Dr. Hays is a board-certified, fellowship-trained corneal ophthalmologist who has been recognized many times during his career for his contributions to ophthalmology. His honors include the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award, and he remains active in several professional organizations related to his field.
Credentials
Education & Training
Michigan State University
Undergraduate, with honors
University of Michigan
Doctor of Medicine
Henry Ford Hospital
Internship and Ophthalmology Residency (Chief Resident), Detroit, MI
Dean McGee Eye Institute
Two-year Corneal Fellowship, Oklahoma City, OK
Auburn University School of Business
M.B.A., 2009
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- International Society for Refractive Surgery
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Medical Association of Georgia
Awards & Recognition
American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award (2000)
Greatest Scientific and Clinical Significance of Papers Published (1984)
What patients say
Reviews & ratings
Patient Reviews
No reviews yetReviews for Woolfson Eye Institute: James C. Hays, MD
★★★★★4.9133 reviewsGoogle reviews from the "Woolfson Eye Institute: James C. Hays, MD" Google Business Profile. Reviews describe the practice and may mention other providers at this location.View all Google reviews at this practice
Very professionalism w/Dr. Hays and entire staff. Outstanding efforts.
Response from the ownerGreat to hear! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your 5-star review. Thanks!- Response from the ownerThank you for your rating!
You are the BEST eye institute in the whole world. No one else will get my attention forever. Thank you woolfson for ur excellent care for me. Nuff ❤️ love.
After having 2 procedures, the surgery center for Woolfson Eye seems to be well organized and focused on providing excellent patient care. From Registration and Check-in, to pre-op, to the actual procedure, and finally discharge, everything went smoothly and was well organized. I was very pleased with the way my procedures were handled and they exceeded my expectations. Dr. Hays provided excellent surgical care and the care provided by the staff followed the same standards. I can recommend this facility to anyone planning to undergo ophthalmic surgery without any reservations.
My entire experience was awesome. Not knowing what to expect I was asked many times if I had any questions throughout the entire procedure. Everyone that was with me was respectful, kind, and attentive. I cannot say enough good comments about my own experience. I’ve already recommended Dr. Hays to my friends!
I spoke with Dr Hays & he was very knowledgeable and committed to helping me understand the severity of my left eye problem. Once he explained the problem & gave me a solution to repair my eye. I was satisfied & comfortable with how the repair would be completed. He is a well liked Doctor that I will continue to see yearly if possible.
Woolfson Eye Institute, Dr Jennings, medical staff, clinical staff , and administrative staff were extremely professional, caring, supportive, worked very hard to allay my fears, made me feel very comfortable about my procedure. They were like avocado toast on the most healthiest bread, good for your soul ! I appreciate you all.
The entire staff members were very professional and friendly. I was very satisfied with the results from my surgeries.
I recently had cataract surgery on both eyes at Woolfson Eye Institute. Dr Hays and his staff are wonderful. I could not be more satisfied with the results. I highly recommend Dr Hays.


