Dr. Alison R. Tendler – Ophthalmologist Surgeon

Dr. Alison R. Tendler, a board-certified ophthalmologist, is the owner and creator of ART Vision and ARTisan Skin and Laser Center in Sioux Falls, SD.  A skilled eye surgeon, Dr. Tendler specializes in cataract and vision correction procedures including lens implants, and refractive surgeries, along with oculoplastic treatments. Vision correction options are available for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Tendler is devoted to helping her patients see with clarity while feeling confident about their image. Having grown up in Clear Lake and Sioux Falls, Dr. Tendler is proud to call South Dakota home and takes great pride in providing superior eye care and aesthetic services to the greater Midwest.

A South Dakota native, Dr. Tendler attended medical school at the University of South Dakota where she graduated with honors in medical physiology. Dr. Tendler then furthered her knowledge with a three-year ophthalmology residency at the University of Minnesota. Upon the completion of her residency, Dr. Tendler completed a rigorous corneal and anterior fellowship with Dr. Michael Belin of the Cornea Consultants of Albany at Albany Medical College in New York. Dr. Belin was instrumental in the development of laser vision correction and served as a core investigator for the VISX laser. She worked for 13 years as a partner at Vance Thompson Vision before pursuing her own artistic vision of helping people see the world better and see themselves better. Her extensive experience over the past years led her to become expertly skilled in the surgical management of cataracts, refractive surgery, eyelid procedures, and aesthetics. 

Specializing in the focusing elements of the eye, Dr. Tendler uses her knowledge to surgically address eye conditions that inhibit a patient’s ability to focus properly. By addressing nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, Dr. Tendler is able to help her patients see life with more clarity and often free from the maintenance struggles of contacts and glasses. In addition, Dr. Tendler is devoted to helping patients look and feel their best at ARTisan Skin and Laser Center, her privately owned MedSpa. Dr. Tendler currently utilizes outpatient noninvasive and invasive procedures for improved confidence, functionality, and appeal.  These include surgical eyelid correction, Sciton® Halo and BBL (Broadband Light), BOTOX®, Juvéderm®, and medical-grade skin care.  

Dr. Tendler has served as the television advertising spokeswoman for the eye medication known as Restasis®, one of the first medications used to treat ocular surface disease or dry eye. Having used the medication herself and her patients, she feels proud to have represented the product for over 8 years.   

Other activities and organizations Dr. Tendler is honored to help represent are: board membership at Dakota Wesleyan University; Associate Professor for Sanford School of Medicine; SME (Sales and Marketing Executives), The City Blossom, and the Sioux Falls Chamber.

In her spare time, Dr. Tendler loves to travel. After her first international trip to India for a 3-month service-learning project while in college, she developed a love for the hobby that has stuck with her through her years of medical school, residency, and practice. Now married, Dr. Tendler loves to travel to nontraditional vacation destinations with her husband, Paul. Dr. Tendler likes to say that while she does not have a favorite destination, she cannot help but to compare each spot to Fiji, which she describes to be one of the most beautiful places she has ever experienced. In addition to traveling, Dr. Tendler and Paul enjoy many outdoor activities with each other and their daughter, including long walks, cycling, hiking, and time at the lake. Her goal is to continue to tackle one bucket list location at a time, recently crossing off Patagonia, Egypt, and Ireland.