# Optometrists in Colorado

> An optometrist gives eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and treats some eye conditions. They do not do eye surgery. Health plans cover eye exams for children; adult routine eye exams are often not covered, but medical eye problems usually are.

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

## When people see one

- You need an eye exam or a new glasses prescription.
- Your eyes are red, itchy, or irritated.
- You have diabetes and need a yearly eye check.

## How it differs

- Ophthalmologist (eye doctor, MD): An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who treats eye disease and performs eye surgery. An optometrist handles exams, vision correction, and many common eye conditions.

## On 2027 Colorado plans

- Referral: Plan filings list referral rules only for specialists. Some plans need a doctor's order or prior approval for this care, so check the plan's summary of benefits.
- Visit cost by metal level (standard plans):
  - Bronze: $0 a visit on 43 of 56 plans
  - Silver: $0 to $35 a visit on 48 of 58 plans
  - Gold: $0 to $30 a visit on 20 of 30 plans

## In Colorado

- 1,146 clinicians at 686 locations in public records (NPPES, CMS).
- 3,744 active Colorado licenses (DORA).

## Questions to ask the office

- Are you taking new patients?
- Do you bill my 2027 plan for medical eye problems? Which plan and network name?
- Is a routine vision exam covered, or is there a separate vision plan?
- How long is the wait for a first appointment?

## Sources

- [MedlinePlus: Eye care](https://medlineplus.gov/eyecare.html)
- [National Eye Institute: Get a dilated eye exam](https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/get-dilated-eye-exam)