Vandana R. Minnal, MD
Delivering advanced cataract and glaucoma care to Charlotte, NC patients at Horizon Eye Care’s Cotswold & Pineville locations.
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Dr. Minnal’s Specialities
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Vandana Minnal has been serving patients since 2014, bringing a strong academic background and thoughtful, patient-informed approach to her work. She specializes in cataract surgery and the medical and surgical management of glaucoma, offering patients the latest treatment options alongside individualized care.
Dr. Minnal is recognized for her contributions to both research and patient care, publishing in respected ophthalmology journals, presenting at national conferences, and being named one of Charlotte’s Top Doctors. Patients and peers alike value her ability to combine advanced training with a compassionate approach that makes complex eye care understandable and accessible.
Expertise & Specialities
Dr. Vandana Minnal is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and experienced cataract surgeon whose practice combines surgical excellence with comprehensive long-term glaucoma management. She brings advanced training and a research-informed approach to every patient she sees.
Areas of expertise include:
- Cataract surgery, including premium intraocular lens implants
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) as well as traditional incisional techniques
- Comprehensive medical management of glaucoma for long-term vision preservation
- General ophthalmology for routine and preventive care for patients of all ages
Dr. Minnal’s fellowship training at the University of Texas and her recognition as a Top Doctor reflect her commitment to delivering the highest standard of glaucoma and cataract care.
Education & Training
Dr. Minnal earned her Bachelor’s degree, Cum Laude, from Barnard College, Columbia University, where she was also recognized with the Alana Weis Hirschorn Prize for best thesis in Economics before completing her Doctor of Medicine at the State University of New York, Buffalo. She completed her transitional internship at New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital and her ophthalmology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center.
She then completed a fellowship in Clinical and Surgical Glaucoma at the Robert Cizik Eye Clinic at the University of Texas at Houston, where she was awarded Outstanding Fellow in Ophthalmology,recognition of the exceptional skill and dedication she brings to her patients today.
Memberships & Recognition
Dr. Minnal is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society. She has published and presented research nationally in glaucoma ophthalmology and has been recognized as a Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine and Castle Connolly in 2021 and 2022.
Dr. Minnal and her husband have one young son. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, tennis, and spending time with family and friends. She is also conversationally fluent in Spanish.
Insights From Dr. Minnal
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Vision Restored, Lives Transformed
Proudly rated 4.8 from 7,600+ patient reviews
“I transferred from CEENTA to Dr Ryder at Horizon Eye Care-Cotswold. Today was my first appointment. I can say I was pleasantly surprised. I had absolutely no wait time. The office has…”
“Dr. Cameron was friendly yet quite professional. His exam seemed thorough and his recommendations sound. He answered questions I had and took his time - he was not rushed to get to…”
“All staff from checking in at the front desk, throughout my appointment were very helpful. Dr.Minkowski did a great job of explaining options/the process of cataract surgery with me, especially given my…”
“I have been coming to Dr. Minkowski for over 2 years and he is an awesome doctor. He makes you feel welcomed and worry free. He explains everything in detail and will…”
“I met with the team for a followup and it was a great experience - listened to my concerns, offered options to address. The rest of the office staff was equally competent…”
“The doctor completed a thorough eval of my eyes to determine if I needed to continue taking a Stereoid that I had been taking for my eyes. He concluded that I no…”
“Dr. Wang answered my questions and addressed my concerns. She is kind and professional!”
“I have been under Dr.Ryder for the last five years and he and his staff is the best I couldn’t be more thankful and grateful I Love them all!!!!”
“Horizon eye care has always been a professional run facility. Staff are knowledgeable and caring. Dr Minnal is exceptional.”
“Exccellent. Dr. Ryder gave clear answers to my questions and explained the pricedure. Expectations and possible complications well. Everything was smooth, efficent and performed in a friendly atmosphere. All staff were pleasant…”
“Excellent care by Dr Minkowski and his team at Horizon Eye.”
“Dr. Jonathan Minkowski is awesome !!! He listens and is very kind and smart!!!!”
“Very nice guy, did my procedure quickly and professionally!”
“This was my first visit with Dr. James. I was having a problem with my eye and it required an immediate evaluation. Dr. James spent a lot of time evaluating my eye…”
“Friendly and polite”
“Dr Kaluzny is a Great DOCTOR!”
“Good care. Answered all questions. Took time to do a thorough examination and gave advice for eye care until next visit.”
“My first visit with new Doctor. He was very pleasant & thorough. Listened when I talked to him. Followed through on each comment. I was completely satisfied! Would highly recommend.”
“Pleasant, reassuring, and knowledgeable.”
“I spent 3 hours waiting to see the doctor It was definitely worth it. He was very patient with me and explained what I needed to know I will tough it out…”
Proudly rated 4.8 from 7,600+ patient reviews
Serving Three Convenient Charlotte Locations
See Dr. Minnal for the same quality of personalized care at three of our Charlotte-area locations.
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