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
Medically reviewed by
- Posted in Blog & Pediatrics
Vision Restored, Lives Transformed
“My visit was great with my doctor, everyone treated me with kindness and respect. Friendly environment, and they made sure they took care of my concerns. Thank You!!!”
“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…”
“Both doctor and tech were exceptional.”
“This was my first visit. All of the staff were friendly and competent. A lot of hurry up and wait but that made them very efficient moving all the patients through.”
“First visit with Dr Jones as my usual doc retired last year. I’m happy with his protocol”
“Great experience…friendly staff…”
“Dr Jones was excellent! It was first time had seen him and I thought he was caring, easy to talk to and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend him!!”
“Nice facility, pleasant people”
“My first time going to her and I genuinely feel a good connection to her.”
“Phenomenal physician/surgeon. Took excellent care of my mom. Would highly recommend him.”
“Very nice bunch of people and nice facilities”
“I always have an excellent experience at this eye doctor. Dr. Daugherty is always, professional, knowledgeable and very helpful.”
“Outstanding experience, He prepared me for what to expect, was diligent in the procedure, called at home that night to check up, and dialed in a nearly perfect prescription . Vicky ,…”
“He was amazing with my son. He talked him through everything he was going to do. I hate he is retiring and we have to find a new eye doctor”
“Very professional and customer focused ”
“Wonderful staff. Very intune to my needs and addresses my concerns thoroughly.”
“I give Dr. Garcia 5 stars, but every single time I visit Horizon, I have to wait. This time it was over 30 minutes.”
“He always do great work and has a wonderful staff”
Caring for Patients Across Charlotte
Dr. Daugherty practices across three convenient locations.
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