What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“Usually have been very happy with this practice. I was asked to arrive 15 minutes before my scheduled appointment for check-in and insurance verification, and I was but the front door was locked. When I finally got into the building at my scheduled appointment time it was then like everyone was scurrying around frantic because they were behind schedule. Didn’t feel like I got the quality care that I should have.”
More than 1 year ago
“I had a sudden change in the vision of my right eye. Everyone was VERY accommodating: worked me into an already very busy schedule, had an excellent consult with Dr. Nelson and he expedited my care to a Retinal Specialist. I am sincerely appreciative and grateful for the excellent care! Mary”
More than 1 year ago
About Dr. Bennett Nelson
Dr. Nelson received his B.S. in Biology from Western Illinois University in 1986. He then completed his Doctor of Optometry at Indiana University School of Optometry in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1991. After optometry school, Dr. Nelson joined a private practice in Rockford. Seven years later, he became the lead O.D. for the optical team at Sears until his move to St. Cloud. Dr. Nelson specializes in contact lenses, pediatrics, and the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease.
He has been an active member of the American Optometric Association, Indiana Optometric Association, Northern Illinois Optometric Association, Loves Park Rotary, Knights of Columbus, the V.O.S.H. organization, the Gift of Sight Foundation, and the Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts of America. Throughout his career, Dr. Nelson has received numerous awards, including the Gift of Sight Spirit Award for Sears Optical, the Cole Vision Award for Outstanding Customer Care in 2000, the Luxottica Passion Ownership & Speed Award in 2004 and 2006, and he was named Doctor of the Year Nominee in 2003.
Giving back to the community is very important to Dr. Nelson. He has participated in several domestic and international missions with the Gift of Sight Foundation. In 2005, he traveled to Zacatecas, Mexico, with seven other doctors, where they saw 25,648 patients in two weeks. In 2006, Dr. Nelson went to China and, again with seven doctors, saw 7,000 patients in four days. His domestic trips included Chicago, where they saw about 3,000 patients in one week. While there, Dr. Nelson had the honor of seeing the 5 millionth recipient of the Gift of Sight Foundation. Drawing on his experience with domestic clinics, he helped start the first Gift of Sight mission in Cincinnati in February 2007. In 2006, he also participated in the Relay for Life.
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In-network insurances
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Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
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UnitedHealthcare
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Office locations
1 of 2
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Indiana University, Doctor of Optometry
- Western Illinois University (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- American Optometric Association
- Indiana Optometric Association
Awards and publications
- Dr. Nelson was awarded the Gift of Sight Spirit award for Sears Optical
- Dr. Nelson was got Cole Vision Award for Outstanding Customer Care in 2000
- Dr. Nelson was Doctor of the Year Nominee in 2003
- Dr. Nelson got Luxottica Passion Ownership and Speed Award in 2004 and 2006
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1063571305
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
33 reviews
Most relevant
Dr. Nelson is the best.
August 26, 2025Renee K.Verified patient
Staff was great
July 11, 2025Kristi B.Verified patient
Usually have been very happy with this practice. I was asked to arrive 15 minutes before my scheduled appointment for check-in and insurance verification, and I was but the front door was locked. When I finally got into the building at my scheduled appointment time it was then like everyone was scurrying around frantic because they were behind schedule. Didn’t feel like I got the quality care that I should have.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I had a sudden change in the vision of my right eye. Everyone was VERY accommodating: worked me into an already very busy schedule, had an excellent consult with Dr. Nelson and he expedited my care to a Retinal Specialist. I am sincerely appreciative and grateful for the excellent care! Mary
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Good place for an eye exam. However we discontinued buying frames and lenses from you - your prices are far too high. It's quite ridiculous to be paying $200 or more for a flimsy frame and another $400 plus for lenses. There are better options abound today!
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Dr Nelson is amazing, always making sure your questions are answered and listens. So rare to find someone so knowledgeable and caring as well, he is the reason I come there. The staff is wonderful too, helped answer all my insurance questions and were so friendly. Love Insight !
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
This was my first experience at Insight. I had an injury to my eye that baffled me. Dr Nelson listened to my concern and helped calm my fears. I was also given a thorough exam by Dr Nelson along with primary testing by a knowledgeable technician. Everyone I met was friendly, helpful and respectful. I look forward to future appointments.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I called twice to confirm my appointments and left messages and you canceled my appointments. I took off work, picked my kids up early only to get to you and find that the appointments were canceled. Your staff however, did squeeze us in and Dr. Nelson saw my girls, this is not who we usually see. So your staff fixed the problem but it shouldn't have been a problem and then we were there longer than planned because of this.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Provide PD measurements upon request, with disclaimer the Insight Eye care will not be responsible for the outcome of glasses purchased outside of Insight Eye Care. I had to call my previous eye clinic to get the PD measurement from my last glasses to order my Insight Eye Care prescription online.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
until this appointment, #3 would be a 10. My annual Glaucoma checkup is an important time for me to review w/my Dr. the current status and comparison to previous yr. Everyone was so time constrained this visit wasn't possible. Couldn't even wait till eyes fully dilated before testing! Felt like an assembly line. Never been like this in the approx 20 yrs I've been with this clinic. Can only wonder if this is the result of becoming part of a larger enterprise. Caregivers, as usual, were great. The rush job was really offensive and upsetting.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I appreciate the friendly atmosphere and excellent and informative care I receive. I would like to see a better system for making accommodating and necessary appointments. An earlier reminder of the need to make an annual exam appointment would be helpful.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Mark who initially saw me for this emergency appointment is a total 10, as is Dr. Nelsen. I saw Dr. Dubow for decades and wondered if the care would be consistent. Both Mark and Dr. Bennett were VERY clear with their explanations, thorough in their examination, competent, and personable. This exam was out of the ordinary for me and when I initially called was treated with great care and it was clear that everyone took my issue very seriously. I want Dr. Bennett to be my eye doctor moving forward. He is exceptional and no nonsense.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
When I called for an appointment, I was put on hold for a very long time, so I left a message to return the call. The call was never returned, so the next day I went into the office and made an appt. I mentioned that I had left a message that wasn't returned, and the only explanation I got was, "i guess we missed it". This same thing has happened before--they are not good about answering phones or returning calls.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Professionalism by all staff. Welcoming atmosphere. Getting in at my appointment time. Maybe you can think about bringing back the complimentary coffee soon. That was a real “perk” (especially for those of us who had the early morning appointments.)????
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Dr. Nelson and the InSight staff are very professional. It is very important to me to understand my vision issues, when my vision is changing and those things that are making my vision better or worse. Dr. Nelson explains the issues in a way that I can understand and gives me a sense of what could happen in the next few years. I also appreciate advice on monitoring my vision and vitamins and food to keep my eyes healthy.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Dr. Bennett was very good and Amber was very helpful with my baby while I was going through the appointment. On thing that is would be better is the registration process. I got the email to preregister. I entered all of my information and scanned in my insurance card. When I got the office, I had to do the whole process over again. It just seemed like a bit of a time waster.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I love Dr. Nelson - I've been a patient for some time. He is knowledgeable about my treatment and always straightforward with my care - helpful and clear direction on how to protect my eyes as I age (and he knows how to kindly 'kick me in the butt' about taking my contacts out more often) . The staff is friendly, helpful and efficient. Highly recommend them!
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I am not a new patient at Insight, however, recently had an appointment and waited about 30 minutes from initial exam up until I saw the doctor. I thought some one should have 1. told me he was running late, 2. call me in advance and giving me the option to reschedule, 3. check in as see if I needed anything. And after waiting the doctor he never even acknowledged he was late. I thought it was rude.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I always get top notch service from the receptionists that greet you to the assistants who help you with the eye tests. Dr. Nelson is very attentive and is wry kind. Listens to any concerns you may have. The opticians are so knowledgeable and always have a good laugh with them.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Customer service with the glasses area needs improvement. I went Sat morning and had to wait about 10 minutes to get my glasses. Only one person working in that area. After I got my glasses went and did some errands . I came back about two hours later to get the nose piece adjusted on my glasses because it rubs my nose. I waited 20 minutes or so because she was helping someone. After she finished with that customer I asked her if she could quickly adjust my nose piece on my glasses. She said that the other people were waiting first. I left mad. It would of only taken 1 minute. I was not going to wait another 20 to 30 minutes. Where was customer service.??.. where was a backup person to help out. So my nose piece still hurts on my nose. I might not get my frames and lens there next time. Dr. Nelson was awesome. But customer service needs help..
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
The doctors are amazing. I have had problems with communication before, where I didn't get a call when the contact lenses I was waiting a week for came in. In this case, I left a message on the answering machine that this was an emergency and had to call back an hour later, since nobody listened to my message. Hopefully it's just a short-staffing issue due to COVID, but more attention needs to be paid to emergency calls and voicemails; sadly, I no longer expect to be called back, so I just have to keep calling until I get a human. But beyond that, everyone is amazing. Dr. Malikowski and Nelson are the best of the best.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Good service and helpful staff! I always seem to have issues with our billing department which is concerning. As an example, recently I received a bill for service received over a year ago. The bill had been paid over a year ago however I was being rebilled for same service. Two calls later and it was resolved but still this is typical of what I have experienced.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I have been a patient here for over 30 years. There is constanly new faces with the assisitants there, I like to see familiar faces from year to year, like it used to be several years ago. The staff/ assisitants, is always changing and dont have educated eye expertice, so its not like goint to the medical Dr and the nursing staff have educated knowledge to have conversation with. Your assisitants do not have this....also they dont have any reason to stay employed there, and they dont seem to have any education in the eye industry or investments in insight eye care, so they are free to come and go I guess.... I used to get many different tests done there that made insight stand out from the rest of eye exam businesses. I dont get it - why dont you check for parifial vision anymore with the hot air balloon, or some of the other technology that made you stick out as being more well rounded. I asked the assisitants.... but they cant answer those questions because they are " just emplo
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
My check was lost somehow and I could not get anyone to return emails or phone calls...plus I stopped in twice for some answers. I did however get it resolved with Pam as of Monday. I rewrote a check less $30 for the stop payment charge on the lost check which was not my fault. But all is well now. Just follow up with your customers please. I still like you guys.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Perhaps Katie, who completed my eye tests, is new. I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt. She struggled and had to repeat more than one. If she is new I can understand. Even if she is a new employee she could have greeted me, or even asked about my day. I would have appreciated a small amount of friendly conversation.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Dr. Nelson and Kassie were a joy to work with and are knowledgeable, positive and upbeat. The one thing that could be improved would be the front desk greeting, maybe some additional training or a smile, or maybe the receptionist didn't feel well that day or was just having a bad day.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I scheduled my appointment online for 11:20. Received a call from someone at the office saying that I needed to come in at 10:30 for tests. When I arrived at 10:15, I found out that I did not have any appointment for tests at 10:30. I wasn’t too happy about that.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Short wait time to be seen is a huge plus. Both staff people I dealt with were caring and thorough, taking time to explain things carefully along the way and answer my questions. Both took special care to keep me comfortable during the test I was given.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I really enjoyed the care I received at insight eye care. Dr. Nelson was very helpful and great at explaining everything. The only thing that I found a little trouble with was getting my glasses once they came in. As someone who works banking hours (typically the time that businesses are open) I couldn't come in to pick them up. I tried leaving work early, calling ahead, and still said there was no willingness to wait not even a minute or two after 5. Which, I understand. But still very hard to access the care I needed especially when I paid $500 out of pocket + whatever insurance paid. Thankfully my mom was able to grab them.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I'm so thankful Dr Nelson and team were able to get me in same day to diagnose and treat my eye infection. The team was very thorough in ruling out all kinds of issues that could be causing my limited vision. I started my prescription same day instead of waiting days to get into my primary eye doctor. I'm switching to Insight because of the excellent care I received. Thank you!!
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Dr. Nelson is so friendly and so concerned for my eyes. Also, the girl with the foot print tattoo is exceptional in customer service. So kind, concerned and polite. Not only to me, but while I was waiting I listened to her talk on the phone with someone and she was sooooo nice.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Great, consistent service year after year. I know that the Becker is just a satellite office, but any equipment you could add to this office to reduce currently required trips to the Sartell office would be a value added service to your clients here.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
August 8, 2025MarieLyne S.Verified patient
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Bennett Nelson?
Generally, Dr. Bennett Nelson has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Nelson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Bennett Nelson accepting new patients?
Dr. Bennett Nelson generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Nelson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Bennett Nelson accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Nelson is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Bennett Nelson online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Nelson using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Bennett Nelson work with?
Dr. Bennett Nelson works with EyeCare Specialties of Minnesota.
Where is Dr. Bennett Nelson's office located?
Dr. Bennett Nelson has 2 office locations, including in Becker and Waite Park, view full addresses on Dr. Nelson's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Bennett Nelson?
Dr. Bennett Nelson frequently sees patients for Contact Lenses, Eyeglasses, General Eye Consultation, Retina Consultation, and Routine Eye Exam. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Bennett Nelson on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Bennett Nelson speak?
Dr. Bennett Nelson speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Bennett Nelson in reviews?
33 patients have reviewed Dr. Bennett Nelson. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.