Business Details
43 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Advanced Eye Care in Columbus
Established in 1983, Columbus Ophthalmology Associates has been a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care for over four decades. Our multidisciplinary team includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians who deliver personalized vision solutions using advanced technology. We specialize in treating complex conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease, while maintaining a commitment to community-focused care.Our affiliation with EyeCare Partners enhances our ability to offer innovative treatments and state-of-the-art surgical options, including LASIK and retinal disease management. Patient education and preventive care are central to our approach, ensuring long-term eye health for individuals across Central Ohio.
Services
Cataract Surgery
LASIK Vision Correction
Glaucoma Management
Diabetic Eye Care
Dry Eye Treatment
Retinal Disease Treatment
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Optical Services
Pediatric Eye Care
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We provide comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages with personalized treatment plans.
- Our team includes fellowship-trained specialists in cornea, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.
- We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technologies in all our locations.
- Our practice offers one-stop optical shops with designer eyewear and contact lens fittings.
- We maintain active research initiatives to incorporate the latest advancements in eye care.
What people say
Painless cataract procedure
Knowledgeable and caring staff
Excellent LASIK results
Thorough diabetic eye exams
Friendly, professional team
Services
Cataract Surgery
Our cataract surgeons use advanced intraocular lens implants to restore vision. The outpatient procedure involves removing cloudy natural lenses and replacing them with artificial ones. With nearly 99% success rates, patients typically experience improved vision within days of the surgery.
LASIK Surgery
Custom LASIK procedures correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism using blade-free laser technology. Our fellowship-trained surgeons perform comprehensive evaluations to determine candidacy for this life-changing vision correction surgery with 90%+ patients achieving 20/20 vision.
Glaucoma Management
We offer comprehensive glaucoma care including early detection through advanced imaging and pressure testing. Treatment options range from medicated drops to minimally invasive surgical procedures like selective laser trabeculoplasty, with specialists managing complex cases requiring microstent implants.
Dry Eye Treatment
Our TearLab system objectively diagnoses dry eye disease through osmolarity testing. Treatment plans may include punctal plugs, prescription medications, and in-office thermal expression for meibomian gland dysfunction, tailored to each patient's specific tear composition issues.
Retinal Disease Care
Specialists use OCT imaging and fluorescein angiography to diagnose retinal conditions. We treat macular degeneration with anti-VEGF injections, manage diabetic retinopathy through laser photocoagulation, and perform vitrectomy surgeries for vitreous hemorrhages and retinal detachment repairs.
People
James A. McHale
Ophthalmologist
Dr. McHale performs cataract and LASIK surgeries with over 30 years of experience. He completed his residency at Emory University and serves as a clinical instructor, emphasizing patient education through informative videos about eye procedures.
Swarupa Kancherla
Refractive Surgeon
Specializing in LASIK and corneal transplants, Dr. Kancherla completed advanced training at the University of Iowa. She focuses on customized vision correction solutions for active individuals seeking reduced dependence on corrective lenses.
Robert Derick
Glaucoma Specialist
Dr. Derick, a Wilmer Eye Institute fellowship graduate, has performed thousands of glaucoma surgeries. He serves on the American Glaucoma Society board and specializes in minimally invasive techniques including Hydrus Microstent implantation.
Jing Sun
Retina Specialist
Dr. Sun treats complex retinal diseases with expertise in diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. She completed her retina fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh and employs advanced imaging technologies for precise diagnosis and treatment.
William Burns
Optometrist
Dr. Burns provides comprehensive eye exams and manages dry eye disease using advanced diagnostic tools. With over 25 years in practice, he focuses on preventive care and coordinates pre- and post-operative care for surgical patients.
Questions
How often should adults get comprehensive eye exams?
The AAO recommends exams every 5-10 years before age 40, every 2-4 years between 40-54, every 1-3 years from 55-64, and annually after 65.
What makes cataract surgery at COA unique?
Our surgeons use advanced intraocular lens implants and perform procedures at our dedicated eye surgery center with a 99% success rate.
Does vision insurance cover LASIK?
While most plans don't cover LASIK, we offer financing options and accept HSA/FSA payments to make vision correction more affordable.
Can diabetic patients get specialized eye care?
Yes, we have ophthalmologists specializing in diabetic retinopathy who use advanced imaging for early detection and treatment.
What dry eye treatments are available?
We offer TearLab testing, meibomian gland expression, prescription eye drops, and in-office treatments like LipiFlow for chronic dry eye.
Are all locations equipped for surgical procedures?
Our Dublin office houses the Columbus Eye Surgery Center where most surgical procedures are performed, while all locations offer consultations.
Reviews (7)
William Swisher
Jun 21, 2022
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Had cataract surgery last year by Dr. McHale. I feel like I had a totally brand new eye put in as I can see things clearly WITHOUT eyeglasses since I was a boy. My peripheral vision returned just as the new lens was attached. The operation went as smoothly as a routine dentist visit. I was totally amazed at how easy the surgery went. I heartily recommend anyone who has cataracts or thinks they may have them to consult COA
Linda M. Dayton
May 24, 2022
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Dr McHale and your team are awesome! Wish all my doctors were as articulate and personable as you are. Thank you so much!
Jane Rice
May 23, 2022
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Hey, this is the place to go if you don't mind sitting in the waiting room an hour or more. The front office registration staff is very efficient, cordial and helpful. The front and back door elevator works well and you get to see who rides up and doesn't know to turn around to exit on floor 2. You get to hear all the questions asked at the registration desk and while some have to do with medical situations, many are related to paying the bill.
You get to watch people getting new glasses in the optical shop and listen to the conversations those employees have with the patients, er clients. Not a very interesting or exciting environment, but the lighting is cool.
You get to watch people getting new glasses in the optical shop and listen to the conversations those employees have with the patients, er clients. Not a very interesting or exciting environment, but the lighting is cool.
Mike Brubaker
Apr 06, 2022
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After two years I'm leaving. Sat for 60 minutes and watched the waiting room turn over 2 or 3 times while i sat there wondering. It was a pressure check that took 10 minutes max with about 3 minutes of the Dr.'s time. Quick tip to the staff and Doctors - you are not the most important people in the building - your patients are. Treat them like it. I wont be back and discourage others - find someone else!
Dorothea Rice
Feb 04, 2022
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Dr. Mchale is the best. I have been going for years. Not only does he takes care of me with glasses and frames. But also did my cataract surgery. Vert professional, vwry patient and also fun.i highly recommend COA.
Aaron Perkins
Jan 07, 2022
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Dr. Kancherla, Dr. Carey, and their team were so incredible to work with! My LASIK was an incredible experience with no pain and incredible results. This team made me feel comfortable with the surgery and recovery. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is considering LASIK!
Durana Brown
Dec 04, 2021
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I trust my ongoing eye care to Dr Burns and his staff. He is personable and professional. Easy to book appointments and very little wait when arriving at the office. I think Dr. Burns has a great follow up system, reminding of upcoming appointments via email and texts. What a nice staff! I actually had fun at my last visit to the doctor. That doesn't happen often!
