Erin Carlson, OD

Dr. Erin Carlson brings over two decades of experience and heartfelt dedication to her role at Chu Vision Institute.

A Trusted Partner in Lifelong Eye Health

Originally from Apple Valley, MN, Dr. Carlson has built a career around providing thoughtful, patient-centered eye care, with a special focus on family practice and the unique needs of geriatric patients. Her calm, attentive manner and clinical expertise have earned her the trust of countless patients throughout her career.

Before joining Chu Vision Institute in the summer of 2020, Dr. Carlson practiced at Eagan Eye Clinic for 19 years. Her extensive experience and gentle approach to care make her an invaluable part of the Chu Vision team, especially for patients seeking compassionate, long-term vision support.

An Education Built on Excellence

Dr. Carlson earned her Bachelor of Arts from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, in 1995. She went on to attend the Illinois College of Optometry, where she graduated cum laude in 1999 with both her Doctor of Optometry degree and a Bachelor of Science in Visual Science. Her training laid a strong foundation for a career centered on excellence, empathy, and personalized care.

Caring for Generations of Patients With Gentleness

Dr. Carlson is passionate about developing lasting relationships with her patients, often caring for multiple generations within the same family. Her special interest in geriatric eye care allows her to address age-related vision changes with sensitivity and expertise, helping patients maintain their independence and quality of life.

Specialized Care for Lifelong Visual WellnessTailored treatment for your eyes, your age, and your lifestyle

As we age, our eyes undergo natural changes that can impact everyday life. For older adults, routine eye care is more than just keeping prescriptions up to date—it’s about preserving independence, detecting early signs of disease, and maintaining quality of life. That’s why having a compassionate, experienced optometrist is so important.

Vision Care That Adapts to You A Holistic Approach

Older adults benefit most from a provider who has specific skills:

Early Detection of Age-Related Conditions: Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, can develop gradually and without obvious symptoms. Regular screenings allow for early intervention, often before vision loss occurs.
Customized Treatment Plans: Age-related vision issues vary from person to person. A tailored approach ensures the right mix of monitoring, treatment, and lifestyle recommendations based on individual health, medications, and visual needs.
Support Through Cataract Management: Cataracts are extremely common among older adults. A skilled optometrist provides essential support before, during, and after surgery, including referrals, counseling, and co-management with surgeons.
Patience and Clear Communication: Seniors may need extra time to discuss symptoms, understand treatment options, and feel they are heard. A provider with a warm, patient-centered approach makes all the difference.
Integration with Broader Health Needs: Vision changes can be related to systemic health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure. A knowledgeable optometrist collaborates with primary care physicians to ensure the best care.

Dr. Erin Carlson understands the specific challenges older adults face and takes the time to listen, explain, and support them every step of the way. With decades of experience in family and geriatric eye care, she’s a trusted partner for seniors who want to protect their vision and stay active, independent, and informed.

Compassionate Guidance for Your Journey to Improved Vision

Over 20 years of experience in family and geriatric eye care
Graduate of Illinois College of Optometry, cum laude
Former provider at Eagan Eye Clinic for 19 years
Known for compassionate, relationship-based care
Minnesota native with a passion for community and family life

Let Dr. Erin Carlson help you see the world with clarity and confidence. Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference in personalized vision care.

A Life Dedicated to Care At Work and at Home

Outside the office, Dr. Carlson is a devoted mother of four and loves spending time with her family. Whether she’s relaxing at her cabin, enjoying the outdoors, or attending her children’s activities, her personal life reflects the compassionate care she delivers to her patients every day.

Join the network of providers who trust Dr. Carlson with their patients. Refer a patient here.

Patient Reviews

I am pleased with my results

I had cataract surgery for my left eye with the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). Chu Vision Institute made sure my eyes were taken care of throughout the entire process. T...

eea7198

If you’re reading this and need a sign to schedule an appointment, DO IT!

PRK was the best decision I have ever done. I wouldn’t have explored surgery options with any other clinic or surgeon. Eye surgery is nerve racking, but Dr Chu and his tea...

Ciarra

I had the most amazing experience at Chu Vision!

I had the most amazing experience at Chu Vision! Every aspect of my journey getting the Light Adjustable Lens' to correct my vision was wonderful. Can't say enough of Dr Chu and...

Maria B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Chu

Dr. Chu is an excellent doctor. I felt confident in his knowledge and ability as a surgeon. He is a very kind and caring person and felt very comfortable with him. His staff is ...

Carol K.

The staffers are very professional, knowledgeable and helpful.

I knew from the moment I walked into Chu Vision, this would be where I wanted to have my cataracts taken care of. The staffers are very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. ...

Judy T.

I promise you will not just be pleased, but THRILLED!

I had been in need of cataract surgery for a while. I was having trouble finding a surgeon that I wanted to touch my eyes! Then my son had Laser Surgery at Chu Institute and was...

Pattie H.

Recovery was quick

Even with my medical background, this was out of my area of expertise, so I was pretty nervous. Quickly I was reassured by their very comprehensive examination, excellent profes...

Orlando

Very thorough, professional, and uplifting

Carolyn S.

The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic.

The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic. They are careful to answer one's questions, diligent about prepping for surgery, and of course the surgeons are top notch....

Jeffrey S.

The procedure was quick and my recovery was totally painless

I had never had cataract surgery before, so thus was unexplored territory for me. The preparatory videos, however, were invaluable. I had numerous follow-up phone calls from Chu...

Brian M.

I am confident in the future health of my eyes

I had LASIK done at Chu Vision today. I was so impressed with every step of the process. They have clearly thought of each step of the client experience. I am confident in the f...

Kielyn S.

I am on the mend and my vision is amazing!

I have been going to Chu Vision for annual eye appointments for eight years. All annual appointments were done by caring professionals. This year, the need for cataract surgery ...

Linda U.

If I could give 10 stars I would!!

Chu Vision was recommended to me by a friend and I could not be happier with the facility and staff. Everyone was always so friendly, you can tell they all really enjoy what the...

Mara M.

Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses

Light (adjustable) cataract surgery lens replacement. Satisfied with the results. Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses. Professionally run organization. Ever...

Rick M.

This procedure is absolutely life-changing

I had the EVO ICL procedure done and am so happy with the results!! It’s crazy to think I won’t need contacts or glasses anymore, and waking up each morning being ab...

Andrea E.

By far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to

This was by far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to. They are so polite and caring. Dr. Chu absolutely knows what he is doing and so personable. Great job to the whol...

JoEllen S.

Just an amazing experience!

Absolute the Cadillac of any business I have been a part of. Excellent communication, empathic nurses and techs, excellent doctors, and best of all- my vision! I am blown away b...

Becky H.

Thank you for making me see the light (pun intended:) ).

If every health care facility operated as seamlessly and as patient oriented as this one, we would have truly compassionate, passionate and professional services that rival none...

Anonymous

I’m 20/20, and it is so freeing!

I had a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure with Chu nearly 2 years ago, and I still think about how much it has improved my day-to-day life nearly every day! I had extreme...

Karla R.

I now have 20/20 vision without glasses

Chu Vision is a highly professional and extremely caring Institute. My cataract surgery went well and Dr. Chu and his entire staff were amazing! They truly cared for my in...

Sherri R.

I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision!

I had the Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) procedure done at Chu Vision Institute, and I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision! I h...

Jackie O.

I'm taking lessons for my own business in how thorough they are.

I am so impressed with this clinic from start to finish. They are a well-oiled machine, and have clearly considered the patient experience all the way through. I felt comfortabl...

Kielyn S.

I can now drive without glasses.

Chu Vision did a great job. From the initial evaluations through the cataract surgery I had on both of my eyes. Everything went smoothly and as planned. It has now been three mo...

Mike K.

The team there made you feel comfortable and at ease

I had cataract surgery. The care was unbelievable the team there made you feel comfortable and at ease. All my follow up visits was all about my healing process and even the pho...

Willie F.

My life has been forever changed

I walked into Chu Vision and my life has been forever changed. I had been wearing glasses for almost 25 years and after doing my research chose Dr. Chu for my surgery. I cannot ...

Bridget V.

They made me feel comfortable and confident that I was in good hands.

Dr Chu is an excellent kind efficient ophthalmologist. His staff mirrors his effective leadership. My experience with every staff person was excellent. They made me feel comfort...

Mary Lou K.

The communication was exceptional

My mom recently had cataract surgery at Chu Vision, and the entire experience was absolutely wonderful. From start to finish, the team was timely, efficient, and incredibly cari...

Ouraphone W.

The best gift of clearer, colorful vision!

Chu Vision deserves 5 stars! Starting from initial visit to last eye exam after cataract surgeries one week apart on both eyes. Top notch surgeon and employees! Best decision I ...

Lori R.

Colors are so vibrant

Chu Vision Institute is a very efficiently and professionally run clinic. My cataract surgery was so successful! It seems like my vision is continuing to improve - it is clearer...

Kristine S.

I wish I could give them higher than a 5-star rating!

Chu Vision is amazing! Everyone who works there is phenomenal. With my Light Adjustable Lens I made many trips to this wonderful facility. I was always treated with kindness and...

Patty A.

Within 24 hours of the surgery, I’m seeing clear and my eyes feel normal.

Got LASIK done in both eyes yesterday and I couldn’t be happier. I’d recommend Chu Vision to anyone interested in LASIK surgery. Dr. Chu & everyone there did an ...

David A.

Very highly recommend Dr. Chu and his entire office

Totally positive experience with Dr. Chu and his office. There aren’t words that adequately express the patience, kindness and friendship received from Dr. Chu and every o...

Mary F.

My vision results are spot on

My experience at ChuVision was seamless, thorough and informative. My vision results are spot on to all that was expected. At times I felt the number of appointments was somewha...

Carol H.

You’ve earned a lifelong patient!

Dr. Chu and his team are truly world-class. I had the ICL procedure done on both eyes, and the entire experience was outstanding. From the initial evaluation to the day of surge...

Victor A.