Services

Comprehensive Eye Examinations

Eye exam equipment with patient

At Vision Care Associates, Dr. Mark Gifford and his staff strive to provide comprehensive, primary eye care for the whole family. While 20/20 vision can be a good indication of healthy eyes, there are many conditions that can develop without affecting central vision. Many eye conditions have no symptoms in their early stages. With experience in diagnosing and treating such typical vision disorders as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, Dr. Gifford and his Vision Care Associates team are equipped to provide appropriate therapeutic medical eye care. The American Optometric Association recommends annual or biannual eye and vision exams depending on age and risk factors.


Regular vision evaluations ensure that you always have the clearest vision possible. Your visit to our south Charlotte eye care office will include an eyeglass refraction as part of a comprehensive eye exam. As many would recognize, the results of these tests are portrayed as a fraction with 20/20 being the standard for normal distance and reading vision. Depending on the results of your vision test, Dr. Gifford or one of his associates may prescribe corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Eye Health and Advanced Diagnostics

Widefield retinal image

In addition to evaluating vision, a comprehensive eye examination will include a thorough evaluation of the various structures of the eye and visual system. Internal examination of the eyes with dilation of the pupils and digital retinal imaging is also performed. Additional diagnostic testing is utilized when necessary.


We use state of the art Eidon Ultra-Widefield digital retinal imaging to document your ocular status. Imaging with the Eidon widefield scanner does not require pupil dilation for most patients.


OCT retinal analysis, corneal topography, and visual field instrumentation is also available onsite to aid in more accurate evaluation and treatment of disorders of the eyes and the visual system. With such testing, our doctors are able to thoroughly examine for and efficiently diagnose conditions in need of prompt treatment or referral such as corneal disorders, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.

Disease Management and Urgent/Perioperative Care

Close up image of an eye

Eye Infections/Injury/Disease

Dr. Mark Gifford and his team are experienced in diagnosing, treating and managing many eye conditions including, but not limited to:


Conjunctivitis/Red Eye - Dry Eye Disease - Ocular Allergies - Cataracts - Corneal Disease/injury - Glaucoma - Diabetic Eye Disease - Age Related Macular Degeneration - Retinal disorders


Urgent Care

At Vision Care Associates we are also available to be your eye care minute clinic. Dr. Gifford is available 24 hours a day to provide care to those whose eye infections and injuries don't obey our 8:30 to 5:30, Monday through Friday work schedule. Same day appointments and after-hours visits are available for those who require immediate attention. The most common symptoms in need of immediate care include, but are not limited to:


Painful, light sensitive eyes - Ocular foreign bodies - Sudden onset of floaters and/or flashes of light - Sticky, uncomfortable red eyes - Any sudden vision loss - Sudden onset of double vision


Cataract and Refractive Surgery

As an optometrist, Dr. Mark Gifford provides pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing cataract surgery, LASIK, and other surgical eye procedures. Our goal is to help our patients work with the best surgeons in the area to achieve optimal surgical outcomes.

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