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Eye Emergencies in Columbia

Foreign objects or stabbing pains in your eye? Don’t wait!

Experiencing a stab of pain in your eye?

Sudden changes in vision? Images appearing faded, blurry or foggy?

Got chemicals or another foreign object or substance in your eye?

Come visit Primary EyeCare - Columbia for emergency eye care.

Our Columbia optometrists can help you preserve your vision and eye health.

A person wearing gloves and applying tape to another person's face for a procedure

We understand that accidents happen.

Our optometrists know exactly what to do to help you through your eye care emergency.

Whether it’s a workplace accident, an at-home incident, or some other emergency requiring immediate attention, we’re here to help you preserve your eye health and sight!

Close-up of a person's eye with brown iris and eyelashes

What To Do If You Have an Eye Emergency

First things first. Don’t panic! Staying calm is the best way to help you think straight and help those around you to remain calm. Often, it’s not necessary to go to an emergency room for eye emergencies. In fact, the vast majority of people who go to the emergency room for eye care could have received treatment from their local optometrist instead.

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing an eye emergency, give us a call immediately! Delay may increase the risk of serious complications and may result in vision loss.

Until you see your eye doctor or seek urgent care, avoid the following:

  • Don’t try to remove an embedded object out of your eye
  • If your eye is injured, don’t press on it or rub it
  • Dry cotton and sharp instruments such as tweezers should never be used on the eye.

Whether you’ve had a workplace accident or an at-home incident, our eye doctors are here to help

Eye Emergencies FAQs

Meet our Eye Doctors

Carrie Hall
Carrie Hall O.D.
Language: English

Carrie Hall, O.D., received her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2003. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University in 1999. Dr. Hall's interest in eyes…

Claire Beaird
Claire Beaird O.D.

Claire Beaird, O.D., received her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Optometry in 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry, from Louisiana Tech University…

Shirnil Channappa
Shirnil Channappa O.D.
Language: English
  • Accepting New Patients
  • Family Friendly
  • In Person Appointments
  • Professional Certification

Dr. Shirnil Channappa received his undergraduate degree in Life Sciences from Pennsylvania State University in 1995. In May 2000, he graduated from the University of Alabama - Birmingham with his doctorate in Optometry. His interest in…

Patient Reviews

4.9
253 Reviews
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Brian G. - Aug 8, 2026
In and out in under half an hour. For me at lest. Every thing went very smoothly.
Work P. - Aug 5, 2026
I had a fantastic experience here! The staff was amazing, and Dr. Channappa is an excellent eye doct... or who took the time to answer all of my questions. Being new to town and needing a new eye care provider, I am so glad I found them—Primary Eyecare is top notch!

Urgent Eye Care in Columbia

1227 Hatcher Lane
Photograph of Carrie Hall
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Superior Vision
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
A close-up of a woman with curly hair holding her head with both hands and looking down with red eyes.

Have an eye emergency?

Protect your vision by contacting Primary EyeCare - Columbia in Columbia without delay!