Our Beginning
Graystone Eye is an ophthalmology practice that was originally established as Harris, Foster and Lefler, PA, founded in 1969 by Drs. William Harris, Dr. Thomas Foster and Dr. Hampton Lefler. In 1973, these founding physicians had a new office constructed near Catawba Hospital and shared that space with ENT physicians, subsequently becoming known as Graystone Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat. In 1977, the practice became Graystone Ophthalmology Associates with the joining of Dr. Randal Williams; and, in 1993 Graystone inherited their Lenoir office with the acquisition of Lenoir Eye Care Clinic. During that 16-year span, the founding physicians of Graystone also opened the original Lincolnton office.
Growth and Expansion
In 2000, the current CEO, Sheree Watson, joined the group and helped to transform the practice into a highly functioning organization offering the superior standard of care it provides today as Graystone Eye.
With continued growth, regulation changes and the ever watchful eye of the federal government, it was in the best interest of our patients to relocate the two Hickory offices and ambulatory surgery center (acquired in 2006) into one combined location. In 2008, the Hickory office located at 2424 Century Place, SE, was established as the central hub of the practice and in 2009, the addition of the AAAHC fully accredited, two operating room surgery center was completed. The Lenoir office was fully renovated in 2009, and the new Lincolnton office building was completed in 2012. Also in 2012, at the invitation of Dr. William Atkins, Graystone entered the High Country with the acquisition of Watauga Eye. With the retirement of Dr. Atkins, our Boone and Linville locations were covered by Dr. Allen and several other Graystone physicians.
With times ever changing and the need to ensure superior patient care, Graystone made the decision in 2016 to combine our Boone and Linville locations into one beautiful new facility that offers full service comprehensive ophthalmic services five days a week. The new building is specifically designed to better suit the needs of all our patients and we are proud to say it was built with our patients in mind.
2019 brought another big year in Graystone’s 50-year history and their investment in the community, with the expansion of the Hickory location. Their 40,000 square foot addition houses a brand-new Vision Correction suite, full-service Cosmetic and Aesthetic Center, and adds additional operating rooms to the existing Surgery Center space.
What We Do
Our highly trained team of thirteen board certified ophthalmologists and one board eligible physician includes eight fellowship trained sub-specialists. Our practice is proudly focused on the following services: comprehensive eye care, cataracts, glaucoma, refractive procedures (iLASIK), corneal disorders, retina disorders, pediatric vision disorders, oculo-facial plastics (functional and aesthetic services) and optical. It is our pleasure to treat patients and provide the best quality care possible and are honored that so many have entrusted us with that responsibility!
For additional information please visit www.graystone-eye.com.
For information on Refractive Service including iLASIK, please visit www.graystonelasik.com.
For information on Oculoplastics and Aesthetics, please visit www.eyesfacebody.com.
