About Dr. Hardten

Dr. David Hardten, a board-certified ophthalmologist and founding partner of Minnesota Eye Consultants, is one of the nation’s most prominent leaders in the treatment of the cornea, external disease, anterior segment, cataract, refractive and laser surgery – as well as in research and education.

As director for Minnesota Eye Consultants’ Clinical Research Department, Dr. Hardten leads 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.

A native of Overland Park, KS, Dr. Hardten graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School. He attended the University of Kansas undergraduate and medical schools, and was then accepted in the University of Minnesota Department of Ophthalmology residency program. While completing residency training, Dr. Hardten received numerous honors and awards for outstanding achievement. 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 his active practice in medical and surgical diseases of the cornea and refractive and IOL surgery, Dr. Hardten lectures throughout the world on refractive surgery and research. He has published hundreds of textbook chapters, articles and abstracts on cornea, cataract and refractive surgery.

Dr. Hardten resides in Excelsior, MN, with his wife, Christine, and their two daughters. In his free time, he enjoys golf, tennis and travel.