Dr. Michael Merck is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, and within the general scope of his family eye care practice he brings many years of experience in utilizing lasers for the treatment of eye diseases, to advanced minimally invasive cataract surgery including laser assisted cataract surgery, as well as to the implantation of intraocular lenses that reduce or eliminate dependency on eyeglasses for far and near vision.
Dr. Michael Merck is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, and within the general scope of his family eye care practice he brings many years of experience in utilizing lasers for the treatment of eye diseases, to advanced minimally invasive cataract surgery including laser assisted cataract surgery, as well as to the implantation of intraocular lenses that reduce or eliminate dependency on eyeglasses for far and near vision.
The reviews listed below were collected independently of Regional Eye Center through rater8. Each review represents an authentic and verified patient experience.
Answered all questions in a normal verbiage that was easy to understand. Very likable. Hoping surgery goes well now.
(1 week ago)
Sep-2026
Explains everything thoroughly. Makes sure you understand everything and answers all your questions in terms you can understand.
(2 months ago)
Jul-2026
Very knowledgeable and personable.
(2 months ago)
Jun-2026
Dr Merck was very informative about my condition, home care and future need to have the cataracts removed. I will do my follow up /yearly checkup with Dr Merck.
(5 months ago)
Mar-2026
So personable, kind and gentle!!
(7 months ago)
Feb-2026
Bestest Dr. Ever
(7 months ago)
Feb-2026
He was very easy to talk to & explained everything to me. I feel real comfortable with him & look forward to him doing the laser work on my eyes
(9 months ago)
Nov-2025
I'm always pleased when a professional explains things very clearly. Understanding options, expectations and possible (if rare) complications is really important to me.
(10 months ago)
Nov-2025
Excellent job explaining the issues and options available for me and realistic outcomes
(10 months ago)
Oct-2025
I was told Dr Merck would do the cataract surgery. However, I never saw him. My husband and I have had several surgery/procedures done, and I don't remember the doctor not greeting us. The least I expect is "Hello, I'm Dr Merck and I'll be doing your cataract surgery today. Do you have any questions?" As far as the actual surgery goes, it's too early to rate it.
(10 months ago)
Oct-2025
Read More
Regional Eye Center
1455 Montreal St SE Hutchinson, MN 55350
Dr. Michael Merck is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, and within the general scope of his family eye care practice he brings many years of experience in utilizing lasers for the treatment of eye diseases, to advanced minimally invasive cataract surgery including laser assisted cataract surgery, as well as to the implantation of intraocular lenses that reduce or eliminate dependency on eyeglasses for far and near vision.
In addition to being certified by Lensar for the use of their laser assisted cataract surgery platform, he was also among a limited group of surgeons who were selected in Minnesota and certified by Eyeonics to launch the FDA-approved accommodating [focusing] intraocular lens, the Crystalens™. His commitment and compassion for those suffering with vision loss extends beyond the local community.
Out of a desire to restore vision to those blind from cataracts, to those who otherwise would have no access to care, in 1993 he began the effort that led to the establishment of a mission eye clinic and eye surgery suite in the village of San Lucas-Toliman, Guatemala, where he and his partner, Dr. Wallyn, lead mission trips every spring and fall.
Dr. Merck graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of St. Thomas in 1982 and received his graduate M.D. degree from the University of Minnesota in 1986. He then completed 4 years of Ophthalmology residency training at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, and then became Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and co-founded Regional Eye Specialists, P.A. of Hutchinson, Minnesota and The Foundation for Saving Sight.
Outside of work he and his wife enjoy the many activities and blessings that come with raising their ten children.
Answered all questions in a normal verbiage that was easy to understand. Very likable. Hoping surgery goes well now.
Explains everything thoroughly. Makes sure you understand everything and answers all your questions in terms you can understand.
Very knowledgeable and personable.
Dr Merck was very informative about my condition, home care and future need to have the cataracts removed. I will do my follow up /yearly checkup with Dr Merck.
So personable, kind and gentle!!
Bestest Dr. Ever
He was very easy to talk to & explained everything to me. I feel real comfortable with him & look forward to him doing the laser work on my eyes
I'm always pleased when a professional explains things very clearly. Understanding options, expectations and possible (if rare) complications is really important to me.
Excellent job explaining the issues and options available for me and realistic outcomes
I was told Dr Merck would do the cataract surgery. However, I never saw him. My husband and I have had several surgery/procedures done, and I don't remember the doctor not greeting us. The least I expect is "Hello, I'm Dr Merck and I'll be doing your cataract surgery today. Do you have any questions?" As far as the actual surgery goes, it's too early to rate it.