Dr. Thomas J. Rice, MD | Maplewood, MN | Ophthalmologist

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Dr. Thomas Rice is an ophthalmologist with 38 years of experience treating conditions affecting the eyes and vision. He completed his medical education at the University of Minnesota Medical School, building a strong foundation in eye care that has served patients across Minnesota and Wisconsin for nearly four decades. Dr. Rice speaks both English and Spanish, helping him connect with a diverse patient population.

Dr. Rice practices at multiple locations including Burnett Medical Center, United Hospital, and M Health Fairview Bethesda Hospital, with offices in Maplewood, Minnesota, Grantsburg, Wisconsin, and Saint Paul, Minnesota. He specializes in treating cataracts, nearsightedness, and age-related macular degeneration. His practice offers comprehensive eye exams, advanced retinal imaging, and optical coherence tomography to diagnose and monitor various eye conditions. Patients have given him an average rating of 4.5 stars, reflecting their confidence in his experienced care.

Overview based on verified provider data

accepting new patients
4.5

97 Ratings
38 years of experience
speaks English, Spanish
University Of Minnesota Medical School
87 written reviews
1 specialty
12 areas of expertise
1 board certification
3 hospital affiliations
4 office locations
Male

Patients consistently praise Dr. Thomas John Rice for his welcoming and professional demeanor, highlighting his ability to explain medical issues clearly, provide thorough eye care, and manage treatments effectively. Many appreciate his approachable nature, empathetic communication skills, and the positive experiences with the clinic staff. On the negative side, a few patients felt dismissed or experienced issues related to appointment scheduling, one mentioning a perceived sexist treatment. Despite these occasional negative experiences, the overall sentiment towards Dr. Rice remains overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their trust and satisfaction in his care.

AI-generated from the text of patient reviews

97 ratings & reviews

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Showing 1 to 10 of 87 reviews

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Dr. Rice is a great doctor. He's very welcoming and understanding. I always look forward to seeing Dr. Rice.

December 13th, 2025

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Have always enjoyed having Dr. Rice be my ophthalmologist! Great guy. Wish him well in retirement.

December 9th, 2025

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Dr Rice is an excellent physician who managed my eye care with good communication and results.

November 26th, 2025

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I have been seeing Dr Rice for many years. He is a wonderful Dr. He always makes me feel welcome and I always feel well taken care of. I will really miss him now that he is retiring.

November 20th, 2025

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Dr. Rice is a gifted surgeon and handled my cataracts professionally and perfectly. He has always provided me with excellent eye care through the years.

September 30th, 2025

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Dr Rice is Very kind , reassuring and positive! The whole staff is helpful, friendly and efficient. In the past I had a lot of trouble adjusting to glasses I got at a different place and they did multiple adjustments for me . Highly recommend

September 25th, 2025

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He's an awesome doctor that I have never met. I feel confident to ask and talk about my concern. He is always listening and responding with answers.

September 23rd, 2025

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Dr Rice is always friendly, professional and knowledgeable. He always explains situations and resolutions about my eye. I totally trust him with my eye care. I have going to him for many years. Yesterday’s Cataract surgery was easy and my anxiety was kept at bay knowing I was on Dr Rice’s hands. He is the greatest!!

September 16th, 2025

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As always my appointment with Dr. Rice today was a very good experience. He’s been my eye care provider for a very long time and he is always friendly and professional and always provides the best care. He gets to the bottom of the issue and corrects it. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Rice.

April 30th, 2025

1 person found this helpful

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Dr Rice is always very professional but also friendly and personable.

April 29th, 2025

Saint Paul Eye Clinic Pa

1675 Beam Ave Ste 100Maplewood, MN 55109

Tel: (651) 770-1371

Mon8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Tue8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Wed8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Thu8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Fri8:30 am - 5:30 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed

Burnett Medical Center

257 W Saint George AveGrantsburg, WI 54840

Tel: (715) 463-5353

United Hospital

333 Smith Ave NSaint Paul, MN 55102

Tel: (651) 241-8000

M Health Fairview Saint Josephs Hospital

45 10th St WSaint Paul, MN 55102

Tel: (651) 232-3023


Dr. Thomas John Rice, MD	Dr. Evan Sherman Meyer	Dr. Asyvia Maria Lenora Powell-Brawner	Dr. Mary Gilbert Lawrence, MD
Ophthalmology	Ophthalmology	Ophthalmology	Ophthalmology
Accepts New Patients		Accepts New Patients
4.5 (97 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)	4 (3 Ratings)
38 Years of Experience	4 Years of Experience	7 Years of Experience	43 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English, Spanish
Maplewood , MN	Minneapolis , MN	Minneapolis , MN	Minneapolis , MN
Med School: University Of Minnesota Medical School	Med School: Sanford School Of Medicine Of The University Of South Dakota	Med School: University Of South Florida Health Morsani College Of Medicine	Med School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College At Thomas Jefferson University
Current Profile	View Profile	View Profile	View Profile

Search for your insurance and plan

Accepts Medicare
Accepts Medicaid

Ophthalmology

Blindness
Cataract
Cataract Surgery
Diabetic Retinopathy
Eye Exam
Eye Pain
Glaucoma
Lasik Surgery
Lens Implants (Intraocular Lens Implantation)
Macular Degeneration
Refractive Surgical Procedures
Vision Issues

MEDICAL LICENSE

Medical Doctor, Minnesota, 2026, Active

Medical Doctor, Wisconsin, 2025, Expired

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Medical School

University Of Minnesota Medical SchoolGraduated in 1988

Dr. John Dillard Rice, MD
Optometry
60 Years Exp | Minneapolis, MN
(2)
Dr. Natalia Y Kramarevsky, MD
Ophthalmology
27 Years Exp | New Ulm, MN
(0)
Dr. Huda Sheheitli, MD
Ophthalmology
12 Years Exp | Minneapolis, MN
(0)
Dr. Sasha Strul, MD
Ophthalmology
14 Years Exp | Minneapolis, MN
(0)
Dr. Elizabeth Davis
Ophthalmology
| Woodbury, MN
(0)
Dr. Evan Keith Wotipka
Ophthalmology
3 Years Exp | Minneapolis, MN
(0)
Dr. Jerome Erik Kulenkamp
Ophthalmology
8 Years Exp | Minneapolis, MN
(0)
Dr. Tsun Kang Chiang
Ophthalmology
6 Years Exp | Minneapolis, MN
(0)
Dr. Christian Daniel Curran
Ophthalmology
4 Years Exp | Minneapolis, MN
(0)
Dr. Adam John Neuhouser
Ophthalmology
5 Years Exp | Minneapolis, MN
(0)

What languages does Dr. Thomas Rice speak?: Dr. Thomas Rice speaks English and Spanish.
How can I make an appointment with Dr. Thomas Rice?: You can find contact information for Dr. Thomas Rice here on Vitals.
Which hospitals is Dr. Thomas Rice affiliated with?: Dr. Thomas Rice is affiliated with Burnett Medical Center, United Hospital, and M Health Fairview Bethesda Hospital.
Is Dr. Thomas Rice accepting new patients?: Dr. Thomas Rice is accepting new patients on Vitals. View Dr. Thomas Rice's profile on Vitals to make an appointment.
Does Dr. Thomas Rice accept my insurance?: You can see the insurance plans that Dr. Thomas Rice accepts on their Vitals profile.

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