Spotlight practices rotate daily among the most complete profiles — nobody pays for a spotlight. Featured practices pay for their placement; it is always labeled “Featured” and shown here, separately from the directory listings and nearby practices. Neither is a recommendation or a ranking, and neither changes directory order or the facts on any profile. Nearby practices are shown by their relative location, and directory lists put the most complete profiles first — see our standards.
Spotlight · ArizonaStock photo · not the practice's
Arizona is home to 88 verified ophthalmologists across 12 cities, with plans like Medicare, Aetna, and Cigna widely accepted. Every listing is checked against the federal NPI registry. No paid ranking — paid placements are always labeled Featured.
Ophthalmology practices handle medical and surgical care of the eye — cataract surgery, LASIK, glaucoma management, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and pediatric ophthalmology. Many practices in this area also offer cosmetic eyelid surgery and Botox for therapeutic and aesthetic indications.
Commonly treated
Cataract surgeryLASIKGlaucomaMacular degenerationDiabetic eye care
Ophthalmology in Arizona — frequently asked questions
Real questions Arizona patients ask — from finding the right practice and understanding insurance to costs, visits, and when to seek care.
City Select lists 88 verified ophthalmologists across 12 Arizona cities. Every listing is matched against the federal National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry, so you're seeing real, registered practices — not paid placements.
40 ophthalmologists in the directory list Medicare. Use the insurance filter to narrow by Medicare, AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid), Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more — counts update for the city you choose.
Pick your city from the search bar or filter rail to see ophthalmologists in that area — the directory covers Phoenix (21), Scottsdale (20), Mesa (11), Gilbert (7), Chandler (7). You can also search by practice name, doctor name, insurance, or service to build a shortlist in seconds.
Yes. Every profile is sourced from the federal NPI registry maintained by CMS, and we never sell ranking. Listing order is determined by how complete a practice's verified profile is (services, providers, insurance, hours) — never by payment. Featured and sponsored placements are always clearly labelled as such and never change the directory order, a practice's verification status, or any fact on its profile. A practice can improve its position by claiming its listing and adding information — for free.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who diagnoses and treats all eye conditions, performs eye surgery (like cataract removal), and manages complex disease such as glaucoma and retinal disorders. An optometrist handles routine exams, glasses, contacts, and many common conditions, and refers to an ophthalmologist for surgery or advanced disease.
See an ophthalmologist for conditions needing medical or surgical treatment — cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal problems, or significant injury — or when an optometrist or primary care doctor refers you. Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or flashes and a curtain over your vision need emergency care.
Often with HMO plans, yes — you'll need a referral from your primary care doctor — while PPO plans usually allow direct access. Many people are referred by their optometrist after a routine exam detects something that needs specialist care.
Ophthalmologists treat cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, corneal disease, eye infections and injuries, and more — and they perform the surgeries these conditions sometimes require. Some sub-specialize, such as retina or glaucoma specialists.
Medically necessary eye surgery — cataract removal, glaucoma surgery, retinal repair — is generally covered by your medical (health) insurance, not your vision plan, subject to deductibles and copays. Elective procedures like LASIK usually aren't covered.
Yes — Medicare covers cataract surgery when it's medically necessary, including a standard monofocal lens implant, and you're responsible for your deductible and coinsurance. Premium lens upgrades (like multifocal lenses) typically cost extra out of pocket.
Modern cataract surgery is a quick, usually stitch-free outpatient procedure: through a tiny incision, the cloudy lens is broken up and removed and a clear artificial lens (IOL) is placed. You'll have a pre-op consultation and several follow-up visits, and many people notice clearer vision within days.
Glaucoma is managed to lower eye pressure and protect your vision — usually starting with prescription eye drops, and sometimes laser treatment or surgery, including minimally invasive options often combined with cataract surgery. It's a lifelong condition, so ongoing monitoring is important.
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina's blood vessels from diabetes, and it can progress without symptoms until vision is affected. An ophthalmologist (often a retina specialist) treats it with laser, injections, or surgery, which is why people with diabetes need regular dilated eye exams.
Usually not — LASIK and other elective vision-correction surgeries are considered cosmetic or optional and are typically paid out of pocket, though some practices offer financing and you may be able to use FSA/HSA funds. Medically necessary eye surgery is a different category and often covered.
Seek emergency eye care for sudden vision loss, a sudden burst of floaters or flashes, a dark curtain across your vision, severe eye pain, chemical exposure, or an eye injury — these can signal retinal detachment, acute glaucoma, or other sight-threatening problems that need immediate attention.
Vision plans cover routine exams and eyewear; they generally do not cover eye surgery. Surgeries for cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal disease are billed to your medical insurance as medically necessary care. Knowing which applies helps you understand what you'll pay.
Bring your glasses or contacts, a list of medications, your eye and medical history, and any prior eye records or imaging. Plan for possible dilation, which blurs near vision and increases light sensitivity for several hours — so arrange a ride and bring sunglasses.
Yes — ophthalmologists can perform comprehensive eye exams and prescribe glasses and contacts, in addition to medical and surgical care. Many people see an optometrist for routine care and an ophthalmologist when a medical or surgical issue arises.
It depends on the condition — glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration often require checkups every few months to monitor and adjust treatment. Your ophthalmologist sets a schedule based on your diagnosis and how stable it is.
A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist with extra fellowship training in diseases of the retina and the back of the eye — including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. You're usually referred to one for these specific conditions.
Ophthalmology by city in Arizona
Jump straight to the verified ophthalmologists in each city.
Spotlight · ArizonaStock photo · not the practice's
Spotlight · PhoenixStock photo
Spotlight · ScottsdaleStock photo
Spotlight · MesaStock photo