David R. Hardten, MD

Dr. David R. Hardten, a board-certified ophthalmologist and founding partner of Minnesota Eye Consultants, is a prominent leader in the treatment of the cornea, external disease, anterior segment, cataract, refractive and laser surgery - as well as in research and education.

As a past director for Minnesota Eye Consultants’ Clinical Research Department, Dr. Hardten has led research projects surrounding LASIK Eye Surgery, refractive surgery, complex case management, cataract surgery, natural lens replacement surgery, glaucoma management, corneal transplantation, iris reconstruction, surgical instrumentation and drug therapies. Dr. Hardten has received numerous awards for his dedication to the eye care industry, including the 2011 Casebeer Award for outstanding contribution to the research and development of refractive surgery from the International Society of Refractive Surgery, the 2011 Allina HOPE (Hospital Outstanding Patient Experience) Award, and the 2010 American Academy of Ophthalmology Lifelong Education for the Ophthalmologist Continuing Education Recognition Award.

He attended the University of Kansas undergraduate and medical schools, and was then accepted into the University of Minnesota Department of Ophthalmology residency program. He completed his fellowship training in cornea and external disease at the University of Minnesota and Phillips Eye Institute and received the ARVO/National Eye Institute Fellow Award. Dr. Hardten entered private practice in 1993 with Drs. Richard L. Lindstrom and Thomas W. Samuelson, also founding partners of Minnesota Eye Consultants. He is an attending ophthalmologist at Phillips Eye Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as well. In addition to an active clinical and surgical practice, Dr. Hardten has focused on education throughout his career. He is an adjunct associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota Department of Ophthalmology and serves as an adjunct professor for the Illinois College of Optometry.

Dr. Hardten has held leadership positions in many professional organizations, including board director for the International Society of Refractive Surgery and the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists; co-medical director for Laser Vision Centers, Inc.; clinical advisory board for TLCVision; board of directors and program director for the Refractive Surgery Interest Group of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. While serving for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, he received its distinguished achievement award in 1999 and the senior achievement award in 2006 for his countless efforts on behalf of the Academy.