Carolina Ophthalmology

This place is terrible only in it for the money and not really interested in their new patients or keeping patients. Had to reschedule my appointment three times twice because of weather and before they would ever see me on my fourth rescheduled visit they wanted 50 dollars for a no show fee. I walked out never to return and then they send me a bill for 50 dollars. I would stay far away.

OMG. A fantastic experience all around! COA is leagues better than another local place we frequented before making the change! And a **huge** shoutout to Christina G. & Unilocal for recommending this business to my wife.
Unlike my wife, I saw Dr. Scroggs for my annual eye exam. I truly appreciated his professionalism, friendliness and attention to detail. Honestly, one of the best experiences I’ve had in years seeing an Opthamologist. The staff is timely, friendly, helpful and accommodating. Not once did they ever make me feel like I was being a burden to anyone throughout the whole process[1]. Before seeing the Opthamalogist, the assistant went through the usual battery of #1 or #2, #3 or #2 etc. The peripheral vision test was done manually (which I prefer) and the glaucoma test was done as a pressure test[2]. Dr. Scroggs had a great demeanor — very personable and relaxed with a great «bedside» manner. He walked me through the whole process explaining every detail of the examination. Of course, the same could be said of all the staff there that I encountered on that visit. As others have already mentioned, they perform Lasik procedures and offer free consultations if interested. Maybe one of these days I’ll consider it!
The office is spacious and both the outer waiting room shares space with an ENT practice, but there are plenty of seats, reading materials and free wifi to occupy yourself while waiting. The longest I had to wait was during the dilation process.
Re: specific insurance policies: We have additional vision coverage through VSP which both COA and the adjoining Vision Center do accept.
5 easy stars for a great overall experience and we’ll definitely be back next year with the rest of the family!
[1] Yeah… I tend to ask lots of questions. ;-)
[2] Apparently, Dr. Scroggs prefers these over the air ones.

After a disappointing eye experience at another Chapel Hill opthalmology clinic, my husband and I decided to take our services elsewhere to Carolina Opthalmology Associates (COA), and I’m glad we did.
Dr. Bryan was very thorough during my eye exam and took the time to explain potential changes to my eyes during my second pregnancy. Since I was a first-​time patient there, he wanted to dilate my eyes to do a more detailed exam, but gave me special 0.5% drops in consideration of the growing baby. I was impressed at his expertise, as well as the warmth and professionalism demonstrated by the other technicians on staff as well. Once the eye exam was complete, they handed me my glasses and contact lens prescriptions; there was no implied or overt pressure to take my business to the in-​house eyeglass shop (although I did). After ordering my contact lenses and requesting that they be shipped to me so I wouldn’t have to make another trip to the office, they arrived promptly a few days later.
Everything about the appointment– from scheduling the eye exam to purchasing contact lenses in the neighbouring eyeglass shop– was friendly, professional and efficient. I could not be happier that we switched opthalmology clinics, and COA will now be our permanent home for ocular care.

Although I live in Durham now, I still ride into Chapel Hill to go see Dr. Scroggs, as I have for several years now. Dr. Scroggs is friendly, and an excellent doctor. I really ought to still be irked with him, since last time he dilated my eyes to the point where I couldn’t find my way to the Vision Center to pick up my lenses. Basically, I bumped off the walls giggling, as I walked down the hall. I’ve also been happy with the service I’ve received at the Vision Center. I need my lenses special-​ordered. Because I’m blind. I get them quickly and for a decent price — also, they offer a discount for University employees. I know that they do laser surgery; my friend had her LASIK here and was very satisfied. I haven’t taken the plunge yet, but if you’re bolder than me, this would be a good place to have the procedure done.

Nice offices, on-​site Vision Center (for glasses and contacts), and two doctors to choose from (I use Dr. Scroggs). The staff is mostly friendly and definitely efficient — it’s still probably best to book an a.m. appointment as they can tend to fall a bit behind later in the day. In my experience, the Vision Center is super-​speedy — drop off your contact prescription and it’s available for pick-​up in like 2 days! They came recommended by two separate colleagues at my last job, and I will definitely pass the recommendation onward.