Dr. Richard Hawkins

Dr. Richard Dax Hawkins, M.D., is an ophthalmologist who developed a fascination with the visual system while attending medical school at Duke University. After graduating from the Duke University School of Medicine, he completed his Ophthalmology Residency at Vanderbilt University Hospital. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the International Society of Refractive Surgery. Dr. Hawkins has presented research nationally on ocular blood vessel growth, LASIK surgery, and the VISX excimer laser system, and served as a Principal Investigator in the FDA clinical trial of the Hydrus glaucoma stent. He has also developed and managed a clinical rotation for UNC medical students and NHRMC interns.

Dr. Hawkins has been providing surgical eye care in Wilmington and surrounding communities since 2001, with particular expertise in cataract surgery and performing a high volume of surgical procedures weekly. He utilizes advanced technologies such as Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, lifestyle lenses including the Symfony and PanOptix intraocular lenses, and Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery to provide tailored vision outcomes. He previously served as Director and Provider of the free Brunswick Eye Clinic and has led medical mission trips to provide care in remote villages along the Amazon River.