Darling Eye Center

Welcome to Darling Eye Center, a leading optometric provider dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by improving your vision. Founded in 2000 by Dr. Catherine Darling, our practice is built on the core values of dignity, respect, and exceptional care for every patient. Our highly-trained and compassionate team of doctors and staff strive to create a comfortable and stress-free environment, ensuring that every patient feels valued and well taken care of.

At Darling Eye Center, we are committed to listening to your concerns and addressing all of your visual needs with the utmost care and attention. Our highly skilled doctors of optometry are dedicated to treating each patient with compassion and dignity. With two convenient locations in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, SC, we are here to serve you and your family's eye care needs.

Our Doctors

Dr. Catherine A. Darling, O.D. is the founder of Darling Eye Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Eastern Illinois University in 1996 and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2000, graduating with clinical honors in the top 5% of her class. With over two decades of experience in the field of optometry, Dr. Darling has established a reputation for excellence in patient care. She has completed multiple marathons and enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Mark, and her family.

Dr. Nicole M. Pecko, O.D. joined the Darling Eye Center family in 2019 after practicing for two years in Columbia, SC. She specializes in hard-to-fit contact lenses, including scleral, RGP, and multifocal lenses. Dr. Pecko is passionate about providing personalized care to each patient, taking the time to understand their unique needs and concerns. She loves spending her free time with her beagle, Louie, and her husband, Steven. She is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking, as well as indulging in her love for ice cream.

Meet Our Staff

Our opticians and technicians have over 57 years of combined experience in the optical industry. They are trained in every aspect of patient care and are experts in frame selection, proper eyewear fit, and lens selection. Our team is dedicated to providing individualized and caring service to every patient.

Karla Andrade, Bluffton Office Manager & Optician, has been in the optical field for over 25 years. She has been with Darling Eye Center for over 15 years and takes pride in offering personalized and attentive service to every patient.

Lisa Adams, Hilton Head Office Manager & Optician, has been working in various positions in the optical industry for over 20 years. She has been an integral part of the Darling Eye Center family for 8+ years and is passionate about helping patients find eyewear that not only meets their visual needs but also matches their personal style. Her patients are always her top priority.

Our Services

At Darling Eye Center, we offer a wide range of services to meet all of your eye care needs. From comprehensive eye exams and contact lens fittings to vision therapy and medical eye care, we are here to help you and your family maintain healthy vision for years to come.

Comprehensive Eye Exams - Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health and vision. Our comprehensive eye exams include a series of tests to evaluate your visual acuity, eye alignment, and overall eye health. We use the latest technology and equipment to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Contact Lens Fittings - Whether you are a first-time contact lens wearer or have been wearing them for years, our expert opticians will help you find the perfect fit for your eyes. We offer a wide selection of contact lenses, including hard-to-fit lenses for patients with unique visual needs.

Vision Therapy - Vision therapy is a customized program of exercises designed to improve visual function and reduce visual symptoms. Our therapists work closely with patients to develop a personalized plan that addresses their specific visual needs.

Medical Eye Care - Our optometrists provide medical eye care for a wide range of conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, and dry eye syndrome. We work closely with specialists and primary care physicians to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care.