Atlanta supports one of the largest ophthalmology markets in the Southeast, with over 220 board-certified ophthalmologists serving a metropolitan population exceeding six million across more than 140 affiliated hospitals and surgical centers. The city’s demographics create strong demand across every subspecialty of eye care, from pediatric ophthalmology at facilities like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to cataract surgery serving an aging suburban population, LASIK and refractive surgery catering to the large professional workforce, and retinal disease management for patients with diabetes and age-related macular degeneration. Atlanta’s academic infrastructure, particularly through Emory University’s Department of Ophthalmology, drives research and subspecialty training that keeps the market at the forefront of treatments like anti-VEGF therapy, advanced cataract implants, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. The city’s size and competitive ophthalmology market also tend to produce reasonable pricing and accessibility compared to smaller metro areas.
When choosing an ophthalmologist in Atlanta, board certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology is the essential baseline credential. Subspecialty fellowship training matters significantly when you have a specific condition: retinal surgeons, glaucoma specialists, cornea and refractive surgery experts, and oculoplastics surgeons all have additional training beyond the four-year ophthalmology residency. Look for practices affiliated with hospital systems that provide access to an OR for complex surgical cases and emergency ophthalmologic care. Red flags include practices pushing elective procedures without thorough pre-operative evaluation, and offices that cannot accommodate urgent visits for symptoms like sudden vision loss, floaters, flashes, or eye injuries, which require same-day or next-day assessment.
Top Ophthalmologist Companies in Atlanta
1. Eye Consultants of Atlanta
Founded: 1971
Address: 3225 Cumberland Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (404) 351-2220
Website: https://www.eyeconsultants.net
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Awards & Recognition: Recognized as one of the top five ophthalmology groups in the United States by Castle Connolly Accolades; 22 physicians named to Castle Connolly 2026 Top Doctors Database
Services:
- Comprehensive eye examinations
- Cataract surgery
- LASIK and refractive surgery
- Retinal disease treatment
- Glaucoma management and surgery
- Corneal disease and transplant surgery
- Pediatric ophthalmology
- Oculoplastics and cosmetic eye procedures
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Optical shop with glasses and contact lenses
About: Eye Consultants of Atlanta was founded in 1971 and has grown from its original Piedmont Hospital campus into a multi-location practice recognized as one of the top five ophthalmology groups in the United States by Castle Connolly Accolades, with 22 of its physicians appearing in Castle Connolly’s 2026 Top Doctors Database. The practice’s board-certified physicians are trained at the most prestigious medical institutions and cover the full range of ophthalmologic subspecialties from routine comprehensive care to complex vitreoretinal surgery and rare neuro-ophthalmic conditions. The Cumberland main campus is complemented by locations in Buckhead, Fayetteville, Gwinnett, Marietta, Newnan, Peachtree Corners, and Scottish Rite, giving patients access to subspecialty care across the entire metro. Eye Consultants of Atlanta also operates an optical shop where patients can select glasses and contacts following their examination.
2. Atlanta Ophthalmology Associates
Founded: 1999
Address: 5730 Glenridge Drive, Suite 120, Atlanta, GA 30328
Phone: (404) 252-1194
Website: https://www.aoaeye.com
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Licenses & Certifications: All physicians board-certified in Ophthalmology; affiliated with Northside Hospital
Services:
- Cataract surgery
- Glaucoma diagnosis and treatment
- LASIK and corneal refractive surgery
- Corneal disease and surgery
- Comprehensive eye examinations
- Hard-to-fit contact lens fittings
- General ophthalmology
About: Atlanta Ophthalmology Associates was co-founded in 1999 by Drs. David Palay and Reay Brown with the vision of creating a Center of Excellence for surgical patients seeking the highest quality eye care combined with individualized attention. The practice’s seven physicians span subspecialties including cataract and refractive surgery, glaucoma management, corneal disease, and general ophthalmology, with Dr. Reay Brown bringing expertise in cataract, refractive disease, and glaucoma, and Dr. David Palay specializing in cornea, external diseases, cataract, and refractive surgery. Atlanta Ophthalmology Associates holds an exceptional patient satisfaction rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 800 ratings through the Northside Hospital network, reflecting a consistent track record of positive patient experiences. The Sandy Springs location near Northside Hospital provides convenient access for patients in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and the northern intown neighborhoods.
3. Emory Eye Center
Address: 1365 B Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
Phone: (404) 778-2020
Website: https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/services/eye-care
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Service Area: Metro Atlanta and greater Georgia; additional locations in Decatur and LaGrange
Services:
- Comprehensive eye examinations
- Cataract surgery
- Glaucoma surgery
- Cornea and external disease treatment
- Retinal disease and vitreoretinal surgery
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Pediatric ophthalmology
- LASIK and refractive surgery
- Oculoplastics
- Optometry and contact lens services
About: Emory Eye Center is an academic ophthalmology center embedded within Emory University School of Medicine, with over 60 ophthalmologists and optometrists providing care across clinical, surgical, and research dimensions at multiple Atlanta area locations including Clifton Road, Decatur, and St. Joseph’s Hospital. As part of one of the nation’s leading research universities, Emory Eye Center conducts pioneering research into eye diseases and offers patients access to clinical trials and emerging treatments not available at community practices. The center’s depth of subspecialty expertise encompasses rare and complex conditions including neuro-ophthalmic disorders, pediatric strabismus, ocular oncology, and advanced vitreoretinal surgery requiring coordination with Emory’s broader medical and neuroscience programs. For urgent and after-hours ophthalmologic emergencies, Emory Eye Center can be reached at 404-778-5000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose the right ophthalmologist in Atlanta for my specific eye condition?
A: The key is matching the subspecialty to your condition rather than selecting any board-certified ophthalmologist. If you need cataract surgery, look for surgeons with high surgical volume and experience with premium lens implants if you are considering correcting astigmatism or presbyopia simultaneously. For retinal conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal specialist is essential. Glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmic conditions, corneal disease, and pediatric eye problems each have dedicated specialists in Atlanta’s large ophthalmology community, so ask the referring physician or practice coordinator specifically about the treating physician’s fellowship training and case volume in your relevant area.
Q: What does an ophthalmologist visit cost in Atlanta?
A: A comprehensive eye examination with an ophthalmologist in Atlanta typically costs $150 to $350 without insurance, with medical visits for specific conditions billed at higher rates depending on complexity. Cataract surgery is typically covered by Medicare and major insurance plans, though premium lens implants for astigmatism correction or extended depth of focus cost an additional $1,500 to $3,000 per eye out of pocket beyond the covered procedure. LASIK surgery in Atlanta generally ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 per eye depending on the technology used and the practice. Retinal injections for macular degeneration are covered by insurance but may involve significant cost-sharing depending on which anti-VEGF agent is used and your plan’s formulary.
Q: What symptoms require an urgent ophthalmologist visit in Atlanta?
A: Sudden vision loss, new floaters or flashes of light, a curtain or shadow obscuring part of your vision, eye pain with redness, or eye injuries all require same-day or next-day evaluation by an ophthalmologist rather than waiting for a routine appointment. These symptoms can indicate retinal detachment, acute angle-closure glaucoma, uveitis, or corneal injury, all of which can result in permanent vision loss without prompt treatment. In Atlanta, Emory Eye Center provides after-hours urgent access at 404-778-5000, and most major emergency departments have ophthalmology on-call coverage for true ocular emergencies. Do not wait for a regular appointment if you experience any sudden change in vision, as the window for effective treatment in retinal emergencies can be as short as hours.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s ophthalmology market delivers nationally recognized expertise through practices ranging from the long-established multi-location Eye Consultants of Atlanta, named one of the top five ophthalmology groups in the country, to the high-volume surgical expertise of Atlanta Ophthalmology Associates, and the academic depth of Emory Eye Center with its 60-plus specialists and research capabilities. Each practice brings distinct strengths in subspecialty coverage, location access, and patient experience. Contact each office directly to confirm insurance participation, current appointment availability, and which physician’s specific subspecialty expertise aligns with your eye care needs.