Dr. Cole Milliken is one of the only surgeons in South Carolina whose training spans premium and complex cataract surgery, advanced corneal transplantation, minimally invasive glaucoma, and vision correction — so your treatment is matched to your eyes, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
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. Milliken is one of the only surgeons in the state whose training includes premium and complex cataract surgery, advanced corneal transplantation techniques, minimally invasive glaucoma, and vision correction procedures. That breadth means your cataract plan can account for everything else your eyes need.
Send us your details and a member of Dr. Milliken’s team will call to confirm a time. Prefer to talk now? Call 843-277-0171.
"*" indicates required fields
Dr. Milliken earned his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University with honors before receiving his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed residency at the Storm Eye Institute in Charleston, where he was selected to serve as Chief Resident in his final year, then completed a fellowship in corneal, refractive, and complex anterior segment surgery at the Moran Eye Center, widely recognized as one of the premier surgical training programs in the country.
Throughout his training he earned the Presidential Scholar Award for interprofessional and academic achievement, the Richard A. Saunders Award for Surgical Excellence, and recognition for Promise in Surgical Teaching. He serves on several professional committees and has presented research on refractive technology and novel surgical techniques at conferences around the country.
His broad surgical expertise allows him to tailor the latest technology to a range of eye diseases, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome for each patient — delivered with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
Serving the Lowcountry — North Charleston and Nexton (Summerville)Choosing an eye surgeon is personal. Hear directly from Dr. Milliken about his approach, your options, and the work he does beyond the clinic.
A rare breadth of training across the full anterior segment — so the plan for your cataracts accounts for everything else your eyes need.
Advanced lens options and experience with complex cases other surgeons may refer out.
Advanced corneal transplant techniques for patients whose vision needs more than a lens.
MIGS procedures that can often be combined with cataract surgery in a single visit.
The full range of vision correction, plus anterior segment reconstruction.
Most patients are surprised by how straightforward it is. Here is the path from your first visit to clearer vision.
Dr. Milliken examines your eyes, measures them precisely, and reviews your lens options with you so the plan fits your eyes and your lifestyle.
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.
Many patients notice clearer vision within days and return to normal activities quickly, with healing continuing over the following weeks.
Choosing Dr. Milliken means access to the full resources of Carolina Eyecare Physicians — advanced technology and specialty expertise, without giving up the personal care you value.
Board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists caring for South Carolina patients.
From routine exams to cataract, LASIK, glaucoma, cornea, and retina care.
Dr. Milliken presents research on refractive technology and novel surgical techniques nationally.
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 EyecareDr. Milliken sees patients across the Lowcountry. Call the location nearest you, or schedule online in a couple of minutes.
There are several types of replacement lenses, from standard lenses to premium lenses that can reduce your dependence on glasses. The right choice depends on your eyes and your goals.Watch Dr. Milliken explain your lens options, then talk it through at your consultation.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Milliken to find out whether cataract surgery is right for you — and which options fit your eyes and your life.
