Why Raeford and Hoke County Residents Choose Eye Medics
Raeford and Hoke County have historically had limited access to specialty eye care. I know this because I've been seeing patients from Raeford for over 20 years, and the story I hear most often is: "I didn't know where else to go." That's not acceptable to me. Everyone in this region deserves access to thorough, honest eye care.
We're at 1952 Skibo Road in Fayetteville — about 20 minutes from Raeford via US-401 N. We accept Medicaid, NC Health Choice, TRICARE, and most major insurance plans. If you've been putting off an eye exam because you weren't sure if you could afford it, call us. We'll figure it out.
One thing I want Hoke County patients to know: diabetic eye disease is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in North Carolina. Hoke County has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the state. Annual dilated eye exams can catch diabetic retinopathy before you lose vision. That's not a scare tactic — it's just the truth.
Comprehensive adult eye exams — serving Raeford, Hoke County, and Cumberland County since 2004.
Diabetes and Eye Health in Hoke County
Let me be direct about this. North Carolina has a diabetes problem, and Hoke County is one of the counties hit hardest. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Hoke County's diabetes prevalence is significantly above the state average. And diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults aged 20 to 74 in the United States.
Here's what most people don't know: diabetic retinopathy — damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by high blood sugar — often has no symptoms in its early stages. You can have significant retinal damage and not notice any vision changes. By the time you do notice something, the damage is often severe.
I use an Optos ultra-widefield retinal camera that captures 82% of the retina in a single image — far more than a standard fundus camera. This lets me see early signs of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and other changes that might be missed with a traditional exam. If I see something concerning, I'll refer you to a retinal specialist and help coordinate your care.
Diabetes and Eye Disease — Elevated Risk Factors
Percentage increase in eye disease risk for patients with uncontrolled or long-term diabetes. Source: American Diabetes Association, National Eye Institute.
Annual dilated eye exams can detect diabetic eye disease before vision loss occurs.
Annual diabetic eye exams are the standard of care for anyone with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
If you have diabetes:
The American Diabetes Association recommends a dilated eye exam at least once a year. If you've been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, you may need exams every 3 to 6 months. Don't skip this. It's one of the most important things you can do to protect your vision.
Eye Care Services Available Near Raeford
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Full vision and eye health evaluation. Retinal imaging with Optos ultra-widefield camera. Adults, seniors, and children.
Pediatric Eye Exams
Children's exams from 6 months through high school. We detect vision problems that affect school performance.
Myopia Control
Proven treatments to slow nearsightedness in children — MiSight contacts, atropine drops, and Ortho-K.
SleepSEE Ortho-K
Overnight contact lenses for myopia correction. No glasses or daytime contacts needed. FDA-cleared.
Glaucoma Management
Comprehensive glaucoma evaluation including visual fields (Humphrey VF) and optic nerve imaging.
Contact Lens Fittings
Standard, toric, multifocal, and specialty contact lens fittings. Trial lenses at your appointment.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A lot of Raeford patients haven't had a comprehensive eye exam in years — sometimes decades. Here's what happens when you come in:
Pre-testing (10-15 min)
Visual acuity, eye pressure, corneal topography, and retinal imaging with our Optos ultra-widefield camera.
Exam with Dr. Singletary or Dr. Shiau (30-40 min)
Complete review of your history, prescription check, retina and optic nerve evaluation, and a clear explanation of everything we find.
Discussion and plan (10 min)
We talk about what I found, what it means, and what we're going to do about it. If you have diabetes, I'll review your retinal images with you.
Glasses or contact lens selection (optional)
If you need new glasses or contacts, our optical team can help. You're always welcome to take your prescription elsewhere.
Insurance Accepted
Call (910) 426-3937 to verify your benefits. See our insurance page for details.
How Eye Medics Compares
| Feature | Eye Medics Optometry | Chain Optical Store |
|---|---|---|
| Exam time with doctor | 45-60 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Diabetic eye exam (medical) | Full evaluation | Limited |
| Retinal imaging (Optos) | Ultra-widefield | Basic only |
| Myopia control / Ortho-K | Full program | Not offered |
| TRICARE accepted | Prime and Select | Varies |
| Glaucoma management | Full protocol | Referral only |
| Google reviews | 1,500+ / 5.0 stars | Varies |
Free Download
"Is My Child's Vision Affecting Their Grades?" — Parent Checklist
A 12-point checklist I give to every parent in my practice. Download it, go through it tonight, and bring it to your child's next eye exam. It takes 3 minutes and could change everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Eye Medics from Raeford, NC?
We're at 1952 Skibo Road in Fayetteville — about 20 minutes from Raeford via US-401 N. It's a straightforward drive with free parking when you arrive.
I have diabetes. How often should I get an eye exam?
Every year, minimum. Diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms in its early stages — you can have significant damage to the blood vessels in your retina and not know it until you start losing vision. By then, treatment is harder and less effective. Annual dilated eye exams are the standard of care for anyone with diabetes, and they're typically covered by medical insurance as a medical (not vision) benefit.
Does Eye Medics accept Medicaid for Raeford patients?
Yes. We accept North Carolina Medicaid and NC Health Choice, as well as most major vision and medical insurance plans. Call us at (910) 426-3937 and we'll verify your benefits before your appointment.
What is glaucoma and how do I know if I have it?
Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight because it typically causes no symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. It's caused by damage to the optic nerve, usually related to elevated eye pressure. The only way to detect it early is with a comprehensive eye exam that includes tonometry (eye pressure check) and optic nerve evaluation. We check for glaucoma at every comprehensive exam.
My child is struggling in school. Could it be a vision problem?
Absolutely possible. I see this regularly in kids from Hoke County schools. Vision problems — particularly convergence insufficiency, accommodative dysfunction, and undetected nearsightedness — can look exactly like attention or learning problems. Before assuming it's ADHD or a learning disability, get a comprehensive eye exam. It's a simple, non-invasive first step.
Do you offer telehealth or virtual consultations?
For initial consultations and follow-up questions, we can sometimes accommodate phone or video calls. But for an actual eye exam — especially a diabetic eye exam or a pediatric exam — there's no substitute for being in the chair. We need to physically examine your eyes. Call us at (910) 426-3937 to discuss your situation.
Reference Resources
American Diabetes Association — Eye Complications
ADA guidelines on diabetic eye disease prevention and management.
National Eye Institute — Diabetic Retinopathy
NIH resource on diabetic retinopathy — causes, symptoms, and treatment.
NC DHHS — Diabetes Prevention and Control
North Carolina diabetes prevalence data and prevention resources.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Written by Dr. Dwight Singletary, OD · Eye Medics Optometry, Fayetteville, NC
