OUR PRACTICE
In 2021 the Lincoln Eye Center proudly celebrated our 50th anniversary. We are the longest-established eye care practice in Lincolnton and Lincoln County. It is also a point of pride that the Lincoln Eye Center is committed to Lincolnton. We are the only eye care provider in Lincolnton with a Doctor that resides in the city. In fact all three Doctors live within the city limits of Lincolnton.
We were established circa 1971 by Dr. Gene Richbourg, O.D. In 1994 Dr. William Hitt, O.D. took over the practice. He practiced solo until 2001 when his brother Dr. Robert Hitt, O.D. joined the practice. Then in 2021 William’s son Dr. Nathaniel Hitt, O.D. also joined the practice.
The Lincoln Eye Center uses the latest technology to provide comprehensive eye care to all of our patients. We are honored to have served the eye care needs for the Lincolnton/Lincoln County area for the past 50 years and are eager to continue that legacy going forward.
OUR DOCTORS
NATHANIEL W HITT, OD
Nathaniel Hitt grew up in Lincolnton, North Carolina. He graduated from North Lincoln High school in 2011. He subsequently attended the University of South Carolina where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 2015. He then moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to attend Southern College of Optometry where he earned a Doctorate of Optometry in May of 2019. Nathaniel’s externship training experiences include Family Vision in Whitehaven, Tennessee, and Church Health Center in Memphis, Tennessee, where he gained valuable exposure to geriatric care and ocular disease. Nathaniel also has experience with corneal disease, specialty contact lenses and pediatric care.
While in optometry school, Nathaniel was an active member of the American Optometric Student Association and Optometric Private Practice Club. He traveled to optometric meetings throughout the Southeast to help with coordination and setup. While in Memphis, Nathaniel volunteered his time by providing community and school vision screenings throughout the Mid-South. Additionally, Nathaniel is a member of the American Optometric Association and the North Carolina Optometric Society.
Nathaniel lives in Lincolnton with his wife and dog. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, golfing and being active.
WILLIAM D HITT, OD
Dr. Hitt graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Southern College of Optometry in 1991. Upon graduation Dr. Hitt was awarded the honor of Valedictorian. He was also awarded as an Outstanding Clinician each of his four years. Dr. Hitt has enjoyed providing eye care to Lincolnton/Lincoln County residents since 1994.
Dr. Hitt received his Bachelor of Science Degree from West Virginia University.
Dr. Hitt is a member of First Baptist Church Lincolnton. He is also a member of the Lincolnton Noon Rotary Club and the Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.
He has served on several Boards of Directors throughout Lincoln County, including: Lincoln County Health Dept., Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, the Lincolnton Rotary Noon Club, Lincoln County Family YMCA and the Lincoln County Rotary Student Loan Fund.
When not seeing patients Dr. Hitt enjoys exercise, playing golf, boating and yard work.
Dr. Hitt has two adult children. Nataliegh is a Dentist residing in Wilmington, NC and Nathaniel an Optometrist at the Lincoln Eye Center.
Dr. Hitt resides in Lincolnton with his wife Toni.
ROBERT D HITT, OD