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Dr. Todd Watanabe, MD

Dr. Todd Watanabe, MD

Ophthalmology*
20+ years of experience

Dr. Todd Watanabe, MD is an ophthalmologist in Saint Paul, MN and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from SOUTH BAYLO UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE AT LOS ANGELES in 2001. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Lakeview Hospital and United Hospital. He is accepting new patients.

4.1 Star Rating
Based on 45 reviews 4.1 Star Rating (45 reviews)

Practice

1675 Beam Ave Ste 100 Saint Paul, MN 55109
(651) 770-1371

At a Glance

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Watanabe specializes in the area of Ophthalmology. • See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. • See reviews
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ • See hospitals
  • Recent Reviews
    Reviews made in the last 30 days. • See reviews
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Dr. Watanabe's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Watanabe

4.1
45 ratings, 34 with a written review
5 star
73%
73%
4 star
2%
2%
3 star
2%
2%
2 star
4%
4%
1 star
18%
18%

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Kind and excellent care
Dr. Watanabe is an excellent physician. He discovered an issue with the eye glass provider putting in an incorrect lens. He educated us about our next steps and how best to treat our daughter’s eye problems with this unfortunate error. He is so kind and patient with the kiddos as well. Excellent care from a talented physician and kind provider.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anna Donnelly-Stewart – Apr 01, 2025
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Bad experience, absolute rip-off for minimal work.
If you're reading this I cannot tell you enough how much time and headache I'll save you by cancelling your appointment or never making one with this St. Paul Eye Clinic. The prices are outrageous (which of course, they'll refuse to give you good estimates ahead of time), your service will be below average, and you'll be hassled into follow ups that will again cost you 3x what other clinics would. Trust me, find another place :)
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Brad – May 25, 2024
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Couldn’t ask for a better pediatric eye doctor!
My daughter first saw Dr. Watanabe when she was 3 and he’s been treating her eye condition for nearly 7 years! She adores him and I always appreciate the practical, straightforward, clear advice and recommendations.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Parent – Nov 28, 2023
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We LOVE Dr. Watanabe!
We have been seeing Dr. Watanabe for over a decade for all our pediatric ophthalmological needs and he is FANTASTIC, very professional and personable!!!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jul 21, 2023
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We love him!
The first eye Dr we brought our one-year-old son to moved right to scheduling surgery to correct his exotropia. We didn’t feel good about it and wanted a second opinion. Dr Watanabe did an eye exam and said surgery is handled better at a few years of age as long as there’s no damage being done to eyesight in the meantime. So we do regular checkups to monitor our son’s vision until, and if, surgery becomes necessary. Dr Watanabe is very personable and engages well with our son!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jul 13, 2023
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Wonderful Dr and staff
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 12, 2023
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Knowledgeable and to the point
Dr. Watanabe has been my children’s eye doctor since they were a year old. He is knowledgeable in a variety of eye conditions and is great with the kids.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Louise – Mar 03, 2023
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Friendly and informative
My daughter loved her appointment with Dr. Watanabe. He’s very nice and informative and he communicated great with both of us. We left feeling good about her eye care and will be back. Highly recommend!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 03, 2023
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Dr. Watanabe
Dr. Watanabe is very concerned about the patient, he has a very good personality, he listens intently to the issues concerning the individual. Over the years that I have known him He has helped me through some very rough times with my double vision, and other ailments. I really appreciate his talent's.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Ron Leseman – Mar 02, 2023
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Made our little man feel special
He was so kind and easy to talk to. Made our 9 month old completely comfortable and feeling safe. Was genuinely interested in learning more about him and our family. Could not ask for better.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 02, 2023
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Kid friendly and very good at what he does.
Yearly checkup for my son. Very understanding and has patience to explain things in a different way so that my son understands and not afraid. The tone, body language and interaction with my son is above what I expected.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Feb 15, 2023
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He helped save my son's eyesight!
My now 18-year-old first saw Dr. Watanabe before his 2nd birthday. My 11-year-old sees Dr. Watanabe as well. We have always received professional and quick care. When my oldest was 15 he had a detached retina which involved emergency appointments and immediate referrals to get into surgery. The only reason we knew to seek help was because of the warning signs Dr. Watanabe told him to be aware of. A year later my son had another detached retina in the other eye and once again we received the care we needed to save his sight. We are so thankful to the St. Paul Eye Clinic staff and their expertise! Thank you Dr. Watanabe! I highly recommend them for your child's eye care needs!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Thankful Mom – Feb 10, 2023
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Great visit again...
Yearly check up at the Woodbury location. Quick visit even with the eye dilation.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Feb 10, 2023
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Calm and Friendly
He was calm and introduced himself in a friendly manner and was able to distract her while meticulously checking her eyes.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Feb 09, 2023
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He’s great!
The front desk staff is friendly and helpful, the exam was easy and friendly; I trust Dr Watanabe.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sarah L Hilton – Feb 08, 2023
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It was a great experience
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jan 27, 2023
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Just a number
For my child's first time visit to the eye doctor, I felt things could have been explained prior to doing the appointment. Some adults know what to expect but not children. Jumping right into holding child down and putting eye drops in to dilate their eyes but not explaining what was happening was a little uncomfortable as a parent and very shocking for the child. Clinic felt very busy and hard to feel the patient care, rather felt like just another number that had to be seen. Staff was nice and great team work.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jan 27, 2023
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Very friendly, great with kids.
My child doesn't speak very well and is very hard to understand, but Dr. Watanabe is really great with him. He helps him feel comfortable and answers his questions. He is very efficient and still answers all of my questions as well. I would definitely recommend him!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jan 05, 2023
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Great Service
Mr Dr Watanabe is highly professional and experienced in matters of any issues related to eyes.I highly recommend Mr Dr. Watanabe
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Ali – Nov 27, 2022
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The Best
Kind, great with kids, and spot on diagnosis and treatment. My son looks forward to seeing Dr. Watanabe each visit. Highly recommended.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nov 16, 2022
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Eye Health Spotlight

About Me

biography

Dr. Todd Watanabe, MD is an ophthalmologist in Saint Paul, MN and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from SOUTH BAYLO UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE AT LOS ANGELES in 2001. He is affiliated with medical facilities...read more

  • Ophthalmology

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • South Baylo University School Of Oriental Medicine At Los Angeles

    Medical School, 2001
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Ophthalmology®
- 
Ophthalmology
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

Learn more about medical license public record check

Focus on Thyroid Eye Disease

Locations

Practice

Office1675 Beam Ave Ste 100 Saint Paul, MN 55109
1
St Paul Eye Clinic PA1093 Grand Ave Saint Paul, MN 55105
2

Practice

Office2080 Woodwinds Dr Ste 110 Saint Paul, MN 55125
3

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Lakeview Hospital

    927 Churchill St W
    Stillwater, MN 55082
    Recipient of 6
    hospital awards

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    90%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    3% higher than the national average

    86%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    8% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • United Hospital

    333 Smith Ave N
    Saint Paul, MN 55102
    Recipient of 10
    hospital awards

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    Surgical Care Excellence Award™ (2024)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    87%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    3% higher than the national average

    79%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    3% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • Children's Minnesota-Minneapolis

    2525 Chicago Ave
    Minneapolis, MN 55404
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality