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
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- Posted in Blog, Optical & Pediatrics
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- Posted in Blog & Pediatrics
Vision Restored, Lives Transformed
“Smooth transition from place to place”
“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…”
“Very competent young professional. Excellent chairside manner. Would recommend thus optometrist to anyone. ”
“Dr James excellent nice and knowledgeable, his staff great too I made urgent appointment was very helpful thanks ”
“Tiffany, Mark, and Dr. Hoffman were very professional and helpful.”
“From check in to signing out everything went very well. Nice staff, Dr Hoffman was very professional and informative. It was real busy there but he did not rush through my exam.…”
“What a fantastic experience. Staff was professional, friendly and thorough.”
“Appointment was on time, and I felt like everyone there took great care of me.”
“Once checked in, the wait time is minimal. Everyone is helpful and professional. Staff is knowledgeable. I don't ever feel like the doctors are rushing. They take time to answer questions, and…”
“Saw me promptly. Very professional. He has saved my eyesight.”
“Dr. Tomasko is great”
“Dr. Bieber ìs a very knowledgeable Dr. He has a great beside manner . He Removed a cataract from my right eye. I would definitely recommend him if you are need of…”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Tomasko! He is incredibly friendly, compassionate, and genuinely cares about his patients and their well-being. He performed the reconstruction following my Mohs surgery, and…”
“He was very informative.”
“He is caring, attentive, excellent surgeon!”
“I have been a patient of Dr Minnal for years. She has the best bedside manners, is friendly and very knowledgeable . She patiently listens and responds. I’d give her 10 star…”
“Dr. Ryder administers eye shots with minimal pain, and he’s very professional.”
“My visits are always positive. The doctor was courteous, professional, and thorough. It was my first visit with Dr. Minkowski and he was very good- great in explaining my condition and the…”
Caring for Patients Across Charlotte
Dr. Daugherty practices across three convenient locations.
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