About Seven Lakes Eye Care

The leading provider of quality vision care products and personalized optometric services in Seven Lakes.

Since 1989, Seven Lakes Eye Care has been the leader and preferred provider of quality vision care products and personalized optometric services to our patients in Seven Lakes and the surrounding areas. Our experienced doctor and staff offer comprehensive vision examinations and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems.

In our mission to provide the best eye care services possible, our doctor uses only the most advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and eye care products available. We are committed to educating our patients and providing personalized eye care services to the people of Seven Lakes. At Seven Lakes Eye Care, you will find eye care professionals who genuinely care about your health and are dedicated to providing exceptional personal service to everyone who walks through our door.

Meet our Team

Meet the experienced and friendly doctor and staff who make Seven Lakes Eye Care the leading provider of vision care products and services in Seven Lakes.

  • Started Seven Lakes Eye Care in 1989

    Dr. Kavanaugh’s philosophy is to treat his patients like he would want to be treated. To this end, he has equipped his new handicapped-accessible office with the latest state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and combines this with “old-school” attention to his patient’s concerns. Providing a customized examination for each patient based on his / her presenting problems, he has a unique ability to uncover and treat eye-teaming or visual processing problems that contribute to his patients’ difficulties.

    Dr. Kavanaugh is only one of a few optometrists in the state to have double fellowships in the American Academy of Optometry and The College of Optometrists in Vision Development. He will soon be completing the process for fellowship in the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association.

    Education:

    Undergraduate:

    • Elon College

    • BA in Biology—Magna Cum Laude

    Optometry School:

    • The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry

    • O.D., Doctor of Optometry—Cum Laude

    Post-Graduate:

    • Baltimore Academy for Behavioral Optometrists—graduate

    • Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association—Level 2 certified

    • Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

    Professional/Academic Colleges & Societies:

    Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:

    • “Treatment of Visual Midline Shift with a Spot Filter: A Case Study” The Journal of Low Vision and Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation. Vol. 11, number 4, pp 9-13.

    Lectures:

    • Dr. Kavanaugh frequently lectures to parents and the community on topics about Vision and Learning, and the rehab community on Vision and Rehabilitation following stroke and TBI.

    Personal:

    • Dr. Kavanaugh has been involved in multiple optical mission trips where he provided thousands with eye care for free.

  • Penny has a BS Degree in Marketing & Management from Appalachian State. She began working at SLEC in 2007 and would love to help with any concerns or needs relating to SLEC.

  • Marliss was born in California but says that “By the grace of God, I am a southern girl.” She moved around as a military spouse and settled in North Carolina in 2013 because she, like many others, liked calling North Carolina home. She has successfully parented 2 fantastic kids into adulthood and is now a fantastic grandmom. She was hired for 6 weeks as a temporary Optometry Technician in 2014 and she is now the Office Insurance Specialist. Dr Kavanaugh is certainly glad that she was in our waiting area when we were discussing the need for temporary help.

  • Lori began working for Dr Kavanaugh in 2020. She only took the job because of Spook. But she has turned out to be a very thorough and compassionate technician and is always willing to stop and pray with you if you want her to.  Lori has an extensive history of customer service in her past jobs. She is married to one of our First Responders, for which we are all grateful. They enjoy raising their son and camping as a family.

  • Katelyn joined our staff in 2024. Katelyn is the quiet type but has a sweet smile and gentle spirit that is calming to our patients. She and her husband, Jacob, love to travel. Since getting married she has been to 48 of our great states. We are always glad when she comes back from her travels!

  • Carmen is our German on staff. She has lived in the United States since 2006 off and on but was blessed to become a US citizen in 2024. And, YES, the US was blessed to have her become a citizen. She is the happy one here. Always smiling and laughing.  Don’t come in thinking that you won’t feel valued. Carmen is sure to make you feel loved and valued-especially if you are a kid. She dedicates much of her time working with the children’s program at her church. Just to brag a bit about her tennis skills-she is amazing!

  • Dr Kavanaugh’s dog. He stays under Dr Kavanaugh’s desk and lets us know when it is lunch time and quitting time.