Cole Milliken, MD

Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Cole Milliken, MD

Cole Milliken, MD

Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Corneal Transplantation and Glaucoma Surgery

Cole Milliken M.D. is an ophthalmic surgeon specializing in Cataract and Refractive Surgery (LASIK, PRK, ICL), Corneal Transplantation, Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, and Anterior Segment Reconstruction. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University where he graduated with honors prior to receiving his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed residency training at the Storm Eye Institute in Charleston, SC where he was selected to serve as Chief Resident for his final year. Dr. Milliken then went on to complete a fellowship in corneal, refractive, and complex anterior segment surgery at the prestigious Moran Eye Center, widely recognized as one of the premier surgical training programs in the country. Throughout his education and training Dr. Milliken has received numerous awards including the Presidential Scholar Award for interprofessional and academic achievement, as well as, the Richard A. Saunders Award for Surgical Excellence, and Promise in Surgical Teaching. 

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. 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 patient outcomes. Dr. Milliken is active in several professional committees and has presented his research on refractive technology and novel surgical techniques at conferences around the country. His research efforts strive toward advancing our understanding of the field, while offering top-tier surgical eye care to residents of the Lowcountry. 

Dr. Milliken is proud to be a member of the Carolina Eyecare Physicians team, and looks forward to welcoming you with a compassionate, patient centered approach.

Locations Served: North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant

Locations

We have several convenient locations throughout South Carolina. Please view the nearest location to you or get directions below. 

    News

    Cataract Surgery Lens Options: Which IOL Is Right for You?

    Cataract Surgery

    Reviewed By: Dr. Peter B. Knowlton Summary Cataract eye surgery replaces the eye’s cloudy natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL. Available options include monofocal lenses, toric correction for astigmatism, multifocal or trifocal lenses, extended depth-of-focus lenses, and the Light Adjustable Lens. The right choice depends on your eye health, visual priorities, comfort […]

    Read More… from Cataract Surgery Lens Options: Which IOL Is Right for You?

    September 15, 2026
    Carolina Eyecare Physicians

    How Often Should Diabetics Get an Eye Exam? A Year-by-Year Guide

    Diabetic Eye Exams

    Reviewed By: Susan DiSario, OD. Summary Most adults with diabetes need regular comprehensive dilated eye exams, but the starting point depends on the type of diabetes. Adults with Type 1 diabetes should generally have their first exam five years after diabetes begins. People with Type 2 diabetes should be examined at diagnosis. After the first […]

    Read More… from How Often Should Diabetics Get an Eye Exam? A Year-by-Year Guide

    August 14, 2026
    Carolina Eyecare Physicians

    Cornea Transplant Recovery: What to Expect Week by Week

    cornea care

    Reviewed By: Dr. Cole Miliken, MD Summary Cornea transplant recovery is gradual. Some patients notice improvement within weeks, while others need many months for vision to stabilize. The timeline depends on the type of transplant, the reason for surgery, your eye health, and how closely you follow your postoperative instructions. More than 47,000 corneal transplants […]

    Read More… from Cornea Transplant Recovery: What to Expect Week by Week

    July 17, 2026
    Carolina Eyecare Physicians
    Cataract surgery lens options showing two intraocular lens (IOL) implants inside the eye

    Reviewed By: Dr. Peter B. Knowlton Summary Cataract eye surgery replaces the eye’s cloudy natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL. Available options include monofocal lenses, toric correction for astigmatism, multifocal or trifocal lenses, extended depth-of-focus lenses, and the Light Adjustable Lens. The right choice depends on your eye health, visual priorities, comfort […]

    Read More… from Cataract Surgery Lens Options: Which IOL Is Right for You?

    Eye doctor examining a diabetic patient during a comprehensive eye exam

    Reviewed By: Susan DiSario, OD. Summary Most adults with diabetes need regular comprehensive dilated eye exams, but the starting point depends on the type of diabetes. Adults with Type 1 diabetes should generally have their first exam five years after diabetes begins. People with Type 2 diabetes should be examined at diagnosis. After the first […]

    Read More… from How Often Should Diabetics Get an Eye Exam? A Year-by-Year Guide

    Cornea Transplant Recovery

    Reviewed By: Dr. Cole Miliken, MD Summary Cornea transplant recovery is gradual. Some patients notice improvement within weeks, while others need many months for vision to stabilize. The timeline depends on the type of transplant, the reason for surgery, your eye health, and how closely you follow your postoperative instructions. More than 47,000 corneal transplants […]

    Read More… from Cornea Transplant Recovery: What to Expect Week by Week

    Carolina Eyecare Physicians Partner Background Image
    US Eye Logo

    We are a proud partner of US Eye, a leading group of patient-centric, vertically integrated multi-specialty physician practices providing patients with care in ophthalmology, optometry, dermatology, audiology, and cosmetic facial surgery.

    instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax