See the Lowcountry clearly again.
Dr. Drew Hunter is a board-certified cataract and refractive surgeon with over a decade of experience in advanced cataract surgery. He uses laser-assisted techniques and advanced lens technology to help patients see clearly again, often with less dependence on glasses.
Hilton Head, Bluffton & Lady's Island
By the American Board of Ophthalmology
Focused on advanced cataract surgery
Medical degree, Medical University of South Carolina
Ophthalmology residency, University of North Carolina
Cataracts are common and highly treatable
A cataract is a clouding of your eye’s natural lens. It usually comes on gradually: colors look duller, headlights throw glare at night, and reading takes more light than it used to. Many people assume it is just part of getting older and quietly give up the things they enjoy.
It does not have to be that way. Cataract surgery gently removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens chosen for your vision goals. For most patients it is a short outpatient procedure, and one of the most common, most refined operations in all of medicine.
Dr. Hunter is especially passionate about what comes after: helping patients reduce their dependence on glasses. Using laser-assisted techniques and advanced intraocular lenses, he can correct astigmatism and presbyopia as part of your cataract plan.
Request your consultation
Send us your details and a member of Dr. Hunter’s team will call to confirm a time. Prefer to talk now? Call 843-278-2833.
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Drew Hunter, MD
A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Dr. Hunter earned his degree from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill while competing as a Division I football player. He received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, then completed an internship in internal medicine and his ophthalmology residency at the University of North Carolina.
Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, he specializes in cataract and refractive surgery, including LASIK, as well as the medical and surgical management of glaucoma and the treatment of dry eye disease. For the past ten years he has dedicated his practice to helping patients achieve their best vision through advanced cataract surgery techniques.
Known for his personal approach, Dr. Hunter strives to treat every patient like family. He is glad to be back in the Lowcountry with his wife, Marsha, who was born and raised on Hilton Head Island, and their three sons and daughter. Away from the operating room, you will find the family at the beach or out hunting and fishing.
Seeing patients in Hilton Head, Bluffton and Lady’s Island
See what cataract surgery looks like, in his own words
Choosing an eye surgeon is personal. Hear Dr. Hunter explain cataracts in plain language, then hear from patients who have been through it.
Patient experiences are individual. Results vary from person to person and are not a guarantee of the outcome of any procedure.
How Dr. Hunter cares for your eyes
Your cataract plan can account for your vision goals and the rest of your eye health, all with one surgeon.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Advanced techniques that bring added precision to your cataract procedure.
Advanced Lens Options
Intraocular lenses that correct astigmatism and presbyopia to reduce your need for glasses.
LASIK & Refractive Surgery
Vision correction for patients who want to see clearly without glasses or contacts.
Glaucoma & Dry Eye Care
Medical and surgical glaucoma management and dry eye treatment, coordinated with your cataract care.
Cataract surgery, step by step
Most patients are surprised by how straightforward it is. Here is the path from your first visit to clearer vision.
Consultation & measurements
Dr. Hunter examines your eyes, measures them precisely, and reviews your lens options with you so the plan fits your eyes and your lifestyle.
A short, gentle procedure
The cloudy lens is removed and a clear lens is placed in its position. It is typically an outpatient procedure using numbing drops, one eye at a time.
Recovery & follow-up
Many patients notice clearer vision within days and return to normal activities quickly, with healing continuing over the following weeks.
Backed by one of the Lowcountry's most trusted eye care teams
Choosing Dr. Hunter means access to the full resources of Carolina Eyecare Physicians: advanced technology and specialty expertise, without giving up the personal care you value.
- 30+ years serving the Lowcountry Board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists caring for South Carolina patients.
- Advanced specialty care under one roof From routine exams to cataract, LASIK, glaucoma, cornea, and retina care.
- Close to home in Beaufort County Offices in Hilton Head, Bluffton and Lady’s Island, so care is never far away.
Carolina Eyecare Physicians is a proud partner of US Eye, a leading group of patient-centric, multi-specialty physician practices delivering exceptional care and outcomes.
About Carolina EyecareThree convenient Lowcountry locations
Dr. Hunter sees patients across southern Beaufort County and the Sea Islands. Call the location nearest you, or schedule online in a couple of minutes.
What patients ask before cataract surgery
How do I know if I have cataracts?
Common signs include cloudy, hazy, or foggy vision, glare or halos around lights, trouble driving at night, and colors that look dull or faded. The only way to know for certain is an exam. If your vision has changed, it is worth having Dr. Hunter take a look.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and well-established procedures in medicine. Every surgery carries some risk, which is why Dr. Hunter tailors the approach to your specific eyes and reviews exactly what to expect with you beforehand.
What are my lens options?
There are several types of replacement lenses, from standard lenses to advanced lenses that correct astigmatism or presbyopia and can reduce your dependence on glasses. The right choice depends on your eyes and your goals, and Dr. Hunter will talk it through with you at your consultation.
Will I still need glasses afterward?
It depends on your eyes and the lens you choose. Helping patients rely less on glasses is a particular focus for Dr. Hunter. Some patients reduce their reliance considerably; others still use glasses for certain tasks. He will give you a realistic picture based on your measurements.
How long is recovery?
Many people notice clearer vision within a few days and return to everyday activities quickly, with healing continuing over the following weeks. You will get specific instructions and follow-up care from Dr. Hunter’s team.
What if I also have glaucoma or dry eye?
Dr. Hunter also manages glaucoma and treats dry eye disease, so he can consider these conditions as he plans your cataract care rather than sending you to multiple doctors.
How do I schedule a consultation?
You can request a consultation using the form on this page in a couple of minutes, or call the location nearest you: Hilton Head 843-625-6273, Bluffton 843-625-6203, or Lady’s Island 843-625-6319.
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hunter to find out whether cataract surgery is right for you, and which options fit your eyes and your life.
Now scheduling in Hilton Head, Bluffton & Lady's Island
