN. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
111
Optometrists
100%
Accepting patients
98%
Most common: OD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Nashville earned the nickname "Healthcare Capital" because more than 500 healthcare companies are headquartered here, including HCA Healthcare, the largest for-profit hospital operator in the country. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is the academic powerhouse, while TriStar (an HCA division) and Saint Thomas (Ascension) run the community hospital networks. The industry doesn't just serve patients here; it defines the local economy.
Nashville has 111 optometrists. The most common credential is OD (98%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Nashville's healthcare infrastructure clusters around two corridors. Vanderbilt's campus and Saint Thomas Midtown are in the West End and Midtown area, while TriStar Centennial is just south of Music Row. The suburbs are well-served by TriStar and Saint Thomas outpatient campuses along I-65 (south to Brentwood and Franklin) and I-24 (southeast to Murfreesboro). Nashville has limited public transit, so most patients drive.
Providers practice throughout Nashville. East Nashville is a rapidly growing area across the river from downtown, with new medical practices and community clinics. The Gulch is a trendy downtown neighborhood near TriStar Centennial Medical Center and Vanderbilt outpatient clinics. Germantown is a revitalized historic neighborhood near Meharry Medical College and Nashville General Hospital. 12South is a walkable neighborhood with boutique wellness practices and proximity to Vanderbilt's campus.
Nearby hospitals include Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TriStar Centennial Medical Center, and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Local training programs run through Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Meharry Medical College. Nashville is known as the Healthcare Capital of the US, with over 500 healthcare companies headquartered in the city.
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.
Nashville, TN has 111 licensed optometrists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of optometrists in Nashville, TN are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is the dominant carrier, covering the majority of employer-sponsored plans. UnitedHealthcare and Cigna also have strong networks. TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) is accepted at Vanderbilt, Meharry, and most TriStar and Saint Thomas locations.
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 Nashville, TN 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.
Nashville has three main systems: Vanderbilt (academic), TriStar/HCA (for-profit community), and Saint Thomas/Ascension (nonprofit community). Vanderbilt is the referral destination for complex specialty care. For routine primary care and urgent care, TriStar and Saint Thomas both have convenient suburban locations.
50% of optometrists in Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN accept TennCare, 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 TennCare participation before scheduling.
More than 500 healthcare companies are headquartered in Nashville, including HCA Healthcare (the largest for-profit hospital chain in the US), Community Health Systems, and Envision Healthcare. The industry employs over 300,000 people in the metro area.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is consistently ranked as the top hospital in Tennessee and is the academic referral center for the region. For routine care, TriStar and Saint Thomas hospitals are excellent and often more convenient for suburban residents.
Top accepted carriers in Nashville, TN include unitedhealthcare, qhp-87571, qhp-33602, qhp-30751, and qhp-44228.
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.