Courtney Hegener: A Dedicated Optometric Physician Transforming Eye Care in Greenville

Courtney Hegener is a highly skilled optometric physician known for her dedication to primary eye care, ocular disease management, and vision therapy. With a solid educational background, extensive clinical training, and years of experience, she has established herself as an essential member of The Nigh Eye Group in Greenville, South Carolina. Her expertise in contact lens fittings, especially scleral lenses, combined with her compassionate approach to patient care, makes her a respected professional in the field of optometry.

Early Life and Educational Journey

Courtney Hegener’s path toward becoming an accomplished optometric physician began with a strong foundation in academics. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she earned her degree in Biology in 2015. During her time at Georgia Tech, she distinguished herself as a dedicated student, securing the Zell Miller Scholarship in recognition of her academic performance.

Her interest in healthcare and the sciences naturally led her toward optometry—a field that allows her to combine scientific knowledge with patient-centered care. She was accepted into the Southern College of Optometry, one of the nation’s most reputable institutions, where she excelled in her studies. In 2019, she graduated with her Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, supported by the Presidential Endowed Scholarship, a prestigious award given to high-achieving students.

During her academic career, Courtney’s dedication was further demonstrated when she achieved a perfect score on the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)—a rare and remarkable accomplishment. Her score of 400/400 in both Academic Average and Total Science placed her among the very top candidates in her field, showcasing her intellectual strength and commitment.

Clinical Training and Specialized Experience

While studying at the Southern College of Optometry, Courtney Hegener completed several clinical rotations that exposed her to various aspects of optometric care. She trained extensively in Adult Primary Care, Teen Clinics, and Contact Lens Clinics, gaining hands-on experience that would later serve as the foundation for her professional career.

One of her key areas of focus was vision therapy, where she learned to diagnose and treat binocular vision dysfunction, accommodative disorders, and oculomotor deficits. Her ability to design and implement therapy programs demonstrated both her technical skill and her desire to help patients improve their visual function.

She also trained with advanced diagnostic technologies, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), fundus photography, and visual field testing. These tools allow for early detection and precise management of ocular diseases, ensuring patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

Beginning of Professional Career

After completing her degree in 2019, Dr. Hegener began her professional journey with the Physicians Eyecare Group in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. There, she provided comprehensive eye care to a diverse patient population. Her role included managing common refractive errors such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as treating more complex ocular conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

Her time at Physicians Eyecare Group not only refined her clinical skills but also gave her the opportunity to develop her approach to patient care—balancing clinical precision with compassion and understanding. She worked there until 2021, gaining valuable experience before joining her current practice.

The Nigh Eye Group: Building a Career of Impact

In April 2021, Courtney Hegener joined The Nigh Eye Group in Greenville, South Carolina. This move marked a significant milestone in her career, allowing her to work within a respected eye care group that shares her passion for patient-centered care.

At The Nigh Eye Group, Dr. Hegener has become an integral part of the team, primarily working at the Taylors office. Her expertise includes ocular disease treatment, primary care optometry, contact lens fittings, and vision therapy. She has developed a special interest in scleral lenses, which are particularly beneficial for patients with corneal irregularities, keratoconus, or severe dry eye syndrome.

Her patients appreciate her thoroughness, clear communication, and dedication to ensuring their long-term eye health. For many, she is not only a doctor but also a trusted guide in navigating complex eye conditions and treatment options.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Eye Care

As an optometric physician, Courtney Hegener provides comprehensive eye exams, ensuring her patients’ visual needs are met while screening for underlying eye diseases. Her exams are known for being thorough and patient-focused, ensuring individuals feel comfortable and well-informed.

Ocular Disease Management

Dr. Hegener has extensive training in diagnosing and treating ocular diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and conjunctivitis. Her expertise allows her to manage both acute and chronic conditions effectively.

Contact Lens Fittings

With a particular passion for contact lens technology, she specializes in fitting lenses for patients with complex needs. Her interest in scleral lenses has made her a sought-after provider for individuals requiring specialized solutions beyond traditional contact lenses.

Vision Therapy

Her background in vision therapy enables her to design treatment plans for patients with binocular vision disorders or other functional vision challenges. This skill set is especially valuable for children and adults experiencing difficulties with eye coordination or focus.

Patient-Centered Approach

One of the defining qualities of Courtney Hegener’s practice is her dedication to personalized care. She recognizes that every patient is unique, and she takes the time to understand not just their visual needs but also their lifestyle, habits, and overall health. This holistic approach ensures that treatment plans are tailored to each individual.

Patients often highlight her compassionate communication style, noting that she explains diagnoses and treatment options in an easy-to-understand manner. Her ability to connect with patients on a personal level fosters trust and encourages individuals to take an active role in their eye health.

Community Engagement

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Hegener is passionate about giving back to the community. She has been involved in outreach programs that provide vision care services to underserved populations, helping ensure that everyone—regardless of socioeconomic background—has access to essential eye care.

Her commitment to community service reflects her broader philosophy: that healthcare should be both accessible and compassionate. By participating in volunteer initiatives, she extends her impact far beyond the clinic walls.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of her professional commitments, Courtney Hegener enjoys a well-rounded personal life. She is passionate about reading, crafts, swimming, weightlifting, traveling, and exploring the vibrant culture of Greenville, South Carolina. Her hobbies reflect her energetic and curious nature, allowing her to maintain a balanced lifestyle that fuels her professional passion.

Her love of travel and exploration also gives her a broader perspective on cultural diversity—an outlook that enriches her ability to connect with patients from all walks of life.

Recognition and Professional Growth

Throughout her academic and professional career, Courtney Hegener has been recognized for her achievements and contributions to the field of optometry. Her scholarships, perfect OAT score, and ongoing professional development reflect her drive for excellence.

Her career trajectory demonstrates a clear pattern: a consistent commitment to growth, learning, and service. With her expertise, she has not only advanced her own career but has also contributed meaningfully to the advancement of eye care in her community.

The Future of Eye Care with Dr. Courtney Hegener

As technology continues to evolve, so too does the field of optometry. Courtney Hegener stays at the forefront of these developments by incorporating advanced diagnostic tools and innovative treatments into her practice. From managing ocular diseases with cutting-edge imaging techniques to providing patients with the latest in contact lens technology, she ensures her care remains modern, effective, and patient-focused.

Looking ahead, she is poised to continue expanding her expertise in specialized areas such as scleral lenses and vision therapy, while maintaining her strong foundation in primary care. Her goal remains consistent: to serve her patients with excellence and compassion.

Conclusion

Courtney Hegener’s journey as an optometric physician is one marked by dedication, skill, and compassion. From her academic achievements at Georgia Tech and the Southern College of Optometry to her professional impact at The Nigh Eye Group, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing eye care and improving the lives of her patients.

Her expertise in ocular disease management, contact lenses, and vision therapy, combined with her patient-centered approach, makes her a vital healthcare provider in Greenville, South Carolina. More than just a physician, she is a community advocate and a trusted partner in vision health.

With her strong foundation, ongoing growth, and dedication to service, Courtney Hegener continues to make a lasting impact in the field of optometry, setting an example for both her peers and future generations of eye care professionals.