Compare 61 optometrists in Durham, NC. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
61
Optometrists
100%
Accepting patients
97%
Most common: OD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Durham is a Duke town when it comes to healthcare. Duke University Hospital is a top-10 nationally ranked medical center, and the Duke Health system is by far the dominant provider in the city. For residents who need something beyond what Duke offers locally, UNC Chapel Hill is only 15 minutes west. The concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical companies in Research Triangle Park means the area attracts physicians who want to be near research.
Durham has 61 optometrists. The most common credential is OD (97%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Downtown Durham, Brightleaf District, Ninth Street, and Trinity Park.
Durham is compact compared to Raleigh and Charlotte. Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital are both within a few miles of downtown. Most medical offices cluster along Erwin Road near the Duke campus or along NC-147 (Durham Freeway). Getting to UNC Chapel Hill is a straight shot west on I-40. The area is small enough that most drives to medical appointments are under 15 minutes.
Nearby hospitals include Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Durham VA Health Care System. Local training programs run through Duke University School of Medicine and North Carolina Central University. Duke University Hospital is consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the nation.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is the dominant carrier, with strong Duke Health network coverage. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna are common through large employers and the biotech sector. NC Medicaid through WellCare and AmeriHealth Caritas covers Duke Regional and community health centers. Duke's employee health plan is one of the largest in the Triangle. 66% accept Medicare.
A comprehensive eye exam takes 30 to 60 minutes. It includes reading an eye chart, checking eye pressure (glaucoma screening), examining the internal structures of your eye, testing how your eyes work together, and determining your prescription. Your eyes may be dilated with drops, which temporarily blurs close-up vision for a few hours.
See an optometrist for routine eye exams (every one to two years for adults, annually for children and adults over 60), new or updated glasses or contact lens prescriptions, dry eyes, eye strain from screens, red or irritated eyes, and monitoring of conditions like glaucoma. For surgical needs (cataracts, LASIK), they will refer you to an ophthalmologist.
Eye exam (with vision insurance): $0-25 copay · Eye exam (without insurance): $100-250 · Glasses: $100-400+ · Contact lens fitting: $50-200
Annual eye exams do more than update your glasses prescription. Optometrists screen for glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and systemic conditions like diabetes that show early signs in the eyes.
Getting the right prescription and fit matters for comfort and clear vision. Optometrists determine your prescription, recommend lens types, and ensure contacts fit your eyes properly.
Chronic dry, gritty, or burning eyes affect millions of people. Optometrists identify the type of dry eye and recommend treatments from artificial tears and warm compresses to prescription drops.
Extended screen time causes eye fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision. Your optometrist can recommend specialized lenses, screen habits, and exercises to reduce strain.
Glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy often have no early symptoms. Optometrists use specialized imaging to detect these conditions before vision loss occurs.
Durham, NC has 61 licensed optometrists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of optometrists in Durham, NC are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has the broadest network and covers most Duke providers. Some Duke specialists may require prior authorization. NC Medicaid is accepted at Duke Regional and Lincoln CHC.
An eye exam with vision insurance costs $0 to $25 as a copay. Without insurance, an exam costs $100 to $250. Glasses range from $100 to $400 or more. Contact lens fitting runs $50 to $200. Actual costs in Durham, NC depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Vision insurance and health insurance cover different things. Vision insurance covers routine exams, glasses, and contacts. Medical insurance covers treatment of eye diseases. You may need both for complete coverage.
Duke Health is the primary system in Durham. Duke University Hospital handles complex and specialty care, while Duke Regional Hospital provides community-level services. For non-Duke options, Lincoln Community Health Center and UNC Health (in nearby Chapel Hill) are alternatives.
66% of optometrists in Durham, NC accept Medicare. Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams or glasses. It does cover annual eye exams for people with diabetes and treatment for eye diseases like glaucoma. Some Medicare Advantage plans include vision benefits. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Some optometrists in Durham, NC accept NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities), the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers eye exams and glasses for children in all states. Adult vision coverage varies by state, with some covering comprehensive exams and glasses and others covering only medical eye conditions. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities) participation before scheduling.
No. Duke provides primary care, routine specialist visits, and urgent care alongside its nationally ranked specialty programs. Duke Primary Care has offices throughout Durham for everyday medical needs.
Durham's Lincoln Community Health Center accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and offers sliding-scale fees. UNC Health facilities in Chapel Hill (a 15-minute drive) may also be in your network. Duke Regional Hospital accepts a broader range of plans than the main Duke campus.
Top accepted carriers in Durham, NC include unitedhealthcare, qhp-11512, medicare, qhp-44228, and qhp-87571.
Vision insurance and health insurance cover different things. Vision insurance (like VSP or EyeMed) covers routine eye exams, glasses, and contacts. Medical insurance covers treatment of eye diseases (glaucoma, infections, injuries). If you have both, routine exams go through vision insurance. Make sure your optometrist accepts your specific vision plan, not just medical insurance.