Wilford Hall Medical Center San Antonio, TX 1989 - 1991
Postdoctoral Fellow
Glaucoma Service University of Iowa Hospitals Iowa City, 1991 - 1992
Board Certification
1992
Dean Carlson, MD is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma from the University of Iowa. He has practiced in Colorado Springs for 25 years following service in the Air Force as an ophthalmologist. He has over 30 years of surgical experience, and while no longer performing intraocular surgeries, he continues to treat glaucoma patients with complicated glaucoma utilizing medications and laser treatments, including Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Diode Laser Photocoagulation.
Dr. Carlson is honored to have been selected by his medical peers to Colorado Springs Top Doctors 6 times, and continuously from year 2016 through year 2020. He was instrumental in combining many eye surgical specialists into one location at Pinnacle Eye Center in 2013 and forming Pinnacle Surgery Center within that same building. Today, over 10,000 laser and surgical eye procedures are performed yearly at Pinnacle Surgery Center.
Dr. Carlson grew up in Minnesota and came to Colorado to enroll at the Air Force Academy. He returned to Minnesota to attend Mayo Medical School but knew he would someday call Colorado home, which he did in 1994. He has been married to Debbie since 1982 and has three grown children and 4 grandchildren. He is an avid golfer and skier and loves the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer. He has volunteered on several medical mission trips to Mexico, Honduras and Peru. He is a past 6-year volunteer school board member for Atlas Preparatory School, a Charter School in Colorado Springs District 2 that offers a rigorous academic program, character development and community involvement to its lower-income students in grades K-12.
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2023
Great doctor! He’s thorough and ensures that I understand all that has taken place or needs to take place.
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2023
Dr. Carlson is professional, extremely knowledgeable, and explains everything in a very easy to understand way. My wait time was short and my appointment right on time. I can’t recommend anyone higher.
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2023
He is everything you want in a provider, highly knowledgeable, listens well, personable. Outstanding.
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2023
Excellent doctor. Would highly recommend Dr. Carlson to anyone needing ophthalmology care. And he has a great staff.
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2023
Dr Carlson has great bedside manner . He is well informed and explains disease processes well . His demeanor made me feel like I was the only patient on his schedule
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2023
Dr Carlson and his staff were on time, warm, courteous and professional. Dr Carlson explained my issue in layman’s term and gave me several options for treatment. He answered my questions and set up appropriate follow up. I was extremely pleased with my visit.
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2023
Knowledgeable and efficient people doing various eye tests. Been seeing Dr. Carlson for years and rate him the highest score: pleasant, efficient, knowledgeable ....I certainly trust his work and diagnosis!
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2023
Very positive experience. Appointment occurred when scheduled without delay. A truly rare occurrence in todays environment. Professional in every way.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2023
I did not see the Dr. I was greeted by Lexy who was very friendly and answered my questions. She was quite helpful!
I don't remember the lady's name who took the "pictures" of my eyes, but she was a real credit to your staff!
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2023
Didn't have to wait long to see doctor. He took time to explain things. His staff was also very helpful. Dr. Carlson is willing to work with patients and doesn't push a procedure till patient is ready. Great experience.
rater8 Verified Patient
Jan-2023
Dr Carlson and his team were prompt, efficient and very courteous. Very clear about explaining diagnoses and course of treatment. I'm going to have these people perform surgery on my eye, thats not something to take lightly. I'm confident in these people!!
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2023
I have been a patient of Dr Carlson for many years. He is always pleasant and friendly. Dr Carlson takes the time to explain things and ensure my questions have been answered. I would definitely recommend Dr Carlson!
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2023
I was greeted by the staff when I entered the office. I was taken by one of the nurse professionals for a couple of tests. Then I was escorted to one of the exam/test offices where I was quickly greeted by Dr. Carlson. He did his usual professional tests. All my questions were answered and I left my appointment feeling very well taken care of.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2023
I have trusted my precious vision to Dr. Carlson for 22 years and would not go to anyone else. He is methodical in explaining what is going on with my vision, tracking past tests, and giving me excellent advice.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2023
I have been a long time patient of Dr. Carlson's and have always received the highest quality care. His demeanor is extraordinary. He and his staff are friendly and show sincere interest in my health. Highly recommend.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2023
Dr Carlson took the time to explain the results of my eye exam. His is extremely thorough and provides great information in an understandable way.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2023
Dr Carlson took the time to explain the results of my eye exam. His is extremely thorough and provides great information in an understandable way.
rater8 Verified Patient
Dec-2022
Dr Carlson was wonderful. He explained everything I needed to know, and he took as much time as I needed for him to explain it.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2022
As always, Dr. Carlson is knowledgable, assuring, and personable. He is thorough in his explanations, and gives his opinion on the best course of treatment. I would recommend him to anyone.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2022
Excellent, Dr Carleton has been my eye doctor since the 90’s and has always provided me and my wife the best care ever. He does not gloss over any issues or what treatments you need. He always has your best interest and care in any treatment you need and the decision is yours to make.
Duane B.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2022
Dr. Carlson and his staff are very professional and efficient. I'm very happy with the care I receive.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2022
Always friendly and courteous. With my vision challenges he always has a positive statement or encouragement.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2022
Excellent experience! Doctor Carlson was extremely helpful in explaining what was happening to my eyes and what I needed to watch out for in the future. The office staff are friendly, helpful and completely professional!
Highly recommend his office.
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2022
Dr. Carlson is knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate with a very nice personality and manner.
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2022
Dr. Carlson is an outstanding health care provider and his staff is also very professional and nice.
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2022
As always, Dr. Carlson was patient, helpful & very professional. I have been associated with him for years, since he was at the Air Force Academy. I have glaucoma & use eyedrops in each eye every night. Thank you, Dr. Carlson, for your excellent care.
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2022
Dr. Carlson is fantastic. Everything about every visit I’ve had was perfect, professional, efficient, and competent.
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2022
Comprehensive and informative examination. Able to use all of the latest techniques and technologies for examination and assessment. Thanks!
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2022
The office was very efficient. The technician was very pleasant and knowledgeable. Dr. Carlson was very professional and thorough.He answered all of my questions and made recommendations for future treatment. I highly recommend Dr. Carlson and his practice.
rater8 Verified Patient
Oct-2022
Dr. Carlson takes good care of my eye problems to keep my vision top notch. Dr. Carlson is the best Opthamologist I have ever had.
Patient Submitted Review
Oct-2022
Dr Carlson is very knowledgeable and thorough. He takes time to review all test results and answer questions. Great doctor!
Patient Submitted Review
Oct-2022
Dr Carlson is very relaxed and personable. He gives clear explanations and is reassuring regarding any concerns.
Patient Submitted Review
Oct-2022
Dr. Carlson is a doctor I have a great deal of respect for. I completely trust his care for my eyes. I enjoy my appointments with him very much because of his professionalism and compassion.
Patient Submitted Review
Oct-2022
I have been with Carson for many yrs. I have gotten Good advice time and again. New staff this time, yet still quality workers assisting him. My questions are always answered, that I can understand why I am still seeing, even if only one eye. Thank you 😊
Patient Submitted Review
Oct-2022
He was very nice and explained the problem with my eyes. He was also very kind to my son. Overall nice patient care even as the last appointment of the day! I did not feel rushed.
Patient Submitted Review
Oct-2022
Immediately greeted and verified my identity. Only waited in lobby for 3-4 minutes. The professional and very plesant tech took me to office for intake measurements. Dr. Carlson is always pleasant and never makes me feel rushed. He is always open to comments and concerns. He explains the process in detail . I could not imagine gong to a different doctor ever.
Patient Submitted Review
Oct-2022
Clear, precise instructions and thorough review of testing in lay terms patiently repeated! Dr. Carlson’s expertise is well known and highly respectedin this community, and I am lucky that he continues to follow me. I trust him completely.
rater8 Verified Patient
Sep-2022
Dr. Carlson is a wonderful doctor. He is very knowledgeable and very professional. Can’t ask for a better doctor!
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2022
As always, all members of the staff were friendly and efficient. Dr Carlson has been my eye doctor for over twelve years. His outstanding professionalism and unmatched surgical talents have been instrumental in the control of my glaucoma and the subsequent increase in my quality of life.
rater8 Verified Patient
Sep-2022
I have been going to Dr Carlson for about four years now. And I hope he doesn’t retire anytime soon. He’s not only knowledgeable and skilled, he is personable and I’m glad I decided on him to treat my glaucoma.
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2022
I have been going to Dr Carlson for years and he is great and so is his staff. I appreciate how well they take care of me.
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2022
Dr. Carlson first saw me on an emergency basis and immediately referred me to a retinal specialist for a same day appointment that ultimately saved the sight in both my eyes. He later performed cataract surgery on one of my eyes without incident and I simply would not go to anyone else for my eye care. Dr. Carlson has an infectious sense of humor that invariably puts his patients at ease. Highly recommend!
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2022
Dr Carlson continues to provide the best eye care around. And his staff is totally committed as well. Thanks!😎
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2022
As a long time patient, I have always been treated most professionally and have always felt blessed for Dr. Carlson's concern and care for both me and my wife while she was alive.
Thank you; Dr. Carlson
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2022
Always friendly and professional. Had cataract surgery 11 years ago and restored my vision to 20/20 and still 20/20 today. Would not think of using any other eye center.
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2022
Detaied answers to questions. Comprehensive explanaton of exam findings. Extremely professional. Highly recommended
rater8 Verified Patient
Aug-2022
We've always been very pleased with Dr Carlson as our eye Dr, he's very easy to talk to and explains any questions we have,
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2022
Was very pleased with the treatment and care I received from Dr. Carlson. He was polite, caring and explained any of my concerns or questions. Also was perceptive to understanding this was all new to me and made me feel at ease.
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2022
I felt like Dr. Carlson was very professional and and was very thorough in his explanations including options and what might happen with either choice. J am very grateful for Dr. Carlson’s approach and I appreciate his honesty with the different choices.
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2022
I have been going to Dr. Carlson for several years now. He is kind, knowledgeable, professional, and talented.
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2022
Dr Carlson is fantastic! He always explains things thoroughly, answers any and all questions, and is very compassionate. He's been my doctor for years and I am so glad I was referred to him years ago!
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2022
I have received excellent professional service over the past decade resulting in the best vision I could possibly expect to have at my age. The entire team at Eye Associates collectively provide an outstanding experience.
Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2022
Dr Carlson is amazing! Always concerned.Always helpful. Always professional. Always positive.
ALWAYS!
Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2022
Dr. Carlson is the kind of medical person you can only hope to have. He is brilliant, caring and always gives me the exact treatment I need to continue the process of extending my eyesight! There is no question he does not understand and always provides information that is meaningful. I am so fortunate to have him as my doctor!
Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2022
He was recommended by my doc before I moved here in 2007. I was immediately impressed with his reassuring demeanor, his skillful hands in surgery and his thorough explanations and regular follow up.
Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2022
Friendly, professional office. I really liked the woman who did my intake and refraction. Thorough, friendly and informative. Dr. Carlson is always friendly and knowledgeable and answers any questions. It;'s always a good feeling to have good results!
Patient Submitted Review
Jun-2022
I got the appointment with Dr. Carlson just to get a different opinion on the redness in my left eye. Dr. Sarbora had done cataract surgery in December and January but didn't really do anything to address the redness. I had seen Dr. Carlson a while back (1993?) and I really liked him then. He hasn't changed, still very good at eye problems. He told me some different things to do and I was very satisfied. Thank you!
Patient Submitted Review
Jun-2022
I felt that the staff was friendly and helpful. I feel confident that Dr Carlson is very knowledgeable and can take care of my unique eye needs.
Patient Submitted Review
Jun-2022
Dr Carlson always takes time to give clear explanations and answer questions. In addition, his staff is uniformly thorough and a delight to work with.
Patient Submitted Review
Jun-2022
My visit today was very thorough. Dr. Carlson and his staff were very efficient in completing my eye exam.
Patient Submitted Review
Jun-2022
Everyone in the office is friendly and professional. There was no waiting from being seen at the time of your appointment to the various testing prior to seeing the doctor, whom you didn't have to wait for either. Overall a very pleasant experience. Dr. Carlson is very personable and never in a hurry. So happy we chose him four years ago for our eye care!
Patient Submitted Review
May-2022
I've been seeing Dr. Carlson for many years. He listens, answers questions thoroughly, is kind and compassionate. He has earned my trust and I highly recommend Dr. Carlson.
Patient Submitted Review
May-2022
We got in to see Dr. Carlson promptly and he was very knowledgeable, explaining my wife's issues in great detail (in layman's terms). Thanks!
Patient Submitted Review
May-2022
I have been a patient of Dr. Carlson's for many years. As always he is very nice, explaining everything, answering my questions. I never feel rushed during my appointment. His staff is very pleasant to work with. I love his new office besides being beautiful it is very close to my home.
Patient Submitted Review
May-2022
Dr. Carlson was very thorough and addressed my issues and options to correct the problem. Very satisfied.
Patient Submitted Review
May-2022
What an excellent experience! Dr. Carlson is caring, competent, and efficient. His explanations to your questions are clear. As a patient you don't ever feel "rushed" even though he has many other patients to see.
Patient Submitted Review
May-2022
My experience at Eye Associates has always been professional, friendly And positive. This is it was just as I expected, positive.
Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2022
The nurse that helped us out before the Dr Carlson came in was amazing. Sweetest lady but can't remember her name. Dr Carlson was thorough and kind.
Great staff.
Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2022
Dr. Carlson was friendly, caring, very thorough, and professional. He took his time to listen to my concerns and explain my condition. Will highly recommend him!
rater8 Verified Patient
Apr-2022
I was very pleased with the thorough care I received and the kindness of all in the office. Dr Carlson was great to me.
Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2022
Dr. Dean Carlson and his staff are amazing ! They have been taking care of my eyes for a few years. Eye put all my Trust and Loyalty in Eye Associates of Colorado Springs. They are the BEST in Colorado, as Far As Eye can See !!
Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2022
This is a beautiful new facility. The staff is friendly. Dr Carlson is friendly and efficient. He was happy to explain the results of various tests and images.
rater8 Verified Patient
Apr-2022
Dr. Carlson has always been the friendliest and most personable doctor. He did an outstanding job on my cataract surgery several years ago, and continues to be top notch.
Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2022
Dr. Carlson and his staff treated me as a valued patient. They explained everything that they were doing for my eye exam. They answered all of my questions. They never appeared rushed and I felt comfortable asking any questions related to my eyes, the exam and testing.
Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2022
Dr. Carlson is great! He is soft spoken and kind. Bill was seen with really
short notice, and Bill has total confidence in this man. Thank you Dr. Carlson we will see you on Monday! Bill Wilson
Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2022
Dr. Carlson was extremely thorough and pleasant during my evaluation. I would highly recommend him to anyone requiring eye care.
Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2022
From the staff at Eye Associates to Dr. Carlson-I was impressed!
Dr. Carlson is personable and an exceptional doctor! He was very thorough during my exam today and explained everything to me in great detail! He cares about his patients! Thank you Dr. Carlson!
Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2022
Dr. Carlson is an exceptional Doctor! Very personable! He took his time and was very thorough with my exam. He explained things to me in detail. He cares about his patients!
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2022
Dr. Carlson provides exceptional and detail oriented exams, provides easily understandable explanations and is extremely thorough. His staff is very welcoming and makes you feel right at home and comfortable. The waiting area is stunningly decorated and provides a relaxing atmosphere.
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2022
Dr Carlson was very patient and took the time to explain my condition. He has a great sense of humor and has a gift of making you feel at ease. Thank you very much for having such a friendly and professional staff. He's a keeper. Peace ✌ and Blessings. K.J.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2022
Dr. Carlson was very professional, friendly and took the time necessary to explain my symptoms, causes and solutions. Highly recommend.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2022
Dr Carlson is always attentive caring,and very patience. Today all his staff were polite and very helpful and caring.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2021
I called Eye Associates on a Wednesday afternoon about some issues I was having with my eye and was seen on Thursday afternoon after talking with a tech who returned my call within 30 minutes. Dr. Carlson was very helpful and explained everything to me about my eye issues and what needed to be done. Everyone was so very helpful and friendly I just can’t say enough good things about them!
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2021
From check-in throughout the the entire appointment, very excellent service! Thank you Dr. Carlson and staff.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2021
Dr. Dean Carlson is a skilled ophthalmologist. He is highly competent and personable. I have the highest trust in his care.
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2021
Appointment was on time, tests done in professional manner, and the news was honest and what I needed. Great experience
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2021
Dr. Carlson is wonderful. Very knowledgeable and personable. He spent as much time as needed to answer all my questions.
rater8 Verified Patient
Nov-2021
I've been seeing this Gentleman for over 30 years. His genuine interest in me and my eyes is second to none. In many ways, I owe my current eye sight to Dr. Carlson. Thanks Sir!
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2021
This is the absolute best Doctor in the Springs. He has done two very delicate surgeries on my eyes and I'm seeing 20/25. I'm so grateful for him and his superior staff! I would highly recommend him for your eye care. He really cares for his patients.
rater8 Verified Patient
Oct-2021
Dr. Carlson takes time with his patients. He is caring and kind. He knows what he's doing and provides excellent healthcare. I've been his patient for 15 years.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2018
This might be overkill but people like Dr. Carlson restore my faith in humanity. He is a very compassionate doctor who has a way of just making his patients feel very safe. I used to get panic attacks any time someone tried to measure my eye pressure and Dr. Carlson's demeanor makes these tests bearable now. Also I am very grateful for him for saving my sight and making my lens replacement surgery so easy.
Patient Submitted Review
Jun-2018
Dr Carlson has been my Eye care Physician for 9 years. He has treated my Glaucoma and with his care have successfully stabilized my intra ocular pressure in the normal range without the necessity of eye drops. Dr Carlson is knowledgeable and thorough. He will explain till you understand. Both he and his staff are helpful and respectful.
Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2017
Several years ago my husband began seeing multiple images versus one image. He saw two eye doctors who were unsure what was wrong with his eye. The second one referred us to Dr. Carlson, who diagnosed an unusual form of cataract. He showed me the cataract. Dr. Carlson removed the cataract, and my husband could see perfectly again. We highly recommend him! Years later the other eye needed cataract surgery which Dr. Carlson performed with the same success. He is the best!
Patient Submitted Review
May-2016
Dr. Carlson is a knowledgeable practitioner, a skillful surgeon and a personable individual. Both my wife and I have been his patients over the last five years. He diagnosed a macular issue and referred me to an excellent surgeon. Late last year (2015), he performed cataract surgery on both of my eyes-and I am extremely pleased with the results.
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Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2023
Great doctor! He’s thorough and ensures that I understand all that has taken place or needs to take place.