Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Comprehensive Eye Care Services in Columbia, SC
Columbia Eye Clinic has been a cornerstone of ophthalmic care in the Midlands for over a century. Our practice combines a legacy of expertise with cutting-edge technology to address a full spectrum of eye health needs. Our team of 14 board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, supported by more than 100 specialized staff members, delivers comprehensive services ranging from routine eye exams to advanced surgical interventions. We maintain four strategically located facilities to ensure accessibility while upholding rigorous standards of patient care. Our ophthalmologists hold prestigious credentials, including recognition as high-performing providers by U.S. News & World Report. The practice emphasizes personalized treatment plans, utilizing the latest diagnostic tools and surgical techniques to address conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders, and corneal diseases.Our optical centers offer premium vision correction solutions, including custom lenses and contact options. The Columbia Eye Clinic Surgery Center, a dedicated ambulatory facility, specializes in precise, minimally invasive procedures. Patient satisfaction remains paramount, evidenced by consistently high service ratings exceeding 98%. Through continuous investment in staff development and medical innovation, we maintain our position as the region's leading ophthalmology practice while preserving a patient-first ethos established a century ago.
Services
Cataract Surgery
LASIK Vision Correction
Glaucoma Treatment
Retina Surgery
Dry Eye Therapy
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Eyelid Surgery
Corneal Transplants
Contact Lens Fitting
Implantable Lenses
Details
- Year established: 1925
Highlights and features
- Board-certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologists
- 24/7 emergency eye care availability
- Recognized high-performing ophthalmic surgery center
- Advanced diagnostic and surgical technology
- Over 100 specialized ophthalmic staff members
Associations and certifications
- U.S. News & World Report
What people say
Thorough exam explanation
Successful cataract removal
Friendly professional staff
Effective dry eye treatment
Quick appointment scheduling
Services
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery removes clouded lenses and implants intraocular lenses to restore clear vision. Our surgeons offer traditional and laser-assisted techniques with premium lens options like multifocal and toric implants. The outpatient procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes with local anesthesia, allowing rapid recovery and immediate visual improvement for most patients.
LASIK Vision Correction
LASIK procedures correct refractive errors using advanced excimer lasers. We offer customized wavefront-guided treatments for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The blade-free technique reshapes corneal tissue to achieve 20/20 vision in most cases, with patients experiencing minimal discomfort and returning to normal activities within 24-48 hours.
Glaucoma Management
Our comprehensive glaucoma care includes early detection through tonometry and optic nerve imaging. Treatment options range from medicated eye drops to selective laser trabeculoplasty and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries. Regular monitoring prevents optic nerve damage and preserves peripheral vision in patients with open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma.
Retina Surgery
Specialized retina surgeons treat diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachments using microincisional techniques. Services include anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD, vitrectomy for floaters/hemorrhages, and scleral buckling for retinal tears. Advanced imaging guides precise interventions to prevent vision loss and restore retinal function.
Dry Eye Therapy
We diagnose and treat evaporative dry eye using LipiFlow thermal pulsation and BlephEx lid debridement. Comprehensive management includes prescription medications like cyclosporine drops, punctal plugs, and lifestyle modifications. These treatments improve tear film stability and reduce inflammation for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.
People
Derek L. Barker
Retina Specialist
Dr. Barker specializes in retinal surgery with expertise in diabetic retinopathy and macular disorders. He has performed thousands of vitrectomies and anti-VEGF injections, maintaining board certification through continuous medical education.
Stephen A. Cross
Cataract Surgeon
Dr. Cross performs advanced cataract surgeries with premium intraocular lens implants. His clinical focus includes laser-assisted procedures and complex secondary IOL placements, serving patients at the Columbia Eye Clinic Surgery Center since 2010.
Edward G. Crosswell III
Cornea Specialist
Dr. Crosswell specializes in corneal transplants and refractive surgery. He leads the practice's research initiatives on endothelial keratoplasty techniques while maintaining an active surgical schedule for keratoconus and Fuchs' dystrophy patients.
Joshua Nunn
Glaucoma Specialist
Dr. Nunn manages complex glaucoma cases using selective laser trabeculoplasty and minimally invasive surgical options. He directs the practice's glaucoma screening program, emphasizing early detection through comprehensive eye exams.
Garner J. Wild
Refractive Surgeon
Dr. Wild specializes in LASIK and implantable collamer lenses. With over 15 years of experience, he has performed thousands of vision correction procedures, focusing on customized ablation profiles for optimal visual outcomes.
Questions
What eye conditions do Columbia Eye specialists treat?
Our ophthalmologists treat cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, corneal diseases, retinal disorders, and dry eye syndrome. We also offer LASIK and eyelid surgery.
Do you offer emergency eye care services?
Yes, our on-call ophthalmologists provide 24/7 emergency care for urgent conditions like retinal detachment, chemical burns, and traumatic eye injuries.
What premium lens options exist for cataract surgery?
We offer multifocal, toric, and extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract removal.
How can I schedule an eye exam?
Call (803) 779-3070 during regular office hours or use our online contact lens ordering system to book appointments at any of our four Midlands locations.
Does insurance cover laser vision correction?
Most medical insurance plans don't cover elective LASIK procedures, but we offer flexible payment options and accept vision care discount plans.
What post-operative care exists for retina surgery?
Patients receive detailed recovery instructions, scheduled follow-ups, and 24/7 access to surgical teams for complications after retinal procedures.
Reviews (7)
Christy Tillman
Jun 12, 2022
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I come to Columbia eye clinic once a year. But on the day of June the 8th they seem to be a little behind. I have never had to wait two hours to be seen. I was good and frustrated. But the overall picture is they are very good and the doctor is very nice that I see. So I would give them a rate of five-star.
Judy Mason
Jun 08, 2022
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It was an extraordinary experience. The procedure was done on time and I was out of the surgery suite in under an hour. Everyone involved was friendly, courteous, and very professional. Dr. Crosswell's surgery was completely painless, absolutely no discomfort whatsoever and I could see an incredible difference in my vision by that afternoon.
Sandra Bise
Jun 07, 2022
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I thank God every day for Dr. Barker. He has fought with me for 6 years to keep my eyesight. He knows what he is doing. I trust him completely. I am not overly fond of injections in my eye, but if Dr. Barker told me to cut my head off, I would do it. That is how much faith I have in him. Also, a shout out to his staff. They too are awesome. They treat me like their family. I love them all.
Donna Hunter
Jun 07, 2022
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I had to be seen quickly on Monday due to a problem in my eye. The receptionist made me an appointment and asked if I could come in and just be there and wait beforehand. Of course I could, so I went to the Pickens Street office where I was seen in less than an hour by Dr. Cain himself. I so appreciate all of the doctors and staff at Columbia Eye Clinic and recommend them highly.
Jo Mcleod
May 29, 2022
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I had a problem with my vision and called Columbia Eye Clinic; they provided me with an appointment that day with Dr. Barker. I found him to be pleasant, knowledgeable, and knew immediately what my problem was (ocular migraine). This put me at ease and I am thankful that they fit me into his schedule.
Saundra Carr
May 26, 2022
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Dr. Cross and his team are professionals with compassion for their clients. Dr. Cross is kind and takes time to talk with you and explains in detail why and what he is doing to help you. Always a great experience when I need them. For all your eye care needs, I recommend Columbia Eye Clinic to all.
Bonnie Brophy
May 25, 2022
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I highly recommend Dr Huey. He is a good doctor who listens to your concerns and explains everything very well. Many doctors don't listen when you're explaining a concern, so I really appreciate that Dr. Huey listens well. On one occasion Dr. Huey went above and beyond the call of duty for me after someone made a mistake and didn't register me for a test I needed. Without going into detail, Dr Huey straightened out the mess.
He didn't have someone else do it, but he did it himself. To me that shows dedication and concern that is rare in many doctors. Sometimes you do have a long wait until you're called to the examination room, but the wait is worth it when you have a good doctor.
He didn't have someone else do it, but he did it himself. To me that shows dedication and concern that is rare in many doctors. Sometimes you do have a long wait until you're called to the examination room, but the wait is worth it when you have a good doctor.
