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Best Optometrists in Wilmington, NC
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As of June 2026, RatingsNearMe ranks 20 optometrists in Wilmington, NC by the RNM Score — a 0–100 rating built from Google ratings, review volume, sentiment, and profile completeness. The top-ranked is Wilmington Eye - Southport with a 4.9-star rating from 1,418 Google reviews and an RNM Score of 98/100. Also in the top tier: Family Vision Clinic and The Eye Center Wilmington. The average rating across all listed optometrists in Wilmington is 4.9 stars from 958 reviews per business on average.
Eye care in Wilmington: comprehensive exam $100–$175 without insurance; most vision plans cover 1 exam/year with $10–$25 copay.
Rankings updated June 9, 2026 · RNM Score = ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · Not paid placement.
Wilmington, North Carolina is home to a variety of optometrists who provide comprehensive eye exams, vision correction, and other eye care services. Consumers in the area can find optometrists specializing in routine checkups, contact lens fittings, and treatment of vision-related conditions.
- ✓Wide range of optometrists in Wilmington, NC
- ✓Services include eye exams, vision correction, and treatment of eye conditions
- ✓Consumers can find optometrists like Paul Vision Institute, Dr. Gail Kelley, OD, and Wilmington Eye - Carolina Shores
Best Overall
eyecarecenter
eyecarecenter is consistently top-ranked for its comprehensive services, modern technology, and high patient satisfaction.
Most Reviewed
Wilmington Eye
A high number of reviews indicates broad patient experience and reliability, helping new patients gauge service quality.
When choosing an optometrist in Wilmington, consider visiting multiple clinics for exams or second opinions, and check if your insurance is accepted before booking.
How to Choose a Optometrist in Wilmington
What to look for
- • Optometrists with experience practicing in the Wilmington, NC area
- • Optometrists who accept your vision insurance plan
- • Optometrists with a modern, well-equipped practice
- • Optometrists who offer a wide range of eye care services
Questions to ask
- • How long have you been practicing optometry in Wilmington?
- • What vision insurance plans do you accept?
- • What types of eye exams and treatments do you provide?
Red flags
- ⚠ Optometrists who do not have clear pricing or billing policies
- ⚠ Optometrists who rush through appointments or do not take the time to address your concerns
- ⚠ Optometrists who recommend unnecessary or overly expensive treatments
In North Carolina, optometrists must be licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Optometry. It's important to verify that your chosen optometrist is licensed and in good standing with the state.
Local Market Snapshot
20
Businesses listed
4.9★
Avg rating
958
Avg reviews
Jun 9, 2026
Last updated
Top Rated Optometrists
With a 4.9-star rating from over 1,400 reviews, patients consistently praise this optometrist.
5211 Eason St Suite 1, Southport, NC 28461, USAWilmington's top-rated optometrist with 4.9 stars from over 1,100 reviews.
4514 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USAHighly rated 4.9 stars from over 1,400 Google reviews.
3500 Oleander Dr Suite R55, Wilmington, NC 28403, USAOptometrists Rankings in Wilmington, NC
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wilmington Eye - Southport5211 Eason St Suite 1, Southport, NC 28461, USA | 4.9★ | 1,418 |
| #2 | Family Vision Clinic4514 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA | 4.9★ | 1,155 |
| #3 | The Eye Center Wilmington3500 Oleander Dr Suite R55, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA | 4.9★ | 1,435 |
| #4 | Travis Pickens, OD1729 New Hanover Medical Park Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA | 4.9★ | 789 |
| #5 | Wilmington Eye - Leland1176 East Cutlar Crossing, Leland, NC 28451, USA | 4.8★ | 1,242 |
| #6 | Wilmington Eye - Carolina ShoresSOUTH BRUNSWICK OFFICE BUILDING, 75 Emerson Bay Rd Ste 106, Calabash, NC 28467, USA | 4.9★ | 621 |
| #7 | eyecarecenter4107 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA | 4.7★ | 484 |
| #8 | Wilmington Eye1729 New Hanover Medical Park Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA | 4.8★ | 4,052 |
| #9 | Wilmington Optometry1205 Floral Pkwy, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA | 4.9★ | 343 |
| #10 | Paul Vision Institute1613 Military Cutoff Rd STE 230, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA | 5.0★ | 744 |
Ranked by verified ratings & review volume · Data from Google Business listings · Updated June 2026
All Optometrists in Wilmington
1729 New Hanover Medical Park Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
1176 East Cutlar Crossing, Leland, NC 28451, USA
SOUTH BRUNSWICK OFFICE BUILDING, 75 Emerson Bay Rd Ste 106, Calabash, NC 28467, USA
4107 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
1729 New Hanover Medical Park Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
1205 Floral Pkwy, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
1613 Military Cutoff Rd STE 230, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
6740 Rock Spring Rd #100, Wilmington, NC 28405, USA
1729 New Hanover Medical Park Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
3910 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
1729 New Hanover Medical Park Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
1729 New Hanover Medical Park Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
818 Pine Grove Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
Private Optometry Office inside Walmart, 8035 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28411, USA
5526 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412, USA
9020 Senca Dr, Wilmington, NC 28411, USA
6740 Rock Spring Rd #100, Wilmington, NC 28405, USA
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Optometrists in Wilmington, NC — Compared
| # | Business | RNM Score | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilmington Eye - Southport | 98/100 | 4.9 ★ | 1,418 |
| 2 | Family Vision Clinic | 98/100 | 4.9 ★ | 1,155 |
| 3 | The Eye Center Wilmington | 98/100 | 4.9 ★ | 1,435 |
| 4 | Travis Pickens, OD | 98/100 | 4.9 ★ | 789 |
| 5 | Wilmington Eye - Leland | 97/100 | 4.8 ★ | 1,242 |
| 6 | Wilmington Eye - Carolina Shores | 98/100 | 4.9 ★ | 621 |
| 7 | eyecarecenter | 95/100 | 4.7 ★ | 484 |
| 8 | Wilmington Eye | 97/100 | 4.8 ★ | 4,052 |
| 9 | Wilmington Optometry | 98/100 | 4.9 ★ | 343 |
| 10 | Paul Vision Institute | 100/100 | 5.0 ★ | 744 |
Ranked by RatingsNearMe Score · ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions — Optometrists in Wilmington
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist in Wilmington?
An optometrist (OD) performs eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and diagnoses and treats common eye conditions. An ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor who can perform surgery (LASIK, cataract removal, glaucoma treatment) and manages complex eye diseases. For routine vision care and glasses, an optometrist is appropriate and typically less expensive.
Does my vision insurance cover an optometrist visit in Wilmington?
VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision, and Humana Vision are the major plans. Most cover one comprehensive eye exam per year with a $10–$25 copay, plus an allowance for frames ($130–$200) and lenses. Without vision insurance, a comprehensive exam in Wilmington typically costs $100–$175. Contact lens fittings are usually billed separately.
How much do glasses cost in Wilmington?
Frames typically range $50–$400+. Lenses add $50–$500+ depending on your prescription, lens material (polycarbonate, high-index), and coatings (anti-reflective, blue-light, photochromic). Many independent optometrists in Wilmington can match online retailer pricing if you ask. Warby Parker, Costco Optical, and Zenni (online) typically offer lower prices on frames.
How often should I get an eye exam in NC?
Adults ages 18–60 with no vision problems or risk factors: every 1–2 years. Adults 61+: annually. Children: first exam by age 1 per the American Optometric Association, again at age 3, before starting school, and then annually. Anyone with diabetes, glaucoma, high myopia, or family history of eye disease should be seen annually regardless of age.
How are the optometrists on this page ranked?
Rankings use a transparent algorithm: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Featured Partner listings have paid for enhanced visibility but must still earn their position through real customer reviews — sponsored listings are clearly labeled.
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How Rankings Work on This Page
Every optometrists on RatingsNearMe is scored transparently: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Businesses labeled exclusive or premium are Featured Partners — they have paid for enhanced visibility but must still rank through real customer reviews. We cap sponsored boosts so bad businesses can never buy the top spot.
Editorial notice: Ratings are based on publicly available data from Google Business listings. Consumers should independently verify licensing, insurance, and credentials before hiring any service provider. Last updated: June 9, 2026.
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