About
North Carolina Retina Associates (NC Retina), founded in 1997, stands as the largest and most established retina practice in the state, delivering over 25 years of specialized medical and surgical care to patients across the Triangle area and beyond. With a mission rooted in providing world-class, evidence-based treatment for disorders of the retina, macula, and vitreous— including rare conditions such as Uveitis—NC Retina has grown from a dedicated local provider into a national leader in vitreoretinal care, now part of Retina Consultants of America (RCA), the largest retina care network in the country. This affiliation enhances their ability to advance innovative research and treatments while maintaining a deeply personal, patient-centered approach that treats every individual like family.[1][2][3] From their flagship North Raleigh office at 5900 Six Forks Road, Suite 105, Raleigh, NC 27609, and 13 convenient locations statewide—including Cary, Clayton, Fuquay Varina, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill, Greenville, Sanford, New Bern, Rocky Mount, and Dunn—NC Retina ensures accessibility, particularly for urgent vision-threatening conditions. Their physicians collectively bring nearly 100 years of combined experience, performing over 50,000 procedures annually with cutting-edge technology and concierge-level efficiency.[1][2][4] What truly sets NC Retina apart is their unwavering commitment to continuity of care, compassion, and collaboration. Unlike general ophthalmology practices, they focus exclusively on retinal health, offering comprehensive diagnostics and same-day treatments during initial visits that can last up to two hours for thorough evaluation, including detailed medical history, vision assessment, eye pressure measurement, pupil dilation, and advanced digital imaging reviewed in real-time with patients. They do not handle routine glasses prescriptions, contacts, cataracts, or LASIK, allowing laser focus on complex retinal issues.[6][7] Their unique value proposition shines through in seamless referral processes for primary providers, immediate reporting to referring doctors, and a philosophy of partnership that respects the trust placed in their team. Patients benefit from a comfortable, modern environment across eight advanced offices, where efficiency meets empathy—humanitarian missions to Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Nepal underscore their global outreach alongside local service.[2][3] NC Retina's forward-thinking ethos is exemplified by their investment in two dedicated research centers under construction adjacent to the Cary and Wake Forest offices. These facilities will elevate retinal care standards locally and nationally, providing access to cutting-edge clinical trials and novel therapies that might otherwise be unavailable. Active participation in major studies positions them at the forefront of advancements, offering patients alternative options beyond standard care.[1][2] All physicians are board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, with elite training from institutions like Brown University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, California Pacific Medical Center, and Rush University Medical Center's Illinois Retina Associates. Notable specialists include John E. Thordsen, MD; Rebecca A. Manning, MD; Daniel K. Bennett, MD; Sachin S. Mudvari, MD; and recent additions from the Taylor Retina Center merger—Nitin Gupta, MD; J. Carey Pate, MD; Shil Patel, MD; Wasim Samara, MD; and W. Lloyd Clark, MD—further bolstering their expertise.[2][4][5][7] Hospital affiliations with Rex Hospital, Blue Ridge Surgery Center, and NC Specialty Hospital ensure seamless surgical transitions. In an era of growing demand for vitreoretinal services, NC Retina distinguishes itself not just by scale—the state's largest practice—but by blending high-volume precision (50K+ procedures/year) with personalized attention, research-driven innovation, and community expansion. Their growth reflects the communities they serve, prioritizing urgent access, follow-up communication, and outcomes that preserve vision. Whether managing macular degeneration, retinal detachments, or vitreous disorders, NC Retina embodies a holistic model: local convenience with international impact, technological prowess with compassionate delivery, and clinical excellence with research pioneering. This comprehensive approach makes them the premier choice for retinal health in North Carolina, setting a benchmark for what specialized eye care can achieve.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]