Business Details
6 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Eye Care Specialists in Asheville
WNC Ophthalmology was founded in 2020 with a commitment to redefining eye care through personalized service and compassionate expertise. Our practice prioritizes individualized attention, ensuring patients receive thorough consultations without rushed appointments. With a focus on surgical excellence, we specialize in cataract surgery, having performed over 15,000 operations, and utilize advanced diagnostic tools for conditions like glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. We collaborate closely with local optometrists to maintain continuity of care while offering premium lens options for improved post-surgical vision.Our small, boutique-style office reflects our philosophy of treating patients as partners, not numbers, and our team brings decades of combined experience from military service and private practice. We emphasize transparency in communication, no hidden fees, and a cancellation policy designed to maximize access for all patients seeking timely care.
Services
Cataract Surgery
Dry Eye Management
Glaucoma Management
Diabetic Eye Screening
Urgent Care
Details
- Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized consultations with over 15,000 cataract surgeries performed.
- Our boutique practice ensures no rushed appointments or crowded waiting rooms.
- We utilize advanced diagnostic equipment for glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.
- Collaborative care with local optometrists maintains your existing eye care relationships.
- Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave 2023 winner for community-recognized service excellence.
What people say
Personalized care
Experienced surgeons
No rushed appointments
Community-recognized service
Advanced technology
Services
Cataract Surgery
Our cataract surgery removes clouded natural lenses and implants advanced intraocular lenses. We offer premium options like toric and multifocal lenses to reduce dependence on glasses. With over 15,000 procedures performed, our surgeon uses topical anesthesia and no general sedation for safer, quicker recovery. Post-operative care includes detailed instructions and follow-up appointments to ensure optimal visual outcomes.
Dry Eye Management
We diagnose and treat chronic dry eye through customized treatment plans. Our approach combines advanced diagnostics with therapies like artificial tears, prescription medications, and lifestyle modifications. We focus on long-term symptom reduction rather than temporary relief, addressing underlying causes like environmental factors or systemic conditions to improve daily comfort and ocular health.
Glaucoma Management
Our glaucoma care uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to detect and monitor optic nerve damage. Treatment plans may include medicated eye drops, laser therapy, or surgical interventions tailored to disease progression. We emphasize early detection and regular monitoring to prevent vision loss, combining medical expertise with patient education about this sight-threatening condition.
Diabetic Eye Screening
We provide comprehensive diabetic retinopathy screenings using advanced imaging technology. Our protocol includes annual dilated eye exams to detect early vascular changes, with referrals to retinal specialists when needed. We educate patients about diabetes-related eye risks and collaborate with primary care providers to coordinate holistic management of systemic and ocular health.
Urgent Care
We offer same-day or next-day appointments for acute eye issues like infections, injuries, or sudden vision changes. Our urgent care services include corneal abrasion treatment, foreign body removal, and emergency glaucoma management. Patients receive prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent complications, with after-hours guidance for true vision-threatening emergencies requiring ER referral.
People
Dr. Karo
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Karo completed medical school at the University of Virginia and military ophthalmology training at Ft. Sam Houston. He served as the sole military ophthalmologist for 100+ miles in Oklahoma, performed 4,000+ refractive surgeries for deployed soldiers, and earned the Meritorious Service Medal. After private practice experience in Charlotte, Asheville, and Providence, he established WNC Ophthalmology to provide personalized, compassionate eye care.
Questions
What eye conditions do you treat?
We manage cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eye, and urgent eye conditions. Our surgical expertise focuses on cataract removal with advanced intraocular lens implants.
Do you accept vision insurance?
We do not accept vision insurance plans like VSP or Davis Vision. We bill medical insurance and offer cash-pay discounts for uninsured patients.
What happens during cataract surgery?
The procedure removes clouded lenses using topical anesthesia. Advanced intraocular lenses are implanted to improve vision. Surgery takes 5-10 minutes per eye with no general sedation required.
What post-operative care is provided?
We include detailed recovery instructions, follow-up appointments within 24 hours, and personalized drop regimens. Patients receive immediate post-op guidelines and emergency contact information.
Are premium lens options available?
Yes, we offer toric, multifocal, and extended depth-of-focus lenses to reduce glasses dependence. These premium options are not covered by insurance but provide enhanced visual outcomes.
Reviews (6)
Lisa H.
Jan 09, 2022
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These people are amazing ! They go above and beyond ! Thank you Dr Karo and staff for taking care of me and my family ! If anyone out there is looking for eye care this is the place to go ! You will receive excellent care by
an excellent group of people !!!
an excellent group of people !!!
Gary Woods
Jan 07, 2022
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These guys are the real deal. The level of care and follow up is unsurpassed. Dr Karo and staff could not be more professional, attentive and passionate about successful outcomes regarding my eyes. Highly recommend them.
Cathy Darnell
Dec 28, 2021
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In the telling of my recent medical saga, it's obvious that the hero of the story is Dr Karo! After experiencing temporary vision loss, I was referred by a friend/nurse who is a patient. Dr Karo performed every possible vision test only to find the problem wasn't with my eyes. Rather than dismissing me, he pursued my having lab tests with my family doctor's office and wasn't satisfied until he was assured I would have them done. Those first tests came back negative, however, in consultation with my family doctor's office, she said Dr Karo had two more tests he wanted done - carotid artery ultrasounds
Barbara Lama
Dec 27, 2021
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My first experience with surgery was scary, particularly concerning my eyes. Dr. Karo was excellent, explaining it all and making me more comfortable with the whole process. His staff is personable and efficient. Would highly recommend this practice!
Carol Wright
Oct 21, 2021
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Had a nice visit. Staff was friendly and the Dr, Karo was very caring and efficient. Enjoyed my visit. He took care of the fogginess in right eye with laser surgery. Seeing great tonight.
Brenda Chappelear
Jul 18, 2021
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My mom(Linda Owen of Mills River )just finished with her cataract surgery with Dr. Karo, she has 20/20 vision again and is amazed at how through Dr Karo has been with her, she is definitely singing his praises. Thank you for doing a good job and providing such good care for her.
