Stephen A. Daugherty, MD
Delivering advanced eye care for children and adults across Charlotte, NC at Horizon Eye Care’s Cotswold, Pineville & Waverly locations.
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Dr. Daugherty’s Specialities
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Stephen Daugherty has been caring for Charlotte patients since 1996, combining nearly three decades of experience with board certification in both general and pediatric ophthalmology. Fellowship-trained in pediatric ophthalmology, he specializes in treating children and adults with strabismus, retinopathy of prematurity, and complex ocular conditions requiring advanced microsurgical techniques.
What sets Dr. Daugherty apart is his ability to blend cutting-edge expertise with a genuine passion for patient care. Named a Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine and recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal as one of the city’s leading pediatric ophthalmologists, he is trusted by families across the region for his approachable manner, detailed explanations, and dedication to improving both vision and quality of life.
Expertise & Specialities
Dr. Stephen Daugherty is a fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist with board certification in both general and pediatric ophthalmology and nearly three decades of experience in Charlotte. His practice encompasses surgical and medical care for children and adults with a wide range of eye conditions.
Areas of expertise include:
- Comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology for children with eye diseases and vision disorders
- Surgical and nonsurgical treatment of strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes) across all ages
- Advanced management of retinopathy of prematurity for at-risk infants
- Cataract extraction and intraocular lens placement for adult patients
- Treatment of tear duct obstruction, including congenital and acquired cases
- Full-spectrum general ophthalmology for eye diseases and trauma
Dr. Daugherty’s decades of experience and recognized expertise make him one of Charlotte’s most trusted providers for pediatric and strabismus care.
Education & Training
Dr. Daugherty earned his Bachelor of Science with honors from Duke University before completing his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin Medical School, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed both his internship and ophthalmology residency at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
He then completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, GA, training that prepared him for a career dedicated to caring for children and adults with complex ocular conditions. Dr. Daugherty has been practicing in Charlotte since 1996.
Memberships & Recognition
Dr. Daugherty is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and other regional and national medical associations. He is board-certified in both general and pediatric ophthalmology, has been named a Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine, and has been recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal as one of Charlotte’s top pediatric ophthalmologists.
An active community volunteer, Dr. Daugherty provides free ophthalmology screenings and has contributed to numerous LASIK surgeries at Horizon Eye Care since 2000, reflecting a career defined by both clinical excellence and genuine commitment to the patients and communities he serves.
Insights From Dr. Daugherty
Medically reviewed by
- Posted in Blog, Optical & Pediatrics
Medically reviewed by
- Posted in Blog & Pediatrics
Vision Restored, Lives Transformed
“They were quick, professional, friendly, and Dr Hoffman was great. He offered me options and gave advice I appreciate.”
“Dr. Cameron was friendly yet quite professional. His exam seemed thorough and his recommendations sound. He answered questions I had and took his time - he was not rushed to get to…”
“All staff from checking in at the front desk, throughout my appointment were very helpful. Dr.Minkowski did a great job of explaining options/the process of cataract surgery with me, especially given my…”
“I have been coming to Dr. Minkowski for over 2 years and he is an awesome doctor. He makes you feel welcomed and worry free. He explains everything in detail and will…”
“I had dry eye problems, which created pain, drops were given, which resolved and fixed my problem. I am very pleased with my resulits”
“Very knowledgeable and explained what is happening with my eyes and what the various drugs do.”
“Excellent care. Outstanding physicians and support staff.”
“Dr. Ryder is an excellent retina specialist. He is a very caring provider and takes the time to explain conditions as well as treatment plans. I’ve always felt well taken care of…”
“Older but very clean establishment. Very friendly and professional staff. Excellent care by Dr. Rouse!”
“Cannot say enough good things about this team and Dr. Hoffman. I had a medical eye emergency and they were able to see me same day. The team was so helpful, took…”
“Dr Bell is very very good and hate to see her moved to the Huntersville offices next year.”
“Great guy! Thorough, professional, efficient and kind!”
“Dr. Marc James is a great eye doctor, he's very knowledgeable and shares his best intrest for his patients. He has been my eye doctor for many years.”
“Highly recommend top of the line”
“I saw Dr Hoffman at Horizon Eye Clinic yesterday and it was my first visit with him. He was extremely professional and very thorough in my eye exam. He has a warm…”
“Great service, just short staffed.”
“The staff and doctors are extremely professionals. People may complain about the wait time, but the doctors and staff are extremely apologetic which is fine with me. Emergencies happening. Awesome job and…”
“Dr Rosen has been treating me for 9 years! He’s always patient and answers all my questions!”
“I was very impressed w/ Dr. Hoffman. My exam went well, he answered questions.”
“Dr. Santana was thorough and laid out the plan to repair my Macular Tear . She was very pleasant as well as all the staff at the Mallard Creek office.”
Caring for Patients Across Charlotte
Dr. Daugherty practices across three convenient locations.
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