Compare 69 optometrists in Salt Lake City, UT. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
69
Optometrists
100%
Accepting patients
96%
Most common: OD
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 69 optometrists. The most common credential is OD (96%). 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.
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.
Salt Lake City, UT has 69 licensed optometrists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of optometrists 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 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 Salt Lake City, UT 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.
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.
46% of optometrists in Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City, UT accept Utah Medicaid, 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 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, 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.