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Dr. Nicole Sheffer is one of Northwest Eye’s premier optometrists. With a passion for working with young adults, teens, children, and special needs patients, Dr. Sheffer makes taking care of your family’s eye care needs easier than ever!
In addition to general eye care, Dr. Sheffer has a special interest in computer-related eye strain, contact lenses, and myopia control.
Although originally from South Florida, Dr. Sheffer loves all things Minnesota (especially Lake of the Woods).
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota, majoring in ecology, evolution, and behavior and minoring in neuroscience. She then received her Doctor of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Sheffer completed externships at Eye Care Associates in CT, Illinois Eye Institute in Chicago, IL, Pine Cone Vision Center in Sartell, MN and Providence VA Medical Center in Providence, RI. She gained experience working in a variety of settings, including working with patients who have traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.
Another fun fact: Dr. Sheffer loves animals and will happily chat with you about her various visually impaired rescue pets!
Dr. Sheffer’s Patient Reviews

Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2025
I felt seen, heard, and cared about. Dr. Shaffer was so sweet and so was all of her staff there at the Northwest Eye Clinic. I would recommend her to anyone trying to find an attentive eye doctor.
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2025
Dr. Shaffer is a delightful person! I just love her chair side manner. I felt completely confident of her skills and care of my eyes, which are extremely important to me! I look forward to seeing her again and highly recommend her to anyone in need of an awesome eye doctor.
rater8 Verified Patient
Feb-2025
On time. Wonderful personality. I enjoyed my visit and felt like she really knew what she was talking about. I am seeing her again!!
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2025
Very knowledgeable and asked great questions about your situation and symptoms. Also, very friendly and a great personality
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2025
Dr. Shaffer was great! She was nice, to the point, and created a welcoming environment. It was obvious she knew what she was doing and did not hide anything. Her assistant was also great and explained everything he did and what my test results meant without me having to ask. Would definitely recommend.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2025
My day wasn't starting out good. I did NOT grab my insurance card, so had to run home to get it ... and my appointment time was in TEN MINUTES!From the friendly reception to the pre-ready with Ann, and the meet with Dr. Sheffer ... all was a miracle of miracles that I made it home without any of the anger at myself left in me. Then the consult with Mr. Jacobson afterwards was a pleasant treat to top it all off. No pressure, nothing shoved down your throat, and a smile on my face as I left. I was definitely treated well, and I will look forward to future visits with all of them.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2024
Professional but warm and personal experience. I fully trust Dr. Shaffer and staff with my eye health.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2024
Wonderful. It was a detailed first appointment; they reviewed all my eye history and concerns. The staff and Dr. Sheffer are professional, communicate well, and know their eye care. I highly recommend Dr. Sheffer.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2024
Dr Sheffler was very pleasant. She was thorough and communicative. She answered my questions very clearly and provided options. I cant recall when I have had such a positive medical visit.
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2024
Dr. Shaffer was fantastic! Very professional and very thorough in how she explained all aspects of my exam and she asked questions and listened thoughtfully to my answers. Brianna was also excellent — again, professional and very good at explaining everything she was doing and why she was asking q’s (she also had a good sense of humor which is always welcome). The person at the front desk (sorry I didn’t get her name) was really welcoming and very helpful. I will be going back to Northwest Eye and the team for glasses, contacts and future eye care needs! DJM
rater8 Verified Patient
Nov-2024
Dr..Sheffer is an amazing provider. She is so kind and patient with my elderly mother. She also diagnosed an eye issue that had been missed. So glad we found Dr. Sheffer!
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2024
Dr. Sheffer was friendly, caring and showed interest in me. I was also happy not to have to wait an hour for my appointment.
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2024
Dr Sheffer is seriously amazing!!!! She is SO good with our daughters and communicates so well! We could not be happier!
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2024
I found the Dr. to be extremely professional, and throughout my examination clearly described what she was doing and gave great guidance, to make it as quick as possible. I would definitely recommend and the location is in a beautiful part of town.
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2024
My 1st time seeing her after my surgery. She is very caring, knowledgable,delightful to deal with. Sure I'll see her again.
Patient Submitted Review
Oct-2024
Northwest Eye has always taken very good care of my eyes. I’ve recently been seeing Dr Sheffer as Dr Beresca is very hard to get into these days. She’s very friendly, thorough and knowledgeable. I believe she will be our family’s eye doc going forward.
rater8 Verified Patient
Oct-2024
Dr. Sheffer is the best. Rather than just fitting me for new contacts and sending me on my way, she took the initiative and time to explain to me all the outcomes I could expect. Knowledgeable, professional, and superior communication skills.
Patient Submitted Review
Oct-2024
Very nice woman! Thorough exam by her assistant. Dr. Shaffer explained everything to me & was kind.
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2024
What a great appointment! Took more time for me with 1 or 2? It takes awhile for my eyes to focus in and they took the time that I needed. This was the best appointment ever!!! I can see so much better!! Thank you!!Sue R
rater8 Verified Patient
Sep-2024
She made my visit a five star event. Showed knowledge and concern for my wellbeing and made my visit well worth my time.
rater8 Verified Patient
Sep-2024
Great & complete & thorough checkup. Explains everything and great personality. Great assistant worked with her today, who was very thoroug.
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2024
Dr. Shaffer and staff at the St. Anthony clinic were friendly and extremely helpful. I especially appreciated how they responded with care to all of my questions.
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2024
My first RX was not correct. Second appointment and second prescription lenses free. Fantastic customer service
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2024
Absolutely stellar experience with Dr. Sheffer. From the moment I walked in, the professionalism and care were evident. The staff was welcoming, and the office was immaculate and well-organized. Dr. Sheffer always takes the time to explain every step of the eye exam in detail, making me feel completely at ease. Her knowledge and insightful advice is impressive. I always leave feeling confident. I highly recommend Dr. Sheffer to anyone seeking top-notch eye care.
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2024
She was very friendly and knowledgeable, with my unusual case. She helped me understand and set up follow up appointments. I can't thank her enough for helping me through a difficult situation.
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2024
I really liked this eye care place everyone was extremely welcoming with any questions I had the front desk lady was nice and welcoming and got me checked in a timely matter and the nurse that gets you ready for the doctor she was extremely nice and funny I liked her we talked and laughed and she helped me with my fears of the eye doctor because I didn’t know what to expect but she literally told me everything that was going to happen and asked me before she did anything was it okay to do making sure I feel comfortable and the doctor she is amazing she really makes you feel relaxed I felt like I been knowing here for a while like she was really cool she heard and cared about my concern and we laughed a bit as well she just gives this vibe of actually care and concern about you because this is your eye health and we all know how important this is she reassures you that the eye doctor is a great place to be and if you have any questions she’s happy to answer them for you
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2024
The office very clean and neat. Dr Schaffer assistant was very nice and helpful. I’m not good with names but she made my visit pleasant great customer service she provided. Dr. Schaffer was very polite and friendly and she was concerned about any issues I was dealing with. I have made my mind she’s my eye doctor.
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2024
I'm new to contact lenses so I went in for a contacts prescription. The whole process went very smoothly with trying a few different types of contact lenses. Definitely would schedule future contact lens follow-up appointments with her.
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2024
Nicole is thorough and precise in her work and has a very friendly staff. I feel at ease every time I visit.
rater8 Verified Patient
Aug-2024
She is always pleasant and seems genuinely interested in you. She answered all my questions and is very thorough in her exam.
rater8 Verified Patient
Jul-2024
We love Dr. Sheffer! She is down to earth, has a great rapport and understanding of kids, and knows her eye stuff!
Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2024
Dr. Sheffer was really great. Outstanding personality and she explained everything really well. Very approachable practitioner. I highly recommend her.
Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2024
Knowledgeable, caring, explained things, left time for any questions. It is obvious she is an expert in her field.
Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2024
She was easy to talk to, very friendly and down to earth. She asked me if I had any questions. I didn’t feel rushed.
rater8 Verified Patient
Jun-2024
Very professional practitioner. She confidently DX’d my c/o and RX’d a workable TX plan. I’m grateful.
rater8 Verified Patient
Jun-2024
She explains everything from top to bottom, answers all the questions, understands your concerns and fears. My teenager was extremely happy after the contacts fitting appointment! Will be back to see her soon for follow-up and next year for comprehensive exam too. WOULD def recommend to friends! The best!!!!
Patient Submitted Review
Jun-2024
The whole team was great. They worked well togather They each new what their job was and did it proficiently.
Patient Submitted Review
Jun-2024
Dr Shaffer is extremely compassionate and caring. She listens to the patient and takes her time explaining and answering questions. Although this info on her states she is good with young children, I must say she is excellent with the elderly.
Patient Submitted Review
May-2024
On-time, efficient. Very helpful and accommodating in helping me find the right contacts for me. Will keep coming to this clinic and Dr.Sheffer.
Patient Submitted Review
May-2024
Got into the office immediately with just a phone call. Nicole was very friendly informative and thorough. Great attitude!
Patient Submitted Review
May-2024
Went for a follow-up, and as always, her respectful and kind attitude before, during, and after the examination was great. She asked questions and was always willing to listen and her courteous manner is greatly appreciated.
Patient Submitted Review
May-2024
I have been so uncomfortable with the pain in my eye for a very long time. After talking to her about it, she made me feel confident that, this too shall pass. I'm upset with myself that i hadn't gone to see her sooner. She's simply amazing!
Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2024
Dr. Sheffer was courteous and professional during my eye exam. She answered my questions and discussed what might be done at future exams. She has a sense of humor and matched wits with me during my visit. A very personable individual. All the staff members were pleasant and friendly.
rater8 Verified Patient
Apr-2024
Dr. Schafer was friendly, very knowledgeable and totally reassuring about my eye surgery. I was very comfortable with her.
Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2024
Dr.Sheffer is very is very calm, sweet, confident, knowledgeable with a bubbly personality and great sense of humour.
Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2024
Just had a quick recheck on my prescription with Dr. Shaffer. She was great. The other reviewers on this site were not wrong when they said she was personal, professional, prompt, knowledgeable, etc. I will be back.
Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2024
Dr. Shaffer is very kind and thorough. She took the time to explain to my mom what was happening with her vision & reassure her.
rater8 Verified Patient
Mar-2024
Awesome first meeting. If I wasn't moving out of TC I would happily continue under Dr Sheffers care.
Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2024
Dr. Sheffer quickly figured out what was going on with my escalating symptoms, and made many suggestions to ease with the discomfort and intense itching. I only wish I had written everything down as some details have escaped me.
Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2024
Dr. Sheffer is super helpful and all around a great eye doctor. I went to get new contacts and she was so helpful with figuring out what contacts I needed, fitting them to my eyes, and getting me a few pairs to wear before I get my temporary contacts.
Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2024
Dr Sheffer was thorough in exam, allowed time for questions and explained future treatment processes
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2024
I was given substantial information about my eyes, results on what it meant, how it may have occurred, and finally ended up with a common drops to apply before bed. It was a great experience. As an optometrist, I was very comfortable with the entire process.
rater8 Verified Patient
Feb-2024
Very nice to work with took her time to explain things and gave me all the time I felt like I needed not rushed at all
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2024
Friendly, professional, efficient, knowledgeable, very well-organized. Recommended based on my experience.
rater8 Verified Patient
Jan-2024
Dr. Sheffer was patient, kind, knowledgeable, and professional. Honestly, one of the best optometrist I have seen.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2024
I always enjoy my check ups with Dr. Shaffer in Wayzata. She and her team are knowledgeable and caring. I highly recommend them for patients in the West Metro.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2024
Every person I interacted with during my appointment were friendly, efficient, and professional. I liked how thorough my eye exam was. It was a good experience and I will return for future service and exams.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2024
Every single person there is extremely nice and my normally shy son is very comfortable opening up there.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2024
Personable, professional and prompt. I was very impressed with all the staff, the waiting room was comfortable and clean . I was greeted promptly and the dr was on time for my appointment . Impressive !
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2023
It was a thorough exam with all staff members explaining things as we went along. Dr. Sheffer is a patient listener and answers all questions in an easy to understand & efficient manner.
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2023
She is great at listening and responding respectfully to questions and concerns. Explains findings and whether they are, normal or concerning.
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2023
My op tech was engaging and kept things moving in the initial part of the appointment. The optometrist was quick, kept me comfortable, and helped me decide whether to try trifocal lenses. I'm glad they're my eye specialists!
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2023
Dr Nicole Sheffer is so caring and an excellent doctor. She detected an eye stroke I had and got me in to get it taken care of immediately. I ended up having carotid artery surgery that may have saved my life. Blessings to her!
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2023
Excellent. Dr. Shaffer was very kind and helpful. She attended to an eye difficulty I was happening quickly and with compassion. I would highly recommend her. Thank you Dr. Shaffer!!!
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2023
It was a pleasure to meet and work with Dr. Shaffer. My daughter (11) was nervous and Dr. Shaffer made her feel comfortable and also made it a fun experience. Looking forward to working with Dr. Shaffer in the future.
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2023
Northwest Eye has been taking care of my eyes for years. Glaucoma control, left eye cataract surgery, right eye cataract surgery, right and left eye laser surgery. Dr. Sheffer is with a great clinic and she continues the tradition. Knowledgable, pleasant, and a good explainer. I'd recommend her without reservation.
rater8 Verified Patient
Aug-2023
Great visit today! The person who roomed us initially was fantastic at helping my son who can’t always say his letters quickly feel comfortable. She was so patient and made him feel so at ease. I’m sorry I didn’t catch her name!
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2023
Great visit today! The person who roomed us initially was fantastic at helping my son who can’t always say his letters quickly feel comfortable. She was so patient and made him feel so at ease. I’m sorry I didn’t catch her name! My son also loves Dr Sheffer as well.
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2023
The eye technician (Clare?) was wonderful. Knowledgeable and considerate. The doctor introduced herself, but it would have been nice if she also introduced her assistant. Dr. Sheffer explained things very well and asked me questions, making sure I understood things.
Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2023
Dr. Sheffer is the consummate professional: knowledgeable; intuitive; and open. She goes above and beyond. Five stars.
Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2023
Dr. Sheffer is fantastic! She has helped 3 generations of women in our family. My mom, has had cataract surgery/adjusts to readers. Myself, recently making the transition from progressive lens glasses to mono-vision! Dr. Sheffer helped work with me to make this work...its been freeing! And, she treats our daughters...one an ongoing contact lens wearer since grade school. The other, still 20/20 and just needing a check up for health. She caught some possible health concerns to check out during this exam. Grateful for her care of all of us.
rater8 Verified Patient
Jul-2023
Great listener, communicator and extremely thorough. Great people skills and excellent customer service.
Patient Submitted Review
Jun-2023
It was my second visit to the clinic and I felt so comfortable during my stay at the clinic from reception to nurses and the doctor. Thanks to all the team
Patient Submitted Review
May-2023
Dr Shaffer was efficient and professional. She always has good recommendations and I feel that I am receiving the eye care I need.
Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2023
I had a fantastic experience at Nicole's practice. From the highly professional and expert care I received to the respectful and informative communication style of Nicole and her team, everything was exceptional. I am grateful for their dedicated service. Moreover, the scheduling process was hassle-free, and I appreciated their efforts to accommodate my schedule. Additionally, despite anticipating a 15-minute wait, I was pleased to be called in after only a minute. The process was swift, efficient, and a testament to their commitment to quality patient care.
rater8 Verified Patient
Apr-2023
I had a wonderful experience with Nicole and her team. They were highly professional and demonstrated great expertise. Their communication style was respectful and informative, and I received exceptional and skilled care. Thank you for your dedicated service!
rater8 Verified Patient
Apr-2023
Highly professional, extremely personable and wonderfully pleasant. Would strongly recommend Dr. Shaffer.
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2023
I can't say enough good things. If I listed all the things I look for in a doctor, Dr Sheffer checks every box! Her assistant, Kimber, is great too. Couldn't ask for better.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2023
This was my father’s 2nd appointment with Dr. Sheffer, and he was beyond pleased with the treatment he received. He has now joined me in loving Northwest Eye in Saint Anthony because of how we are treated and always well informed. Dr. Sheffer is exceptional! All of the staff at this location are truly professional, kind, and patient.
Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2023
Very professional and listens to her patient. Spends the necessary time with her patient that you feel comfortable with her diagnosis.
rater8 Verified Patient
Jan-2023
Nicole was very personable and also provided useful information regarding my eye care in a manner I could easily understand.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2022
Nicole was familiar with my very complex eye history which was reassuring since this was the first time I’ve seen her. She was friendly and knowledgeable.
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2022
Dr Sheffer energetically engaged me during this visit--listening carefully to my input, explaining details about the health of my eyes, and looking ahead to possible future eye care concerns. She's been great each time I come in for an eye exam. I highly recommend her!
Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2022
Dr. Sheffer was extremely professional right from the start. I wasn't kept waiting, and she explained my eye condition. I felt she was very interested in my health and had no problem answering questions or providing me information.
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2025
Very clear answers and instructions in simple language. Very upbeat and encouraging regarding my cataract eye surgery results.