# Ophthalmologists (eye doctors, MD) in Colorado

> An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who treats eye diseases and performs eye surgery. They also prescribe glasses and contact lenses.

Source: Colorado Health Insurance Colorado Care Index (https://coloradohealthinsurance.com/care/ophthalmology), data updated 2026-11-11. Published by Grove Benefit Advisors LLC, a licensed Colorado health insurance agency.

## When people see one

- Cataracts (a clouding of the lens)
- Glaucoma or another eye disease found at an eye exam
- Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, or new floaters
- Diabetes, which can damage the retina and needs regular eye checks

## How it differs

- Optometrist: An optometrist does eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and treats many common eye conditions. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who also does eye surgery.

## On 2027 Colorado plans

- Referral: On some plans. 37 of the 148 2027 plans need a referral from your primary care provider to see a specialist: Kaiser Permanente's 29 plans (you may self-refer to certain specialists) and Denver Health (Elevate)'s 8 plans (self-referral allowed for OB-GYN and outpatient mental health care). The other 111 don't, according to each plan's 2027 summary of benefits. Confirm in the plan's summary of benefits.
- Visit cost by metal level (standard plans):
  - Bronze: $100 to $140 a visit on 10 of 56 plans
  - Silver: $50 to $90 a visit on 44 of 58 plans
  - Gold: $50 to $90 a visit on 26 of 30 plans

## In Colorado

- 410 clinicians at 187 locations in public records (NPPES, CMS).

## Questions to ask the office

- Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?
- Which 2027 plans and network names do you take?
- Is a routine eye exam covered the same way as a visit for an eye problem?
- Is the office part of a hospital? Hospital-owned clinics can add a facility fee.

## Sources

- [MedlinePlus: Eye Diseases](https://medlineplus.gov/eyediseases.html)
- [American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eye Health](https://www.aao.org/eye-health)