Meet Our Providers
Our dedicated team of professionals at Buglisi Eye Care is committed to providing top-notch ophthalmology and optometry services.
Dr. Joseph Buglisi, Jr., DO
Margaret Buglisi, MPH, PA-C
Dr. David Stella
Dr. Joseph Buglisi, Jr., DO
Dr. Joseph Anthony Buglisi, Jr., DO, a board certified ophthalmic surgeon, graduated from Cornell University. He completed his medical education at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and his residency training at Georgetown University, Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Buglisi served in the US Navy as an Ophthalmologist, which included 7 months in Iraq. During his career, Dr. Buglisi has worked in various settings including military bases, inner cities and rural communities. His comprehensive practice includes cataract surgery, refractive surgery (PRK and LASIK), ICL procedures and premium IOLs.
Dr. Buglisi has worked with the University of Florida teaching the next generation of ophthalmologists the latest techniques in refractive surgery. He was honored to perform refractive surgery on America’s heroes, including naval pilots and US Navy SEALs where precision is everything. These varied experiences have taught him the skills to treat patients of all ages and level of care.
Dr. Buglisi is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He enjoys spending time with his wife, six children and living on the Crystal Coast.
“I believe every patient should be treated like a family member. Getting the diagnosis right is critical, but almost equally important is showing my patients I truly care for their well-being. I want my patients to know that even though unfortunate things can happen to good people, they can trust that I will be there for them when they need me. I feel fortunate to be part of a profession that can offer so much to improve someone’s quality of life. There is no greater professional reward than being the recipient of my patient’s smile and hug because of what I was able to do for them. That gratitude is what continues to inspire me to be the best ophthalmologist I can be.”
~ Dr. Joseph A. Buglisi, Jr., DO
Margaret Buglisi, MPH, PA-C
Margaret is a native of Jacksonville, NC. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, she moved to Washington, DC to pursue her Master’s degree in Public Health from The George Washington University. Post graduate school, Margaret worked in the field of Public Health for the National SAFEKIDS Campaign. During her time there, she was fortunate to work under the direction of Dr. C. Everett Coop, the 13th Surgeon General of the United States. Margaret returned to North Carolina and obtained a second Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from East Carolina University. After 10 years of providing care in pediatrics, Margaret joined Buglisi Eye Care and the field of Ophthalmology. Margaret is the wife of Dr. Buglisi and enjoys spending her free time with their 6 children, living in Emerald Isle, traveling, and a Vegan lifestyle.
Dr. David Stella
Dr. David Michael Stella is an accomplished optometrist who graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh before earning a Doctorate from the New England College of Optometry, where he was honored as a member of the prestigious international honor society, Beta Sigma Kappa.
His service to the country includes his time in the Navy, where he practiced as a Doctor of Optometry aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. His post military career includes diverse professional experiences such as nursing home care and private practice.
In 2021 he proudly joined Buglisi Eye Care, bringing his expertise and dedication to eye health to the team. Dr. Stella has a wide array of clinical expertise including glaucoma management, dry eye disease, cornea and contact lens care and diabetic eye health. He is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the North Carolina Optometric Society.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Stella enjoys a wide array of sporting interests with a fondness for golf (despite not being very good at it) and especially hockey, where rumor has it he was once quite skilled in his youth. He and his wife maintain a home in Raleigh, enjoy travelling and are long time season ticket holders of the Carolina Hurricanes. (Go Canes!)
“My passion for eye care began as a small boy when I witnessed my grandfather undergo cataract surgery. Of course, surgery was quite different then, but I always remembered how grateful he was to be able to see clearly again. He encouraged me to become a doctor. He felt that being able to provide that kind of care for someone had to be about the best feeling there is. All these years later, I can say he was right.”
~ Dr. David Stella