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Alexandria, MN

Our Alexandria clinic is new, state-of-the-art, and ready to serve you. Our talented team aims to make your visit as comfortable as possible and focuses on LASIK, advanced cataract surgery, glaucoma care, and oculoplastics.

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2600 Jefferson St.
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 762-2166
Fax: (320) 762-8898

Hours

Monday - Thursday

8:00am - 4:30pm

Friday

8:00am - 12:00pm

World Leaders in LASIK, Cataract, Glaucoma, and Oculoplastics in Alexandria, MN

Unsure what vision correction you need? Our vision correction quiz will guide you through questions to help identify your unique needs.

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LASIK

LASIK, a laser vision correction procedure, reduces or even eliminates your need for glasses or contacts. Patients who aren’t candidates for LASIK may still experience freedom from corrective lenses with another laser procedure.

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Cataract

Cloudy vision is a sign of cataracts, a condition that is treated surgically. Our world-class doctors can help you determine the best options to address yours. Some patients even experience less dependence on glasses after surgery.

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Cornea

The doctors at Vance Thompson Vision provide cornea care using surgical and non-surgical treatments and the latest technology. They have the highest levels of training, which means when you choose one of them, your vision is in skilled hands.

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Glaucoma

Patients are often nervous about a glaucoma diagnosis, but with proper management, it does not have to limit daily activities. Our doctors have a long-standing commitment to glaucoma research. They’re here to help you navigate this disease.

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Eyelid

The oculoplastic surgeons at Vance Thompson Vision use the most advanced technology to provide you world-class oculoplastic care.

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Aesthetics

We offer a variety of laser treatments to restore your skin’s youthful glow. Address sun damage, texture, tone and pigmentation, wrinkles, acne scarring, melasma, and more in the skilled hands of our provider team.

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Research at Vance Thompson Vision Alexandria

Supervised by Dr. Ristvedt and supported by Vance Thompson Vision’s research department, the team in Alexandria is actively studying glaucoma and cataracts. Their efforts to share study opportunities with patients and to help bring new treatments to market contributes to breakthroughs that improve vision and enrich lives.

Studies are ongoing and fall into two categories: sponsored clinical trials, most of which are FDA-monitored; or investigator-initiated trials, studies sparked by our doctors’ desire to understand an already-approved technology better. At any given time, Alexandria’s team is working on trials that, in the long run, will bring even more advanced care to their patients.

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The Vance Thompson Vision Alexandria Team

Dr. Deborah Gess Ristvedt and Dr. Brent Kramer, board-certified ophthalmologists, work closely their clinical partners, optometrists Mathew Walker and Jason Schmit. Along with the rest of the Alexandria team, they offer patients the best possible care, the latest advancements in technology, and a welcoming atmosphere to share their concerns and questions.

Dr. Gess Ristvedt's family has a respected legacy in the community. Lowell Gess, her grandfather and an ophthalmologist, opened his Alexandria clinic in 1975 when he returned from Sierra Leone, where he used his medical skills to restore vision and to share the gospel. Timothy, Lowell’s son, also became an ophthalmologist, continuing the practice until his daughter, Dr. Gess Ristvedt, joined him. She eventually assumed leadership and guided the practice to continued growth with Vance Thompson Vision. Interested in a career at Vance Thompson Vision? Explore open positions.

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Alexandria Patient Ratings & Reviews

5.0/5

January 7, 2025

Very positive and knowledgeable staff from walking in the door to leaving after my surgery. Will definitely recommend.

January 16, 2025

Dr. Deb is one of the most knowledgeable and kind provider’s I have ever met. She went above and beyond to explain the Moxi treatment that I received to ensure I was comfortable. Her team provided exceptional customer service throughout my entire visit. I highly recommend booking a service with Dr. Deb and her team! I will be back!

October 21, 2024

Every staff person was extremely warm and pleasant to work with during my appointment. Dr. Walker did an excellent job explaining to me every aspect of tests and what my results meant to me now and in the future. While he was running behind schedule and I did have to wait, he never made me feel like he was in a hurry or rushed. Dr. Walker went above and beyond to ensure that I got the care I needed. He built my trust and confidence and I felt reassured in knowing I was getting the best care.

October 23, 2024

Drs Walker and Ristvedt were both very thorough and knowledgeable but efficient! They did an excellent job explaining my situation. They were blessed with a gift of service that they use wisely.

September 21, 2024

Amazing staff, amazing facility, hands down the best place we have received care.

June 17, 2024

You guys are the best. You made sure I was comfortable throughout the whole process.

May 7, 2024

Vance Thompson in Alexandra was amazing! From consultation to the cataract surgery. The staff is very professional, personal & caring. Very pleased with my procedure & & highly recommend them.

February 14, 2024

Extremely professional yet treat you like family. I have received great Care with attention to every detail, I was made to feel very comfortable and every question was answered thoroughly. I was at ease and all of my fears were replaced with confidence. I highly recommend!!!

February 13, 2024

I had the best experience in every way. From caring and courteous staff, a knowledgeable and expert surgical team, to making me feel at ease and valued from the moment I walked in to the moment I left. And I have the best eye sight I've had in years, and that is priceless. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

February 13, 2024

Only the best !! Everyone is so amazing! Trust your eyes to Vance Thompson - you won’t be sorry!!

February 8, 2024

Top notch Doctors and staff! Your eyes should ONLY be with VTV!!!

March 16, 2023

When I needed Cataract surgery, I was very nervous. I was amazed with how kind and comforting everyone was, and the Drs are exceptional. Everything went very well. I highly recommend Vance Thompson's.

February 10, 2023

Great people, wonderful experience and terrific results. Everyone is very caring. Each step of the procedure is clearly explained. If you have any questions about an upcoming procedure, or your care afterwards, feel free to call. They will answer your questions and concerns.

December 3, 2022

Professional, knowledgeable,courteous, sensitive to individual needs:hand_over_mouth:. the faculty is well organized, inviting and super clean. Would highly recommend Vance Thompson Vision. I was at the Alexandria,MN site. Excellent all around experience . Thank you for my vision.

November 12, 2022

Simply wonderful experience. I cannot express enough thanks to Dr Debbie and the entire staff at Alexandria's Vance Thompson. Everyone was very professional and caring. A family member needed a little more than the usual help with his eyes and Dr. Debbie went above and beyond. The outcome was amazing. Highly highly recommend.

February 17, 2022

From the moment we walked in for my daughters consultation until we walked out after her surgery, we had the best experience! Everyone was so helpful and knowledgeable. The positive attitude, great customer service, and attention to detail is greatly appreciated! All of the nurses were top notch and Dr. Debbie so friendly and down to earth. Highly recommended Vance Thompson Vision in Alexandria Minnesota!! Thank you to everyone who made my daughters first experience with a surgery a good and successful one!

October 20, 2021

This facility, all the people attending to & caring for each of us for treatment deserves many MORE than 5 stars! ⭐ I cannot say enough about EVERYONE, and there were many, who tended to me for cataract/glaucoma surgery. They were professional, but at the same time happy, up-beat, totally made me feel at ease (I was SO nervous)... but it was the BEST experience I have ever had! Excellent doctors and Dr. Debbie is an absolutely fabulous surgeon and a sweetheart! THANK YOU to ALL who I was so very fortunate to interact with!

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Find Us In Alexandria

Thanks to the nearby “chain of lakes,” Alexandria is well-known among locals and vacationers as a picturesque respite. It’s also a great place for ophthalmology care. Our Alexandria building opened in 2020 with the latest technology. Our patients and visitors often comment on our distinct halo lights that brighten the night sky. Conveniently, the city of Alexandria is just off I-94 and Vance Thompson Vision is on Jefferson Street, one of the city’s main thoroughfares.