Eye Exam in Charlotte, NC

1710 Kenilworth Avenue, Suite 210, Charlotte, NC 28203

Your eyes take in more information than any other sense, so keeping them healthy takes more than a quick read of a chart. At Innovative Eye Care, we believe in proactive eye care, not just reactive fixes. That's why our comprehensive eye exam in Dilworth, Charlotte, near Uptown, South Park and Myers Park goes beyond checking or updating your glasses or contact lens prescription. We perform a holistic evaluation of your inner and outer eye health to catch potential issues early and give you a personalized roadmap for clear, comfortable vision.

Eye exams can catch early signs of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and certain cancers, sometimes before you notice any symptoms. Our friendly and experienced optometrists in Charlotte, Dr. Mumford, Dr. Kenning, and Dr. Krisa, use advanced imaging, including the Optomap Daytona retinal scan, to examine the inside of your eyes, often without dilation. We see patients of every age, from toddlers having their first eye exams to grandparents managing ongoing eye conditions.

Every exam takes place in our warm, home-like office, where we take time to explain what we find and what it means. You won't just leave with a printout—you’ll leave with clear answers about your ocular well-being and a personalized plan to prevent vision loss.

What's Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

Our comprehensive eye exams include an eye health check where experienced eye doctors in Charlotte will ensure your eyes are healthy and happy.

Digital eye chart for visual acuity test in Dilworth, Charlotte, near Myers Park, Uptown, South End, and SouthPark, NC. Refraction eye exams from the best eye doctors in Dilworth, Charlotte, near Myers Park, Uptown, South End, and SouthPark, NC. Optomap Daytona for retinal imaging in Dilworth, Charlotte, near Myers Park, Uptown, South End, and SouthPark, NC. Eye health evaluation in Dilworth, Charlotte, near Myers Park, Uptown, South End, and SouthPark, NC.

Visual Acuity Test

The familiar part of the exam: reading letters off our digital eye chart as they shrink, row by row, until you reach the smallest line you can see clearly.

Refraction

We determine your exact eyeglass or contact lens prescription (if you need one) by testing how light focuses when it enters your eye, using a series of lens comparisons.

Retinal Imaging

Using the Optomap Daytona scanner, we capture a detailed image of your retina without dilating your eyes. We use this to check for glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and systemic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Eye Health & Coordination Exam

We screen for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and signs of systemic conditions that often show up in the eyes first. We also test how well your eyes team together, focus, and move as a pair, ensuring comfortable, strain-free vision during long workdays, screen time, and driving.

What Sets an Eye Exam at Innovative Eye Care Apart?

Most eye exams are handled the same way at every practice. Ours differs in a few concrete ways:

  • In-Chair Imaging & Screen Sharing: High-resolution cameras at every exam station allow our optometrists to share real-time visual images of your eye health, so you can see exactly what we see.
  • Modern Diagnostic Equipment: Every exam uses our advanced imaging technology to streamline your visit. We use digital eye charts and the Optomap Daytona retinal scan instead of standard dilation, so you're not stuck with blurry vision and light sensitivity for the rest of your day.
  • Specialized Diagnostic Capabilities: Beyond primary eye exams, our equipment allows us to custom-fit specialty contact lenses (such as scleral lenses for hard-to-fit eyes), manage pediatric myopia, and deliver targeted dry eye therapies.
  • Paperless Efficiency: Our office runs on a fully electronic medical record system, so your medical history, imaging, and prescriptions are stored directly in our paperless database, keeping your information on hand at every visit. Whether you're back for a routine exam or a same-day concern, you enjoy a seamless experience from check-in to check-out without dealing with endless clipboards or redundant paperwork.

Why Patients Choose Us

A Home-Like, Boutique Atmosphere

Forget stuffy, clinical waiting rooms. We’ve designed our practice to feel like a comfortable home or an upscale local boutique. Enjoy relaxed background music, an open, welcoming layout, and a fresh cup of coffee while you browse.

Dedicated, White-Glove Care

We treat our patients like family, and we're happy to see your whole family in one visit. Our team takes the time to listen to your visual concerns and understand your daily screen habits, lifestyle, and risk factors to build custom care plans tailored specifically to you.

Convenient Dilworth Location

Located in the heart of Dilworth, our office is central to Myers Park, Uptown, South End, and SouthPark. Whether you live down the street or commute across Charlotte along I-77 or I-485, getting here is effortless.

Designer Eyewear & Specialty Optics Expertise

We fit contact lenses other providers refer out, including scleral lenses, keratoconus management, and myopia control for kids, in addition to standard vision correction. Beyond routine exams, our optical boutique offers hand-selected designer frames, custom eyewear styling, and advanced contact lens consultations.

Protect Your Vision with an Eye Exam in Charlotte, NC

Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule your exam online today to protect your vision and maintain optimal eye health. Remember, catching problems early is how you keep your vision sharp for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a comprehensive eye exam take?
Most exams run 45 minutes to an hour, depending on whether you need additional testing for contact lenses or a specific eye health concern.
Will my eyes be dilated?
In most cases, no. We use Optomap retinal imaging to get a detailed view of your retina without dilating drops, so you can drive yourself back to work or home afterward. Dr. Mumford and her team of experienced optometrists in Charlotte may still recommend traditional dilation in specific cases.
How often should I get an eye exam?
How often you need an eye exam depends on your age and overall risk factors. Generally, we recommend a comprehensive eye exam every 1 to 2 years for adults, with more frequent visits for children or individuals with specific health conditions. If you wear contact lenses or manage a condition such as diabetes or glaucoma, our eye doctors in Charlotte may recommend annual or semi-annual visits.
Do you offer eye exams for children?
Yes. We welcome patients of all ages. We evaluate pediatric visual development, eye alignment, and screen fatigue and offer proactive myopia management programs to help slow the progression of nearsightedness in growing children.
At what age can my child get their first eye exam?
We see patients starting in early childhood. If you're not sure whether it's time for your child's first exam, give us a call, and we can walk you through it.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept vision and medical insurance for routine eye exams and eye health evaluations. If you don't have insurance or your plan isn't one we carry, self-pay is also an option. For specialty services like dry eye therapy and specialty contact lens fittings, care is typically provided on a direct-fee basis. Call us to discuss your coverage.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card if applicable, a list of current medications, and your current glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.

Our Patients Love Us

Alan Bishel profile picture
Alan Bishel
11 months ago
Great independent optometrist. They really helped me with my BVD. And the only location in NC than I know of that carries Moscot!
Matt Daniels profile picture
Matt Daniels
1 year ago
I had an outstanding experience at Innovative Eye Care! My wife has been a patient here for a while and has always spoken highly of the team, so I decided to make the switch—and I’m glad I did.

From the moment I walked in, every interaction—from the front desk staff to the technician to Dr. Kenning—was warm, professional, and thorough. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, yet everything was handled with precision and care.

My annual eye exam included all the standard tests I’ve had in the past, plus a few new assessments I hadn’t experienced before. What really stood out was the level of thoroughness, individual care, & communication: Dr. Kenning is even coordinating with another one of my physicians regarding a specific issue, which is a level of care I never received from my previous provider.

I’m extremely satisfied and would highly recommend Innovative Eye Care to anyone looking for top-notch service from a locally owned practice that truly goes above and beyond.
Zara Igbokwe profile picture
Zara Igbokwe
1 year ago
They had a great selection. I had a wonderful time picking out and ordering glasses with Miriam! She was so knowledgeable, kind, and patient. She was so sweet and fun, thanks for the help and we can’t wait to get our glasses.
Michael Leddy profile picture
Michael Leddy
1 year ago
My son saw Dr. Krisa for his specialty contact lens. She has been fantastic. Then we went in yesterday for the contact lens training and fitting. Miranda is the tech that worked with my son. She was AMAZING! So patient and encouraging and now he feels super confident with them. This office/practice is the best!
Allan Lanton profile picture
Allan Lanton
1 year ago
Dr. Mumford has been my doctor for nearly 10 years. I have a complex condition with my eyes and Dr. Mumford has been my champion ever since. The passion from the team at Innovative Eye Care is simply unmatched. If you have a problem, Dr. Mumford goes above and beyond to ensure the health and safety of your eyes. Can't say enough great things about these guys.
My previous optometrist had surgery and decided to retire in 2024. This unfortunately left me with out a contact lens provider. After discussing my next options with my medical eye doctor, he suggested this office. I honestly waited about a month before I called. In the meantime my right contact lens cracked. So with my extreme eye conditions that left me with glasses only. I spoke with the receptionist who not only went out of her way and also set up me an appointment 12/30/24. My initital visit with Dr. Krisa, I advised her what I was looking for in a new contact doctor and with my eyes I needed contacts fast. After me telling her my wants, the ball started to rolling and pieces were put in place. After the initial visit and fitting the owner call me to say, that with my eyecare/healthplan I would NOT have any out of the pocket cost and I would qualify to get glasses in 2025. This within itself was great news. Especially with me eveb having Insurance for the past two decades I had to pay something out of pocket for lenses. Fast forward I was contacted to pick my lenses up. I have been wearing contacts since 1995 when I was 15. I can truly say and I THANK Dr. Krisa because the way she had my lenses dialed in. I was seeing things at a distance I have not seen in years. The detail and work she put in to ensure I had perfect vision is not an understatement. Dr. Krisa and her colleagues went above and beyond to ensure I was happy with my service and lenses. Im extremly happy I met Dr. Krisa, her profound willingness to help me get results came out even better than I expected. Dr. Krisa rocks and I send this sincere thank you. I look forward to working with her and this office for many more years to come.
Optometrist in Charlotte, NC, near Uptown, Dilworth, and SouthPark.

Dr. Michelle Mumford, O.D.

Dr. Michelle Mumford always knew she wanted to work in the medical field, but it was because she started wearing (very unfashionable) glasses at age seven and contact lenses at age eleven that her interest in Optometry grew. Her father, also a physician, stressed early on to her and her sister that whatever work they chose in life should be their passion – and that’s exactly what eye health and vision is to Dr. Mumford.

“Protecting my patient’s vision and eye health is the most important part of my job – and I take it very seriously – but it’s also very important to me for our patients leave our office happy and confident.”
She obviously recognizes the value in good vision health, but also emphasizes that style can’t be sacrificed. As a kid growing up with glasses that lacked any sort of “style” (and that’s putting it lightly), Dr. Mumford is acutely aware that the right glasses make all the difference. That’s why she’s stocked the Innovative Eye Care boutique with the best selection of designer eyeglasses and sunglasses around PLUS the biggest variety of contact lenses. She’s created a warm, friendly environment that makes patients leaving feeling better about themselves.

“To see a patient’s eyes light up after putting on new glasses or contact lenses is the reason I do what I do – it never gets old.”

Dr. Mumford is also an expert in fitting contact lenses, including specialty lenses. She has successfully fit thousands of patients with contact lenses in even the most challenging circumstances. 

Dr. Mumford graduated from Auburn University with honors and received her Doctor of Optometry from The Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the North Carolina State Optometric Society, and the Piedmont Optometric Society.

A native Tennessean, Dr. Mumford and her husband, Jeff (her high school sweetheart!), now call their home city Charlotte a “perfect melting pot of newcomers and natives.” And in case you were wondering, even eye doctors have a life outside of the office. Dr. Mumford and her husband stay super busy keeping up with their two very active children,  Amelia and Oliver. She also loves to shop, read, exercise, travel, or soak in the sun on the lake (always wearing the most fashionable sunglasses, of course!). She’s thankful EVERYDAY that glasses are once again “cool” – because they definitely weren’t when she was young.

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