Skip to main content

Best Ophthalmologists in Springfield

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated November 22, 2024

Introduction to Ophthalmology in Springfield

Overview of eye health and the importance of regular check-ups

Ophthalmology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye disorders. In Springfield, Missouri, residents have access to a range of qualified ophthalmologists who provide essential eye care services.

Regular eye check-ups are fundamental for maintaining optimal vision and detecting potential eye problems early. Ophthalmologists in Springfield treat a variety of common eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

Good eye health is integral to overall well-being and quality of life. Vision impairment can significantly affect daily activities, work performance, and personal independence. Therefore, prioritizing eye care is an important aspect of maintaining overall health.

The role of ophthalmologists in eye care

Ophthalmologists play a critical role in providing comprehensive eye care. Unlike optometrists, who primarily deal with vision testing and basic eye care, ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the complete spectrum of eye care.

In Springfield, ophthalmologists offer a wide range of specialized treatments and surgeries. Based on the data provided, many local ophthalmologists are skilled in various areas such as cataract surgery, corneal and refractive surgery, and treatment of anterior segment disorders.

For instance, Dr. Thomas Prater specializes in Ophthalmology and Cornea & Refractive Surgery, while Dr. Lucas Lenci focuses on Anterior Segment Ophthalmology and Surgery. These specializations allow Springfield residents to access advanced eye care treatments without leaving their local area.


⚡️ Powered by AI

What's the fastest way to connect to ophthalmologists?

Our clinically-backed AI will ask you questions and provide an answer specific to your unique health situation.


List of Ophthalmologists in Springfield

TE

Dr. Thomas Essman

5.0

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

American Board of Ophthalmology

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI / COLUMBIA CAMPUS (Medical School, 1989)

English

Mercy Saint Francis Hospital

Mercy Hospital Aurora

Mercy Hospital Carthage

Ophthalmology

JG

Dr. James Gessler

5.0

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

American Board of Ophthalmology

University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 1974)

English

Ophthalmology

MC

Dr. Mark Cascairo

5.0

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

P.G. INSTITUTE AND KAKATIYA UNIVERSITY / NIZAM'S INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (Medical School, 1988)

English

Freeman Hospital West

Ophthalmology

EB

Dr. Erica Ballard

5.0

Springfield, MO

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

American Board of Ophthalmology

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI / COLUMBIA CAMPUS (Medical School)

English

Mercy Hospital Springfield

Ophthalmology

Dr. Leo Neu

Dr. Leo Neu

5.0

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(417) 886-3937

American Board of Ophthalmology

Sw Medical School Affil Hosps, Dal (Internship Hospital, 1983)

University of Missouri School of Medicine (Medical School, 1982)

English

Spanish

Cox Medical Center South

Ophthalmology

AC

Dr. Adam Carver

5.0

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

American Board of Ophthalmology

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK (Medical School, 2008)

English

Mercy Hospital Springfield

Ophthalmology

BH

Dr. Benjamin Haden

5.0

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 886-3937

American Board of Ophthalmology

Tulane University of Louisiana (Medical School)

English

Barnes Jewish Hospital

Cox Monett Hospital

Cox Medical Center South

Ophthalmology

Dr. Thomas Prater

Dr. Thomas Prater

4.9

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 886-3937

American Board of Ophthalmology

Barnes - Jewish Hospital (Residency Hospital)

Washington University School of Medicine (Residency Hospital)

Washington University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1983)

English

Ophthalmology

Cornea & Refractive Surgery

JM

Dr. Judd McNaughton

4.9

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 887-1965

American Board of Ophthalmology

University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School, 1999)

English

Cox Medical Center South

Ophthalmology

Dr. James Mattax

Dr. James Mattax

4.9

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 886-3937

American Board of Ophthalmology

SW Medical School (Fellowship Hospital, 1988)

University Tex SW Medical School Affil Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1984)

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Medical School, 1983)

English

Cox Medical Center South

Ophthalmology

Dr. Jacob Thomas

Dr. Jacob Thomas

4.9

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 886-3937

American Board of Ophthalmology

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

English

Barnes Jewish Hospital

Cox Monett Hospital

Cox Medical Center South

Ophthalmology

Dr. Kenneth Neu

Dr. Kenneth Neu

4.8

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(417) 886-3937

American Board of Ophthalmology

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (Internship Hospital)

University of Missouri School of Medicine (Medical School, 1987)

English

Spanish

Cox Monett Hospital

Ophthalmology

Dr. Lucas Lenci

Dr. Lucas Lenci

4.8

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Italian

Phone

(800) 383-3831

American Board of Ophthalmology

University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics (Residency Hospital)

University of Missouri School of Medicine (Medical School, 2013)

English

Italian

Cox Medical Center South

Ophthalmology

Anterior Segment Ophthalmology

Anterior Segment Surgery

LA

Dr. Levent Akduman

4.7

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Turkish

Phone

(417) 269-7600

American Board of Ophthalmology

Barnes Jewish Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1994)

RANCHI UNIVERSITY / MAHATMA GANDHI MEMORIAL MEDICAL COLLEGE (Medical School, 1993)

Gazi University Medical School (Residency Hospital, 1993)

Hacettepe University Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1988)

English

Turkish

Hshs St. Elizabeth's Hospital

Memorial Hospital Belleville

HSHS St. Francis Hospital

Ophthalmology

BD

Dr. Brendon Delport

4.5

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English, French

Phone

(417) 831-0150

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School)

English

French

Ophthalmology

RB

Dr. Robert Benedett

4.3

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 720-4916

American Board of Ophthalmology

Mayo Clinic Rochester (Fellowship Hospital, 1988)

Washington University (Residency Hospital, 1987)

St Johns (Internship Hospital, 1984)

Washington University St Louis (Medical School, 1983)

English

Cox Medical Center South

Cox Medical Center Branson

Ophthalmology

CF

Dr. C Faulkner

4.3

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 887-1965

American Board of Ophthalmology

Wills Eye Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1993)

Greater Baltimore Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1990)

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School, 1989)

English

Cox Medical Center South

Ophthalmology

ST

Dr. Shachar Tauber

4.0

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Hebrew

Phone

(417) 820-9393

American Board of Ophthalmology

Tulane University Hospital and Clinics (Residency Hospital, 1992)

United Health Srvs (Internship Hospital, 1989)

Tulane University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1988)

English

Hebrew

Mercy Hospital Springfield

Ophthalmology

Anterior Segment Ophthalmology

Anterior Segment Surgery

Dr. Francis Jansen

Dr. Francis Jansen

3.9

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(800) 383-3831

American Board of Ophthalmology

Washington National Eye Center (Residency Hospital, 1990)

Washington Hospital Center (Internship Hospital, 1987)

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1986)

English

Cox Medical Center South

Citizens Memorial Hospital

Ophthalmology

Anterior Segment Ophthalmology

Anterior Segment Surgery

WC

Dr. Warren Collins

3.3

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 869-3200

American Board of Ophthalmology

University La (Residency Hospital)

Bapt Health Systems (Internship Hospital)

University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (Medical School, 1994)

English

Mercy Saint Francis Hospital

Cox Medical Center South

Mercy Hospital Berryville

Ophthalmology

Dr. Daniel Osborn

Dr. Daniel Osborn

3.2

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(800) 383-3831

American Board of Ophthalmology

Chief Resident Indiana University School Of Medicine (Residency Hospital)

Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis (Internship Hospital, 1992)

Indiana University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1991)

Franklin College (Undergraduate School, 1987)

English

Cox Medical Center South

Ophthalmology

Anterior Segment Ophthalmology

Anterior Segment Surgery

Cataract Surgery

Cornea & External Diseases

Cornea & Refractive Surgery

Ophthalmic Surgery

Ophthalmic Vitreous Surgery

Orbital Surgery

GG

Dr. Gary Gillham

3.0

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 678-7875

A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School)

English

Mercy Hospital Aurora

Mercy Hospital Springfield

Ophthalmology

WS

Dr. Wendell Scott

2.8

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

American Board of Ophthalmology

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI / KANSAS CITY CAMPUS (Medical School, 1983)

English

Mercy Hospital Springfield

Ophthalmology

XS

Dr. Xiaoqi Sun

2.5

Springfield, MO

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

American Board of Ophthalmology

CAPITAL MEDICAL COLLEGE / PEKING UNION MEDICAL COLLEGE OF BEIJING (Medical School, 1986)

English

Mercy Hospital Springfield

Ophthalmology

JH

Dr. Judith Harvey

1.0

Springfield, MO

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 889-7337

American Board of Ophthalmology

University of South Florida (Medical School, 1983)

English

Ophthalmology

RS

Dr. Roger Schlemmer

N/A

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 887-5544

American Board of Ophthalmology

University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 1968)

English

Ophthalmology

RM

Dr. Robert Michaels

N/A

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

American Board of Ophthalmology

INDIANA UNIVERSITY / BLOOMINGTON (Medical School, 1970)

English

Ophthalmology

ZS

Dr. Zachary Seagrave

N/A

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

American Board of Ophthalmology

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY / MAIN CAMPUS (Medical School)

English

Mercy Hospital Springfield

Ophthalmology

CP

Dr. Craig Peterson

N/A

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

American Board of Ophthalmology

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA / HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER (Medical School, 1976)

English

Ophthalmology

RB

Dr. Rasha Barham

N/A

Springfield, MO

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

JORDAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Medical School)

English

Ophthalmology

LH

Dr. Louis Hirsch

N/A

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(417) 820-5260

University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine (Medical School)

English

Spanish

Mercy Hospital Springfield

Ophthalmology

DY

Dr. Drew Young

N/A

Springfield, MO

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 886-3937

English

Ophthalmology

MR

Dr. Margaret Reynolds

N/A

Springfield, MO

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(314) 454-6026

American Board of Ophthalmology

CORNELL UNIVERSITY / NEW YORK STATE STATUTORY COLLEGES (Medical School)

English

St. Louis Children's Hospital

Carlinville Area Hospital

Passavant Area Hospital

Ophthalmology

CB

Dr. Catherine Betor

N/A

Springfield, MO

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(417) 820-9393

American Board of Ophthalmology

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Medical School, 2005)

English

Ophthalmology

Choosing an Ophthalmologist in Springfield

Factors to consider when selecting an eye doctor

Credentials and board certifications

  • American Board of Ophthalmology certification
  • Educational background and training

Experience and specializations

  • Years of practice
  • Subspecialties within ophthalmology

Hospital affiliations

  • Connections with reputable medical centers
  • Access to advanced facilities

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
  • Number of patient reviews

Resources for finding ophthalmologists in Springfield

Online directories and review sites

  • Healthgrades
  • Other medical professional directories

Recommendations from primary care physicians

  • Referrals from trusted healthcare providers
  • Coordination of care

Referrals from friends and family

  • Personal experiences and testimonials
  • Word-of-mouth recommendations

Top-Rated Ophthalmologists in Springfield

Dr. Leo Neu

Highest patient rating and review count

  • 5.0-star rating with 34 reviews
  • Indicates high patient satisfaction and extensive experience

Professional background

  • Affiliated with Cox Medical Center South
  • Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
  • Educated at University of Missouri School of Medicine

Language proficiency

  • Fluent in English and Spanish
  • Beneficial for diverse patient population

Dr. Benjamin Haden

Strong patient satisfaction

  • 5.0-star rating with 30 reviews
  • Demonstrates consistent quality care

Extensive hospital affiliations

  • Cox Medical Center South
  • Barnes Jewish Hospital
  • Cox Monett Hospital
  • Indicates broad experience and resources

Credentials

  • Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
  • Educated at Tulane University of Louisiana

Dr. Jacob Thomas

High volume of positive reviews

  • 4.9-star rating with 76 reviews
  • Suggests extensive patient experience and satisfaction

Professional affiliations

  • Multiple hospital affiliations including Cox Medical Center South
  • Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology

Educational background

  • Residency at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
  • Indicates specialized training

Dr. James Mattax

Consistently high patient ratings

  • 4.9-star rating with 56 reviews
  • Demonstrates long-standing patient satisfaction

Extensive experience

  • Practicing since 1983
  • Fellowship at SW Medical School
  • Indicates decades of expertise

Hospital affiliation

  • Cox Medical Center South
  • Suggests strong local presence and resources

Dr. Kenneth Neu

Solid patient satisfaction

  • 4.8-star rating with 49 reviews
  • Indicates consistent quality care

Diverse language skills

  • Fluent in English and Spanish
  • Beneficial for serving diverse patient population

Professional background

  • Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
  • Educated at University of Missouri School of Medicine
  • Affiliated with Cox Monett Hospital

Additional Resources for Finding the Right Ophthalmologist in Springfield

Online Health Platforms

Healthgrades

  • Comprehensive doctor profiles
  • Patient reviews and ratings
  • Educational content on eye health

Local medical center websites

  • Cox Medical Center South
  • Mercy Hospital Springfield

Professional Organizations

American Academy of Ophthalmology

  • Find an Ophthalmologist tool
  • Patient education resources

Missouri Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

  • Local ophthalmology news
  • Patient resources specific to Missouri

Community Resources

Local health fairs

  • Opportunities to meet ophthalmologists
  • Free eye screenings

Springfield-Greene County Health Department

  • Information on eye health programs
  • Referrals to local eye care services