Meet The Doctor

Dr. Kendria Cartledge is an optometrist (OD), Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), and a Certified Health Coach.  As a Doctor of Optometry, Dr. Cartledge is licensed to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage injuries, diseases, and disorders of the visual system.  She strives to provide compassionate high-quality eye care services to her patients, to help improve their quality of life. With her training as a Certified Health Education Specialist and certified health coach, she is equipped with knowledge to provide information to communities to help improve their health outcomes. Dr. Cartledge is the owner of Vista Vision Optometric Center, a private practice in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. 

Dr. Cartledge is a native of Columbia, South Carolina.  She is a 2002 valedictorian graduate of W. J. Keenan High School, and graduated magna cum laude from Clemson University in 2006 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science with a concentration in pre-professional health studies.  Dr. Cartledge received her Doctor of Optometry in April 2010 from Southern College of Optometry located in Memphis, TN. Dr. Cartledge recently received the following awards: WLTX Hometown Hero in August 2021, Woman of Influence 2021 by the Columbia Regional Business Report, SC Women in Business Award 2021 by Columbia Business Monthly, and Top 20 Under 40 2021 by The State Newspaper. 

Dr. Cartledge is a member of First Nazareth Baptist Church, where she is the president of the Healthcare and Wellness Ministry. She is an advocate for recruiting students into the profession of optometry by providing shadowing opportunities at her private practice.  Dr. Cartledge regularly serves as a presenter at career fairs at local schools as well as providing vision screenings in the community. Dr. Cartledge is a member of the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association, Midlands Optometric Society, American Optometric Association, National Optometric Association, and member of the board of directors of PALSS Inc.  In addition, she is a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Columbia (SC) Chapter, member of Richland 2 Superintendent Parent Advisory Council, United Way Pony Express Pen-Pal participant, and a member of the PTO at Bridge Creek Elementary. 

Kendria enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughter, stepson, extended family, and friends. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking, bowling, listening to music, playing video games, and reading.  She loves to participate in 5K running events and playing with Glam Squad women’s rec league kickball team. In addition, she is an avid sports fan and loves cheering on the Clemson Tigers!