Since our founding back in 1975, we have gone through countless transitions—from name changes and office relocations to mergers and new physician acquisitions. But through it all, one thing has remained the same: our philosophy to treat every patient as if they were family. This philosophy began back in 1975 when our three founding physicians, Dr. James Sloan, Dr. David Sloan, and Dr. Frederick Butler first opened the practice and continues on to this day with our 25+ providers and 200+ medical staff. It’s a philosophy that has allowed us to become the leading provider of specialty ophthalmic care in the area.
Originally called Sloan Butler Sloan, our ophthalmic practice began serving the community in 1975 by treating people diagnosed with cataracts. While surgical procedures and equipment were very different then, we remained on the cutting edge of medicine, offering patients the most advanced surgical techniques of the time. Because of the surgical expertise and exceptional patient care, the community soon began to recognize Sloan Butler Sloan as the most-trusted ophthalmic practice in the Wilmington area.
To keep pace with Wilmington’s growth, the evolving needs of our community, and advancements in medicine, Wilmington Eye began expanding its specialized ophthalmic services in 1990. In 2006, we became the first ophthalmic practice in Wilmington to offer pediatric ophthalmology, establishing a much-needed specialty for children and families throughout the Cape Fear region.
Today, that commitment continues with Dr. Melissa Shipley, a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist. After practicing for seven years in Charlotte, Dr. Shipley relocated to the Wilmington area to help meet the growing need for specialized pediatric eye care in southeastern North Carolina. She provides comprehensive care for children with conditions including amblyopia, strabismus, blocked tear ducts, pediatric eyelid disorders, cataracts, and glaucoma, while also treating adults with double vision and strabismus.
In 2010, Wilmington Eye welcomed its first optometrist, Dr. Amanda Britt Baden. Recognizing the important role optometric physicians play in preventative eye care and post-operative care, the practice continued building a team of highly qualified optometrists to provide a more comprehensive approach to lifelong vision care.
In 2013, Wilmington Eye reached another important milestone. Dr. Kathleen Leone, a Navy veteran and board-certified ophthalmic surgeon, became the first local surgeon to introduce laser-assisted cataract surgery to Wilmington, bringing patients access to advanced technology designed to enhance precision and surgical outcomes.
As the practice continued to grow alongside the community, the need for additional physicians and locations became apparent. In August 2018, Wilmington Eye merged with Coastal Carolina Eye Care, adding Dr. Robert van der Vaart and Dr. Samantha Watson to the team as well as an additional location in the midtown area.
In 2020, Wilmington Eye again expanded access to specialized care by acquiring Oculoplastic Consultants of the Carolinas. Dr. George Escaravage, MD, FACS, and his medical team joined Wilmington Eye, strengthening the practice’s ability to provide specialized oculoplastic care to patients throughout the region.
Today, Wilmington Eye has seven locations, serves patients across six counties, includes more than 25 providers and 200 employees, and operates the area’s only outpatient surgery center dedicated exclusively to vision procedures. While Wilmington Eye has grown significantly over the years, our purpose remains the same: providing comprehensive, specialized eye care for patients at every stage of life.