- Pediatric CareDr. Aundrea Howell is originally from Raleigh, NC. She graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 2011 with a major in Biology and a minor in Music. She completed her optometry degree at the Illinois College of Optometry in 2015. As a student, she participated in volunteer services to Honduras and Belize to provide communities with clean water, health care, and eye care. She completed her clinical rotations in primary care, pediatrics, contact lenses, LASIK/cataract co-management, and ocular disease. Her previous experience was at a private practice in Lynchburg, VA.
- Primary Care
- GlaucomaOften called “the silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is an increase in the intraocular pressure of the eyes, which causes damage to the optic nerve with no signs or symptoms in the early stages of the disease. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to a decrease in peripheral vision and eventually blindness.
- OphthalmologyDr. Hinkle is originally from High Point, North Carolina. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with minor concentration in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While in undergraduate, Dr. Hinkle was a member of Phi Eta Sigma academic fraternity, Gamma Beta Phi academic society, and Alpha Epsilon Delta medical fraternity. He then received his Doctorate in Optometry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. During his training, Dr. Hinkle was a member of the American Optometric Association and Pi Epsilon Chi Optometric Society. Dr. Hinkle received extensive training specialized in cornea, retina, and neuro-ophthalmology in order to better serve his patients.
- Macular DegenerationMacular degeneration is a chronic, progressive disease that gradually destroys sharp central vision due to a deterioration of the macula, a tiny spot in the central portion of your retina comprised of millions of light-sensing cells. Because it is so commonly associated with aging, it is also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There are two forms of AMD called “dry,” most common and with no known treatment, and “wet,” less common and treated with laser procedures. Genetic testing is now available to help identify those most likely to develop “wet” macular degeneration.
- Laser Eye SurgeryIn reality, most people have some degree of astigmatism, which is usually present at birth and is believed to be hereditary. In minor cases, treatment may not be required but is certainly beneficial. Moderate to severe astigmatism can be treated with corrective eyewear or LASIK surgery.
- CataractsIf an eye disease was an inevitable part of your life, wouldn’t it be nice if you could pick which disease you had? If you could, you would want to pick cataracts.
- Cataract SurgeryToday, cataract surgery can not only remedy the disease but it can make your eye sight better than it ever was before.
- Eye ExamYour eye care provider can recommend the best contact lenses for you based on a complete eye examination and a review of your visual needs both at work and play. Since most people can wear more than one type of lens, it’s important to know what the choices are and the advantages and disadvantages to each.
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyDiabetic eye disease is a general term for a group of eye problems that can result from having type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.
- Neck Pain