Business Details
Your Trusted Eye Care Specialists in Charleston, SC
Founded over four decades ago, Eye Center of Charleston has established itself as a leader in medical and surgical eye care for residents of Greater Charleston and the Lowcountry. Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists combines advanced technology with clinical expertise to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. With a commitment to personalized care, we prioritize patient education and comfort throughout every stage of treatment. Our physicians bring decades of combined experience, including specialized training in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, cataract procedures, and corneal treatments. We maintain affiliations with leading medical institutions and professional societies to ensure adherence to the highest standards of care.Our optical shop offers state-of-the-art vision solutions, including premium lenses and designer frames, supported by licensed opticians with decades of industry experience. Patient testimonials consistently highlight our staff's professionalism, attentiveness, and ability to create a welcoming environment. We serve the community through two convenient locations while maintaining a strong focus on patient outcomes over 40 years of continuous operation. Our surgical team has performed thousands of successful procedures, including complex cases requiring advanced techniques. We remain dedicated to advancing eye health through ongoing education, community outreach, and integration of cutting-edge diagnostic tools and treatment modalities.
Services
Cataract Surgery
Glaucoma Treatment
Pterygium Surgery
Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Optical Shop
Dry Eye Treatment
Diabetic Eye Exams
Laser Eye Surgery
Contact Lens Fittings
Macular Degeneration Care
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized ophthalmic expertise in Charleston
- Our team includes award-winning cataract and glaucoma specialists
- We utilize advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies
- Our physicians maintain active teaching roles at MUSC
- We provide personalized care with same-day appointment availability
What people say
Outstanding personalized care
Caring doctors with time
Life-changing procedures
Professional and knowledgeable staff
Exceptional surgical results
Services
Cataract Surgery
Our experienced surgeons perform advanced cataract removal procedures using state-of-the-art technology. This life-changing surgery restores vision clarity by replacing clouded natural lenses with premium intraocular implants. We offer customized solutions including multifocal lenses for reduced glasses dependence, with over 25 years of combined surgical expertise among our team. Patients typically experience significant vision improvement within days of the procedure.
Glaucoma Treatment
We provide comprehensive management for glaucoma and ocular hypertension through medical, laser, and minimally invasive surgical treatments. Our specialists utilize cutting-edge diagnostic tools to detect early nerve damage and implement personalized treatment plans. Options include selective laser trabeculoplasty and MIGS procedures that reduce intraocular pressure with minimal recovery time, helping preserve vision for patients across the Lowcountry region.
Pterygium Surgery
Our surgeons specialize in removing non-cancerous corneal growths caused by UV exposure. This outpatient procedure restores clear vision and prevents recurrence through advanced surgical techniques. We address both functional and cosmetic concerns while ensuring patient comfort throughout the process. Post-operative care includes customized protection plans to minimize future UV-related damage for Charleston's outdoor-active population.
Comprehensive Ophthalmology
We offer complete eye health assessments for patients of all ages, combining routine vision testing with thorough ocular disease screening. Our evaluations include digital imaging, pressure measurements, and retinal examinations to detect early signs of conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. This preventive approach helps maintain optimal vision health through early intervention and personalized care plans.
Optical Shop
Our full-service optical center provides premium vision solutions with the latest lens technology and designer frames. Licensed opticians with over 30 years of combined experience help patients select from progressive lenses, anti-reflective coatings, and polarized sunglasses. We offer specialty contact lens fittings and dry eye treatments, ensuring comprehensive vision correction options that meet both functional needs and style preferences.
People
John C. Kulze III, M.D.
Chief of Ophthalmology
Board-certified ophthalmologist with 25+ years in Charleston. Served as MUSC chief resident and Army cataract surgery instructor. Recognized for medical missions in South America and leadership at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital.
John Ellyn, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
30-year Charleston practice with Storm Eye Institute teaching excellence award. Published author in ophthalmology journals and active participant in local medical community. Specializes in comprehensive eye care and cataract surgery.
Charles Beischel, M.D., Ph.D.
Cataract Surgeon
Dual-degree physician with extensive research background. Twice honored with Pierre Gautier Jenkins Award for teaching excellence. Combines clinical practice with resident education at MUSC's Storm Eye Institute while maintaining active surgical practice.
Sudeep K Das, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
South Carolina native with specialized training in glaucoma and ocular disease. Inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism Honor Societies. Combines clinical practice with teaching at Storm Eye Institute and VA Medical Center.
Robert House, M.D.
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Kansas native with international service experience. Completed fellowship at Duke University and residency at MUSC. Specializes in cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma procedures while maintaining active research contributions.
Questions
What eye conditions do you treat?
We diagnose and treat all major eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye disease.
Are your doctors board-certified?
Yes, all our ophthalmologists are board-certified and maintain active memberships in professional organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
We prioritize urgent cases and typically offer same-day or next-day appointments for emergency eye care needs.
What surgical options are available?
Our surgical services include cataract removal, glaucoma procedures (including MIGS), pterygium excision, and laser treatments.
Do you accept my insurance?
We work with most major insurance providers. Contact our office directly to confirm coverage details for your specific plan.
What's included in a comprehensive exam?
Our full eye exams assess visual acuity, eye health, intraocular pressure, and include digital imaging when necessary for complete ocular evaluation.
