I started off first grade with a boom. Literally. On the concrete playground of Wilshire Park (Go…read morePandas! LOL!), a notorious bully appeared out of nowhere and punched me in the eye while I waited my turn to ascend the monkey bars. She hit me with such force that it caused schoolyard children, supervising teachers, and nearby murder of crows to make a cacophony of ugly shrieks. (http://bit.ly/1gj0KYN) Later that day, I told my mom about my bully's Balrog punch (http://bit.ly/1bQ3R9y) and she enrolled me in karate. #nationalkarateinroseville Several weeks later, the bruising on my face disappeared; however, the cost of her blow would still be felt decades later. In my early twenties, I developed a cataract. (A cataract is blurred vision that occurs from a damaged lens in the eye.) My ailment was an anomaly -since I wasn't old- that puzzled the head ophthalmologist at Park Nicollet (St. Louis Park)/ leading surgeon at Phillips. Eventually, she determined that my cataract occurred one of two ways: extreme drug use or trauma. I didn't use any drugs, so she deducted that it had to be trauma. (Hence, the realization that it was due to that vicious punch.) I needed surgery, ASAP! Coincidentally, my father, who is 32 years older than me, and within the age range for receiving a cataract, needed surgery as well. My father and I scheduled appointments to go "under the knife" by the same doctor on the same day and place. (First ever father-son duo at Phillips, I might add) Our appointment times were different, of course. My first -and hopefully, only visit- to the Phillips Eye Institute was nothing short of excellent. That's mainly due to the considerate and professional staff. Beginning with the receptionists, they kindly guided me on filling out all of the necessary paperwork and answered all of my questions without any sighs. The nurses? Super awesome, since they clearly articulated how they would help me prepare for the surgery. They also anesthetized me without any hiccups, and when I went under, I was so relaxed that I probably wouldn't have cared if someone slapped me in the face or hijacked and sold my organs on the black market. While drugged up, I recall the surgeon making a minuscule incision on the side of my eye, which immediately caused my vision to become blurry. Right afterwards, though, I saw an array of colors and felt as if I was flying through a rainbow or in warp-speed on the Star Trek Enterprise! (http://bit.ly/1aPrTDA) She then utilized a special operating vacuum to suck out my scarred lens and injected a folded and plastic one, perfectly. Afterwards, I passed out, woke up, and found myself rockin' a not-so-badass eye patch. (See photo.) Several days later, I returned to see my ophthalmologist and had my patch removed. My vision was better than ever! I could now drive at night, read without any problems, and discern between light yellow and white. (Yeah, that's how bad it was.) To this day, my vision rocks! If I ever have an epiphany as to who punched me, I would attempt to find her via Google and then send a message demanding her to pay for my past cataract surgery. However, this will probably never happen. If you or a loved one ever has a cataract, I highly recommend the Phillips Eye Institute! They changed my life!

Mn Low Vision Dr. Amanda Stoutman actually listened. She genuinely acted and treated me like she…read morecared. Thank you so much! The front office person even met me in the lobby so I wouldn't get lost. It is rare when the whole staff is so customer-centric and you leave feeling better just by how you are treated. Wow Mn Eye - Mtka I asked the doctor if a tint would help me see so I could keep my job. The response was well, it is subjective. I asked the doctor if a glare covering would help me see at work, again she said it was subjective. I had to ask point blank if I had the diagnosis of glaucoma after hints. Lastly preparing for another eye doctor visit, while reading her visit summary, the physician stated that she spent a long time talking to me. I couldn't see where, unless "subjective" constitutes having a meaningful conversation. When I asked for help, no options were suggested, no direction given, it was again subjective. It is a big deal when you are in a fight to keep a job so you can have healthcare. I had to problem solve and find that a low vision Physician existed through the internet. I came to you out of high recommendations and trusting that even if you couldn't help I'd at least get a referral or I don't know, but will find you, someone.

Excellent eye care here from the checkin staff (Keegan), assistant (Rachael), to Dr Axelson!…read more Clean, well staffed office and exams. Office & optical department is on the lower level of the building, so remember to take the first left into the lower level parking. You can park in the upper parking lot but then you will have to take the steps down or walk down the hillside.

I continue to be impressed with this location. It is easy to get in with scheduling. The staff is…read morealways super friendly. On my visit today the gentleman who works the frames shop was able to help with a bow repair at the last minutes before close... The whole while with a great attitude! (I know it is annoying when customers show up right before close, but this was my last chance before the weekend to get my kiddo in so we could take the tape off of his frames.) thanks for "going the extra mile!"

I went to MN Eye Consultants because my Dad was a patient and he only saw the best doctors. I have…read morenow spent multiple hours, phone calls and emails trying to a) understand what lenses to choose for cataract surgery and b) to nail down what all of the costs will be. The first person I worked with on this did not have all the answers and sent me to other departments. I've left messages, got return calls instead of answers, have unanswered emails and still don't have a complete picture. Based on how frustrating this has been, I do not plan to schedule surgery here and now have to start all over to find an eye clinic.

was referred here, called to book an appointment was put on hold forever, when answered the woman…read moreoffered one date and when that single date didnt work said they didnt have any other dates and would have to call me back. They never called back, but kept sending texts telling me to book an appointment. I called back in, and the same woman answered the phone and said sorry we need you to call your main office and get another referral somewhere else since you didnt pick that single date! what in the world customer service is this. Now i am on hold becuase i asked for a manager and I can tell the woman didnt want to get one, and is just sitting there not muted.

I have been coming here for years, over 10 in fact. I have an eye condition I call R.F.E. , it…read morestands for Really Effed-up Eyes. Sure there's a more technical name for it, but I won't bore you with the details. So, R.F.E. means they have to contour map the surface of my eyes every few years and I have to see a doctor who looks at the picture and makes thoughtful noises. At one point they told me that it could be degenerative and I might have to have a corneal transplant. The corneas would come from either a pig or a dead person, both sounded AWESOME. So imagine my disappointment when they told me a few years ago that my eyes had stabilized. My hope of being featured on some sort of horror movie where I see dead people or start squealing like a pig were dashed (yes I know those stories have been done). Truth be told, I was leaning towards the pig eyes. I imagined how having an inhuman glare might work to my advantage! Anyways, I get to keep my messed up corneas and this place has been keeping me in glasses and seeing pretty well. This year they put me in some medical contacts that corrected my vision to almost 20/20. For me, this is like walking around seeing the world in HD after watching it on an old 1970s console TV like the one your Grandparents had. It's great! The staff and Doctors have been great to work with. Even though they use a bunch of fancy words, they are willing to dumb things down so this dim wit can understand! Quite nice of them! So, if you ever get R.F.E. or just need a great eye Doctor, check this place out.

I'd give a zero if I could. She was physically aggressive with my daughter and traumatized her. its…read moreinteresting to read that other children have had similar experiences with her aggressiveness. She was physically holding my daughter down for eye drops and I had to demand she andk her to stop. I accidentally saw her today for an eye emergency situation. I was in extreme pain. she didn't care & told me to "open my eye for insurance purposes." She is inappropriate, inadequate. and provides dangerous care. All while repeating that she's been a doctor for "35 years." I left with no instructions, she provided me nothing and my eye has gotten worse, I've been a nurse nearly 20 and have never encountered a physician that talks about herself more. She lioves to talk about her "accomplishments," l but treats patients, most importantly, children terribly. Bottom line is don't see her.

Very kind and efficient facility. All questions I had were answered and all appointments were…read morescheduled for me.

I went here for my annual eye exam, like I have for years. They dilated my eyes and my eyes were…read moreuncomfortable the rest of the day, which I expected. What I didn't expect was that the next day my vision was blurry and my eyes were in significant pain. I called and was told to use eye drops. I did, and it only got worse. The following day I went to a different eye doctor and was diagnosed with an eye infection. Based on the timing, I have serious concerns about sanitation and hygiene practices at this clinic. I won't be returning, and I recommend going elsewhere.

Definitely 5-Stars. Going to this place makes you feel like you just went on vacation to a trendy…read morelocation. It is very inviting, AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE - Well, if this was a hotel, it would be rated Forbes 5-Star. The level of customer service provided almost needs its own scale. Dr. Londa was very personable and did not rush me with all my questions. She has really assembled a great office and staff. Meaghan was also great. Very patient with my indecision of frame choice and was able to assist me in narrowing down frames I may like. In closing, there is a reason all of NorthStar Eye Care's reviews consist of 5-Stars. The only thing that could have made this appointment better would have been a pina colada, but then one's vision would get blurry and you may walk out of the office wearing a pair of pint glasses; rather than some fashionable frames.

Great experience! Staff was knowledgeable and friendly. You will be very happy with qualified…read morestaff and I highly recommend!!!

Very pleased with Dr. Gross. My husband and I have gone to him for several years. He is thorough,…read morekind, very professional and has taken good care of us. I would recommend him with no reservations.

Dr Ristad, who recently retired, was one of my favorite doctors of all time. His replacement, Dr…read more Elliott, has been a huge disappointment. Dr. Ristad knew I was almost ready for cataract surgery a year ago. I waited until I was sure it was time and met with Dr. Elliott. Dr. Elliott spent maybe 10 minutes with me. He didn't examine me, nor would he answer my questions. His advice was for me to wait and use my OTC eyedrops more frequently and get my glasses adjusted. Good advice, but these things aren't going to solve my cataract problem. I believe Dr. Elliott doesn't trust his abilities, because he told me that he didn't want to harm me. Why would he say that? Since I met with Dr. Elliott two things have occurred: 1) My eyesight has gotten significantly worse, and 2) I went on two trips where there's snow and sun, which is particularly hard on my eyes. I've since gone to another eye doctor who spent 90 minutes examining my eyes. He said my cataracts are advanced and surgery is definitely warranted. I wanted to avoid writing this review by speaking with a manager at Edina Eye Clinic. I tried twice but was told that it wasn't going to happen.

I went to Dr. David Whiting to have an extraction & dental implant preparation under light…read moresedation. I was extremely happy with the care I received from the front desk back to the excellent assistants. I was very anxious about having this procedure as I am 83 years old & am taking Reclast for osteoporosis. Dr. Whiting took the time to answer all my concerns. The procedure went very smoothly. I had very little pain and didn't need to take anything but Tylenol for a day or two afterwards. I was surprised how little swelling I had & how quickly I recovered. I highly recommend him.

Dr. Whiting was great. He has a wealth of experience in his field and it showed during my procedure…read morewith him. He and his clinic were far better than the other 2 clinics i visited for estimates. No pressure and a great doctor!

I saw Dr. Hennen today for an annual exam. She was competent, timely, friendly, and thoughtful…read more I'll be glad to return!

From the owner: Board-certified ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist Stella Hennen, MD, MSPH, is the co-founder…read moreand CEO of Eyecare MPLS in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Hennen places a heavy emphasis on the long-term doctor and patient partnership and strives to help patients preserve and enhance their vision and eye health. Dr. Hennen has a unique combination of experiences, skills, and interests. She has a personal history that spans four continents, and underwent extensive education and training in Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In addition, she is an expert in advanced eye imaging and procedures. Dr. Hennen earned her medical degree from the Russian State Medical University in Moscow, Russia. She then completed her clinical and surgical training in ophthalmology in the United Kingdom before moving to the United States, where she finished ocular pathology and pediatric ophthalmology research fellowships at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.  Dr. Hennen completed glaucoma research fellowships at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in New York City, as well as a surgery internship at the Medical University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Finally, she completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis, and a clinical fellowship in glaucoma at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis.  Remaining active in the field of ophthalmology, Dr...

Dr. Whiting doesn't even work here anymore. They're just falsely using his name and reputation to…read moreget business. Even in a google search it comes up as "the most experienced," which is a blatant lie and dishonest, frankly illegal method of attracting customers. On top of this, they won't honor the lifetime guarantee given to dr. Whiting's patients even though the language in the provided agreement clearly implies that they must. Anyone who is being denied an enhancement as a former patient of dr. whiting's, i urge you to contact the bbb and file a complaint. You paid for custom lifetime lasik, which includes free enhacements. Dr. Whiting and Ovo clinic will not honor it. Whiting clinic will not honor it (which is absolutely illegal). Amazing that there are no class action suits.

I'm on day 3 writing this review. First of all don't watch videos on horror stories or read about…read moreit if you're going to get anxiety over it (it was dumb on my part doing just that). Whiting definitely knows what he's doing. I couldn't recommend him enough nor his amazing comforting staff as they walked me through something that I wanted to years ago but didn't due to being terrified something could of gone wrong. Sure if you don't use him be sure to do your research as I value my sight as well I'm sure whomever is reading this feels exactly the same. I'm a commercial roofer and wearing glasses and or contacts was a everyday struggle. It's dirty, hard, dangerous, fast paced job. Dealing with my contacts against the elements was quite a challenge. Wearing glasses restricted my peripheral range of view. I had 20/400 vision with an astigmatism in my right eye and now I'm 20/15 confirmed the day after when I went to my next day follow-up. I wasn't tested further to see if I could see any better and 20/15 vision is something to be proud to have non of the less (I think I see even better possibly). I've worn contacts that gave me 20/15 and I've never noticed to insane amounts of details I'm noticing currently now. I watched water coming out of the faucet for instance completely mindblown away for over a minute the other day. The bad - after my surgery I did have some pretty intense pain pretty similar to a bad tooth ache. I paced around my house for awhile to shrug it off (I recommend napping as I couldn't) . It subsided after six hours. I woke up the next morning and the pain was completely gone. I have a minor halo issue with street lamps and stop lights /cars are fine to me. I'll update this as needed but I swear this is probably the most amazing thing I've done for myself hands down. Everything is so crisp and detailed that I'm almost in denial (and that's going to vary from person to person. ) You owe it to yourself as I'm completely grateful I took the plunge. Honestly I have to take deep breaths as I've been trying to take in the amount of detail I'm now noticing since my procedure. Just crazy amount of details I've been missing out on. I'm supposed to see this dust from 20 ft away?