UNC Ophthalmology

Whether you need a routine eye exam or a specialized procedure, choose UNC Ophthalmology for your family's eye care needs. UNC ophthalmologists are board-certified specialists in eye care and surgery. We have more than 60 years of experience serving our community.

Clinical Specialties

Comprehensive Ophthalmology - general eye exams, common conditions and screening examinations for patients with systemic illnesses
Contact Lens - a full range of contact lens services, from routine, first-time wearers to very complex contact lens management of post surgical conditions including corneal transplant patients
Corneal Disease - treatment for various diseases related to the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye
Dry Eye Disease - treatment for a common ocular disease that can affect a person’s ability to read comfortably, concentrate, operate a computer, drive, or perform basic work tasks
Glaucoma - a common disorder of the optic nerve that gradually decreases vision
LASIK / Refractive Surgery - an outpatient surgical procedure used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
Neuro-Ophthalmology - evaluation and treatment of patients presenting with eye misalignments/strabismus, double vision, Graves’ disease/thyroid eye disease and other orbital diseases, and facial dystonias, or involuntary muscle movements
Ocular Oncology - diagnosis and treatment of cancer affecting the eye, the orbit (eye socket), and cancer of the eyelids
Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery - management of deformities and abnormalities of the eyelids, lacrimal (tear) system, orbit (eye socket), and the adjacent face
Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus - routine pediatric examinations and diagnosis and management of such problems as amblyopia (lazy eye), nasolacrimal duct obstruction (blocked tear ducts), cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, and strabismus (eye misalignment)
Uveitis - inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye
Vitreo-Retinal Surgery - diagnosis and treatment of diseases and surgical repair of the retina, choroid, and vitreous

Optometry or Ophthalmology?

At UNC, we employ both optometrists and ophthalmologists. What’s the difference?

Optometry:

An optometrist is not a medical doctor, but receives a doctor of optometry degree at the completion of a four-year optometry school program. Their work primarily consists of performing eye exams and vision tests, and prescribing glasses and contact lenses. If you are seeking general care for vision correction, you will likely see an optometrist.

Ophthalmology:

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats eye diseases and performs eye surgeries in addition to prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Our ophthalmologists are also active researchers, working to discover causes and cures for optical diseases.

Our Clinics

We have four clinics fully equipped to serve patients.

Kittner Eye Center is located in Chapel Hill, just off of Interstate 40, exit 273.
UNC Eye Holly Springs serves southern Wake County.
UNC Park Ophthalmology in Raleigh
UNC Eye Roxboro is located in the Person Memorial Hospital in Person County.
UNC Specialty Care at Pittsboro is located in Chatham County.

Additionally, we provide services at Alamance Eye Center in Burlington.

UNC Optical Shop

Located on the second floor of the Kittner Eye Center, the UNC Optical Shop offers a variety of high quality and fashionable frames. The Shop’s licensed opticians can help select the best frames and lenses for you.