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Best Optometrists in Durham

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 24, 2024

Introduction to Optometry in Durham

Definition and scope of optometry

Optometry is a healthcare profession that focuses on the eyes and related structures, as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information processing in humans. Optometrists, also known as Doctors of Optometry (ODs), are primary health care professionals trained to examine the eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide ongoing vision care.

Regular eye exams are an essential component of preventive healthcare. These examinations can detect early signs of eye diseases, many of which may not present noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Additionally, eye exams can reveal indicators of other systemic health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, making them valuable for overall health maintenance.

Overview of optometry services in Durham

Durham, North Carolina, boasts a diverse and comprehensive optometry landscape. The city offers a wide range of eye care services, from independent practitioners to large medical centers and specialized clinics. With over 40 optometrists serving the area, residents have access to high-quality eye care for various needs, including routine exams, contact lens fittings, and management of complex eye conditions.

Notable institutions contributing to Durham's eye care services include the Duke Eye Center, part of the renowned Duke University Health System. This center provides cutting-edge eye care and conducts innovative research in ophthalmology and vision science. Additionally, Durham is home to several well-established optometry practices and modern vision centers equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies.


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List of Optometrists in Durham

AR

Dr. Aaron Rosenstein

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 471-4474

English

Optometry

Dr. Diane Whitaker

Dr. Diane Whitaker

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 681-3937

English

Duke University Hospital

Low Vision Rehabilitation

Optometry

HG

Dr. Henry Greene

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 493-7456

English

Optometry

CW

Dr. Constance Woldorff

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(919) 381-5365

English

Spanish

Optometry

NR

Dr. Nikki Robertson

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 493-8508

English

Optometry

Dr. John Petrowski III

Dr. John Petrowski III

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 457-9920

English

Duke University Hospital

Optometry

LS

Dr. Leslie Singer

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 461-0771

English

Optometry

AD

Dr. Abid-Alhamid Dahnoun

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

English

Optometry

Dr. William Rafferty

Dr. William Rafferty

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(336) 768-3240

English

Optometry

MN

Dr. May Naji

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Arabic

Phone

(919) 493-9750

NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY (Medical School)

English

Arabic

Optometry

KR

Dr. Kristi Raess

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 861-9178

English

Optometry

JO

Dr. Jane Ogawa

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Japanese, Spanish

Phone

(919) 593-0905

Uc Berkeley (Undergraduate School)

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY / SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY (Undergraduate School)

English

Japanese

Spanish

Optometry

Cornea & Contact Management

SM

Dr. Steven Macdonald

4.9

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(850) 784-3937

English

Optometry

AH

Dr. Amorette Hanna

4.7

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 465-7400

English

Optometry

Cornea & Contact Management

Pediatric Optometry

CC

Dr. Catherine Chickos

4.6

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 220-2741

English

Optometry

KM

Dr. Keith Merrill

4.5

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 493-8508

English

Optometry

MD

Dr. Mindie Do

4.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(919) 493-3668

English

Spanish

Optometry

MN

Dr. Mark Newman

4.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 384-0784

English

Optometry

Dr. Yos Priestley

Dr. Yos Priestley

4.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Persian

Phone

(919) 681-3937

NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY (Residency Hospital, 2011)

Lehigh University (Undergraduate School, 2006)

English

Persian

Optometry

Cornea & Contact Management

Pediatric Optometry

RP

Dr. Ritesh Poudyal

2.3

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(336) 790-7188

English

Optometry

KH

Dr. Keith Hoffman

1.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Danish, Spanish

Phone

(919) 595-2020

English

Danish

Spanish

Optometry

RM

Dr. Reena Mehta

1.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(803) 779-4144

English

Optometry

SV

Dr. Sandra Vidacic

1.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Croatian

Phone

(252) 291-7008

English

Croatian

Optometry

MC

Dr. Meredith Canterbury

1.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 942-8531

English

Optometry

KK

Dr. Katherine Keaveney

1.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 863-2015

English

Optometry

JJ

Dr. John Dziadul Jr

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(321) 637-3788

English

Optometry

MH

Dr. Michael Holland

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 828-9085

Southern College of Optometry (Medical School, 1990)

English

Optometry

SB

Dr. Sharon Barber

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 493-3668

English

Optometry

JH

Dr. Joseph Halabis

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 286-0411

English

Optometry

SG

Dr. Stephen Garrett

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(336) 597-2020

English

Optometry

RP

Dr. Roshani Patel

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 493-3668

English

Optometry

MM

Dr. Mark Mitchum

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

English

Optometry

TM

Dr. Tyler McClarnon

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 863-5032

English

Optometry

CS

Dr. Chelsea Scriven

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 681-3937

English

Optometry

QW

Qiaohui White

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 681-3937

English

Optometry

DF

Dr. Dale Fath

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 286-0411

English

Optometry

BP

Dr. Bruce Pate

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 683-2020

English

Optometry

DH

Dr. David Horton

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 688-7526

English

Optometry

PR

Pelashia Rhodes

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 863-5032

English

Optometry

JM

Dr. Jason Minton

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(704) 995-0366

American Board of Optometry

English

Optometry

DG

Dr. Danielle Gretz

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 471-4474

English

Optometry

DI

Dr. Dale Stewart II

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(919) 595-2020

English

Spanish

Optometry

UJ

Dr. Urvi Joshi

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 489-0700

English

Optometry

SE

Dr. Shirin Esmail

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(336) 586-1960

English

Optometry

GC

Dr. Geeta Chowdhary

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 374-2225

English

Optometry

RL

Dr. Rosemary Liao

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 861-2020

English

Optometry

DR

Dr. Dannielle Richard

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 876-2427

English

Optometry

Choosing an Optometrist in Durham

Factors to consider when selecting an eye doctor

Qualifications and experience

  • Review the optometrist's educational background and certifications
  • Consider years of practice and areas of specialization

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Examine star ratings and number of reviews on platforms like Healthgrades
  • Read patient testimonials to gauge satisfaction and quality of care

Accepted insurance plans

  • Verify if the optometrist accepts your insurance
  • Inquire about out-of-pocket costs and payment options

Location and office hours

  • Consider the proximity to your home or workplace
  • Check if the office hours align with your schedule

Resources for finding optometrists in Durham

Online directories and review websites

  • Utilize Healthgrades and similar platforms to compare optometrists
  • Check local business directories for comprehensive listings

Recommendations from primary care physicians

  • Consult your family doctor for referrals to trusted optometrists
  • Ask about any potential partnerships or preferred providers

Local optometry associations

  • Contact the North Carolina Optometric Society for information
  • Explore resources provided by the American Optometric Association

Top-Rated Optometrists in Durham

Dr. Constance Woldorff

Profile Overview

  • Highest rated optometrist with a perfect 5.0-star rating
  • Six patient reviews supporting her excellent reputation
  • Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish

Contact Information

  • Phone: (919) 381-5365
  • Location: Durham, NC

Dr. Jane Ogawa

Expertise and Ratings

  • 5.0-star rating based on 7 patient reviews
  • Specializes in Cornea & Contact Management
  • Multilingual: Proficient in English, Japanese, and Spanish

Practice Details

  • Contact number: (919) 593-0905
  • Educational background: UC Berkeley, School of Optometry

Dr. Steven Macdonald

Patient Satisfaction

  • Highly rated with 4.9 stars
  • 16 patient reviews, indicating extensive experience

Appointment Information

  • To schedule, call: (850) 784-3937
  • Practice located in Durham, NC

Dr. Amorette Hanna

Specializations

  • Expert in Cornea & Contact Management
  • Specialized in Pediatric Optometry
  • 4.7-star rating based on 26 patient reviews

Practice Information

  • Contact number: (919) 465-7400
  • Located in Durham, NC

Dr. Catherine Chickos

Patient Feedback

  • Solid 4.6-star rating
  • 10 patient reviews reflecting positive experiences

Appointment Booking

  • Schedule an appointment: (919) 220-2741
  • Practice situated in Durham, NC

Additional Considerations for Eye Care in Durham

Specialized optometry services

Pediatric optometry

  • Highlighting Dr. Amorette Hanna's expertise in this area

Contact lens fittings

  • Mentioning Dr. Jane Ogawa's specialization in Cornea & Contact Management

Low vision rehabilitation

  • Noting Dr. Diane Whitaker's expertise in this field

Language accessibility

Multilingual optometrists

  • Dr. Constance Woldorff (English, Spanish)
  • Dr. Jane Ogawa (English, Japanese, Spanish)
  • Dr. May Naji (English, Arabic)
  • Dr. Yos Priestley (English, Persian)

Importance of clear communication in eye care

  • Emphasizing the benefits of seeing a doctor who speaks your preferred language

Technology and advanced diagnostic tools

State-of-the-art equipment

  • Mentioning any optometrists known for using advanced technology

Importance of up-to-date practices in optometry

  • Discussing how modern technology can improve diagnosis and treatment