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
“I transferred from CEENTA to Dr Ryder at Horizon Eye Care-Cotswold. Today was my first appointment. I can say I was pleasantly surprised. I had absolutely no wait time. The office has…”
“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 was always treated very friendly and professional and helpful”
“Good visit with Dr . Mina .”
“Dr. Garcia was cheerful and engaged. She took the time to explain the findings of the tests. She also happily answered some questions I had concerning my vision overall.”
“I had to wait about 25-30 minutes to see the doctor.”
“Excellent experience with my recent visit. This was on a Saturday, which is very convenient given my busy schedule. Dr Cameron took his time to do a thorough eye exam. Friendly and…”
“Dr. Kaluzny provides outstanding professional treatment and recommendations. The wait time spent in the office of two hours was unacceptable.”
“Dr. Joe Krug sets the standard for ophthalmology. He retires in a week…a huge loss.”
“He’s an amazing ophthalmologist. He has saved my sight two times in the past 10 years. He will be missed by a lot of glaucoma patients.”
“I always feel listened to and understand the explanations.”
“The waiting room needs new furniture. The seats are so worn I was afraid they would damage my clothes.”
“Dr Ryder and staff were amazing.”
“Wonderful and attentive staff. They all work together with Dr Stein to make sure I am receiving the best care. I like that they always answer any questions or concerns that I…”
“The server at this location was much faster and streamlined than other locations I’ve been to for my eye care. Much less crowded and each step in the process was handled much…”
“Professional eye care. Dr. Wang was cordial as well as her assistant.”
“I have been seeing Dr Krug and staff for over a decade. Great professionalism, competence and courtesy.”
“The doctor was very, very, very thorough and really deep examinations of my eyes to make sure everything was OK. I was very impressed with the amount of care and knowledge she…”
Caring for Patients Across Charlotte
Dr. Daugherty practices across three convenient locations.
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