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…”
“Employees were friendly and helpful.”
“Dr Tomasko and staff all very friendly and helpful for eye care”
“Dr. Tomasko performs flawless work and has a wonderful bedside manner. I was referred to him by my eye doctor and couldn't be more pleased. if you are considering an eyelid procedure,…”
“Excellent doctor. Extremely efficient, explains everything in a way that its understood. I trust him with my care.”
“Friendly efficient staff. They explained every step of the process and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend Dr Steven J. Ryder and staff.”
“I like Dr. Cameron‘s candor, sense of humor and his no BS eye exams.”
“I had been going to CEENTA...But after finding this place I won't be going back....I love Horizon Eye Care”
“I always have a great experience with Dr. K. He's kind and very informative. And the whole office is super friendly. My visits always run smoothly.”
“Extremely competent, professional, personable.”
“The staff was courteous, professional and quick to respond to my needs. Dr. Minkowski was personable, and reassuring with his answers to my questions.”
“Spent non pressure time with me, answered all my questions in detail, was not in a rush to get to next patient; very informative”
“I am pleased with service doctor Wang provided me. She took enough time to explain my situation and what needs to be done.”
“Great eye doctors , they actually care about you”
“I have been coming to Horizon Eye Care for 25 years and so far everyone has been so nice. But there is one person a manager (AMANDA)that is so disrespectful and rude…”
“Excellent visit!”
“I would recommend Dr. Kevin Tomasko to anyone! He had to remove a cyst from my right eye. He was extremely pleasant and easy to talk to. He explained everything. Most importantly…..…”
Caring for Patients Across Charlotte
Dr. Daugherty practices across three convenient locations.
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