Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Comprehensive Eye Care in Columbia
Columbia Eye Clinic has been dedicated to providing exceptional eye care to the Midlands community for over a century. Our team comprises board-certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologists, optometrists, and over 100 expertly trained staff members committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient-focused care. With four convenient locations, we offer comprehensive services ranging from routine eye exams and vision correction to complex surgical procedures, ensuring accessibility and excellence for all our patients. Our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing facility, reflects our commitment to innovation and technical expertise. We prioritize personalized attention, combining advanced medical knowledge with compassionate service to address each patient's unique needs, as evidenced by our 98% patient satisfaction rating.Through continuous investment in cutting-edge technology and professional development, our specialists maintain leadership in ophthalmic advancements while preserving the trust built over generations. Our patient-centric approach extends beyond treatment, encompassing educational resources, preventive care strategies, and transparent communication to empower informed healthcare decisions. By integrating comprehensive eye health management with specialized surgical interventions, we ensure holistic care for patients of all ages, from pediatric vision assessments to age-related condition management. This enduring commitment to quality has established Columbia Eye Clinic as the Midlands' largest and most trusted ophthalmology practice.
Services
Cataract Surgery
Cornea Treatment
Dry Eye Therapy
Eye Exams
Glaucoma Care
Eyelid Surgery
Vision Correction
Retina Surgery
Optical Services
Contact Lenses
Details
- Year established: 1925
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of combined medical expertise through 14 board-certified ophthalmologists
- Our ambulatory surgery center achieves 98% patient satisfaction ratings
- We utilize FDA-approved advancements in cataract and vision correction surgery
- Our team includes fellowship-trained specialists in retina, cornea, and glaucoma care
- We provide 24/7 emergency ophthalmic services through on-call specialists
Associations and certifications
- U.S. News & World Report High Performing
What people say
Excellent experience
Knowledgeable staff
Thorough explanations
Successful cataract surgery
Highly recommend
Services
Cataract Surgery
Modern cataract surgical procedures address clouded lenses through advanced intraocular lens implantation. Our fellowship-trained surgeons utilize both traditional and laser-assisted techniques to restore vision clarity. Patients receive customized treatment plans considering lifestyle factors and pre-existing conditions when selecting from monofocal, multifocal, or toric lens options that optimize post-operative visual acuity.
Cornea Treatment
Specialized corneal care addresses conditions affecting this critical ocular structure through diagnostic assessments and therapeutic interventions. Our experts manage keratoconus, corneal abrasions, and dystrophies using approaches including cross-linking treatments, specialty contact lenses, and partial-thickness transplants that preserve visual integrity while addressing surface irregularities and structural weaknesses.
Dry Eye Therapy
Comprehensive evaluation identifies dry eye syndrome causes through meibomian gland functionality testing and tear film analysis. Treatment protocols combine Systane iLux2 thermal pulsation therapy with BlephEx lid debridement to address evaporative dry eye causes, supplemented by prescription medications targeting inflammatory components that disrupt ocular surface homeostasis.
Retina Surgery
Advanced retinal disorder management addresses diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachments through minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our retina specialists employ laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF injections, and vitrectomy procedures to halt vision loss progression while preserving ocular structural integrity in both emergent and chronic conditions.
Eyelid Surgery
Cosmetic and functional eyelid correction procedures address ptosis, dermatochalasis, and ectropion through blepharoplasty techniques. Surgeons perform upper lid skin/fat removal with muscle tightening alongside lower lid fat repositioning to restore youthful appearance while correcting visual field obstructions caused by anatomical abnormalities affecting lid positioning.
People
Derek L. Barker
Retina Specialist
Board-certified retina specialist with extensive experience in macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy treatment. Dr. Barker combines surgical expertise with compassionate care to preserve vision through advanced interventions.
Stephen A. Cross
Cataract Surgeon
Fellowship-trained cataract and refractive surgeon recognized for LASIK and lens implant innovations. Dr. Cross personalizes vision correction solutions using cutting-edge technology to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Edward G. Crosswell
Cornea Specialist
Cornea and external disease specialist with expertise in keratoconus management and corneal transplants. Dr. Crosswell implements cross-linking therapies and specialty contact lens fittings to restore visual clarity.
Joshua Nunn
Glaucoma Specialist
Glaucoma expert utilizing selective laser trabeculoplasty and minimally invasive surgical techniques to manage intraocular pressure. Dr. Nunn develops comprehensive treatment plans that preserve optic nerve function through early intervention.
Garner J. Wild
Refractive Surgeon
Vision correction specialist performing LASIK and implantable collamer lens procedures. Dr. Wild combines technical precision with patient education to deliver customized refractive solutions that reduce dependency on corrective eyewear.
Questions
What eye conditions do Columbia Eye specialists treat?
Our board-certified ophthalmologists manage comprehensive eye care needs including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, corneal diseases, and refractive errors through both medical and surgical interventions.
What surgical options exist for vision correction?
We offer LASIK, PRK, implantable collamer lenses, and refractive lens exchange procedures tailored to individual corneal topography and lifestyle requirements using advanced diagnostic technology.
How does Columbia Eye handle emergency eye care?
Our on-call specialists provide 24/7 emergency ophthalmic services for urgent conditions like retinal detachments, chemical burns, and traumatic injuries through immediate evaluation and intervention protocols.
What makes Columbia Eye's surgery center unique?
Recognized as U.S. News & World Report's high-performing facility, our dedicated ambulatory surgery center specializes exclusively in ophthalmic procedures, ensuring optimized outcomes through focused expertise and advanced equipment.
How can patients prepare for cataract surgery?
Pre-operative preparation includes comprehensive eye measurements, medical history review, and personalized lens selection consultations to ensure customized treatment plans that maximize post-surgical visual independence.
What dry eye treatment options are available?
Our dry eye management combines Systane iLux2 thermal pulsation therapy, BlephEx lid debridement, prescription medications, and lifestyle modifications to address both evaporative and aqueous-deficient dry eye causes.
Reviews (5)
Christy Tillman
Jun 12, 2022
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I come to Columbia eye clinic once a year. But on the day of June the 8th they seem to be a little behind. I have never had to wait two hours to be seen. I was good and frustrated. But the overall picture is they are very good and the doctor is very nice that I see. So I would give them a rate of five-star.
Judy Mason
Jun 08, 2022
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It was an extraordinary experience. The procedure was done on time and I was out of the surgery suite in under an hour. Everyone involved was friendly, courteous, and very professional. Dr. Crosswell's surgery was completely painless, absolutely no discomfort whatsoever and I could see an incredible difference in my vision by that afternoon.
Sandra Bise
Jun 07, 2022
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I thank God every day for Dr. Barker. He has fought with me for 6 years to keep my eyesight. He knows what he is doing. I trust him completely. I am not overly fond of injections in my eye, but if Dr. Barker told me to cut my head off, I would do it. That is how much faith I have in him. Also, a shout out to his staff. They too are awesome. They treat me like their family. I love them all.
Donna Hunter
Jun 07, 2022
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I had to be seen quickly on Monday due to a problem in my eye. The receptionist made me an appointment and asked if I could come in and just be there and wait beforehand. Of course I could, so I went to the Pickens Street office where I was seen in less than an hour by Dr. Cain himself. I so appreciate all of the doctors and staff at Columbia Eye Clinic and recommend them highly.
Jo Mcleod
May 29, 2022
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I had a problem with my vision and called Columbia Eye Clinic; they provided me with an appointment that day with Dr. Barker. I found him to be pleasant, knowledgeable, and knew immediately what my problem was (ocular migraine). This put me at ease and I am thankful that they fit me into his schedule.
