Our Practice in West Columbia

Dr. Katie Davis (she/her) was raised in Columbia, SC. She graduated with Honors from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago in 2014. In 2017, she became a board-certified Fellow in the College of Vision Development. She serves on local and state optometric boards, as well as chair of the SC ACT 251 Learning Disorders Task Force and on the Brain Injury of SC Safetynet Task Force.  Additionally, she has lectured across the state on topics relating to vision and concussion.

In our practice, she focuses on optometric vision therapy for all ages, specialized contact lenses, and myopia management.

Additional awards & recognitions include:

• The Gas Permeable Lens Institute Award for Clinical Excellence, 2014
• The Good-Lite Pediatric Equipment Award, 2014
• Optometric Horizon Award by the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association (SCOPA), 2016
• Young Optometrist of South Carolina, 2020

Dr. Elena Martin (she/her) grew up in Irmo, South Carolina. She attended Clemson University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a minor in psychology. In May of 2022 she graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN where she was a student member of the College of Vision Development and a student fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Martin has always had a special interest in vision therapy and rehabilitation as it was an integral part of her childhood. She underwent a successful vision therapy program to which she attributes much of her current and future success.

She enjoys movies, books, and spending time with friends and family, including her orange tabby cat, Prince.

Kaitlyn Creekmore was born and raised in Roanoke, VA and graduated from High Point University in North Carolina in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. She attended the Kentucky College of Optometry where she served as the Class Senator, student member of the Private Practice Club, and College of Vision Development Club. She was awarded the Southern Council of Optometrists Clinical Excellence Award and graduated in May of 2024. She is passionate about pediatric optometric care and binocular vision disorders, as well as comprehensive ocular health evaluations for all ages.

In her free time, she is a competitive equestrian and loves spending time with her family and their American Saddlebreds.

Raigne has worked in the optometric field since 2013. She has experience in practice administration, reception, optical, paraoptometric tech, billing, and management duties. Raigne is married to her childhood best friend and they have 3 cats, 3 dogs, and a slew of other animals. They enjoy spending time outdoors as much as possible on their little farm.

Aydrea has over 20 years customer service experience, and 6 years optical experience. Her cheerful voice just may be one of the ones you hear when you call us at Vision Therapy Institute. Aydrea earned her Associates in Arts degree from Midlands Technical College. She enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Bentley. She loves to explore new places and she considers the beach her “happy place.”

Misty was born and raised in Columbia SC, graduating from WJ Keenan High in 1992.  After working for the South Carolina DMV for 7 years, she worked for Octapharma Plasma Center for 7 years as a supervisor trained in all areas. Misty loves traveling, shopping  and singing (which she does every Sunday at church.) Misty is most proud of and deeply loves her two children Ashton Chase, age 13 and Jorden Kelsey, age 4. Misty has never met a stranger and is thankful for the opportunity to be a team member at Vision therapy Institute.

MaryEmma (she/her) was born and raised in Massachusetts and now lives in Columbia with her life partner and furbaby. She enjoys the excitement and reward that comes with being a Vision Therapist. She loves to work with patients of all ages and help eliminate the vision issues that hold them back from achieving their full potential.

Her goal is always to help the patient reach their goals, and have fun while doing it! MaryEmma loves to help people and animals alike, spending most of her free time helping rehabilitate and release wildlife with the Carolina Wildlife Center.

Karen was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She moved to South Carolina more than 16 years ago. Karen has worked at VA hospitals in NY and in South Carolina. She has also worked in oncology, surgery, psychiatry, and hospital emergency departments. Karen worked as an ophthalmic technician for 10 years before joining our team. In her free time, she enjoys riding with her husband on their Harleys, being outside, and visiting with family.

Melissa was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and moved to South Carolina when she was 7. She has worked for Dr. Brinkley since 2005 and has worked in our optical boutique since 2011. She enjoys helping people see the best they can while still being fashionable. She has been married since 2007 and has 3 wonderful kids. In her free time, she enjoys reading and watching her kids excel in baseball, basketball, and gymnastics.

Shannon (she/her) has been working as a vision therapist since 1993. Shannon specializes in working with adults and children with developmental delays and/or brain injuries. She also has an extensive background in working with the most difficult cases of strabismus and amblyopia. Shannon is a firm believer in treating the patient, not just the diagnosis, and has formed lifetime bonds with many of the patients and families she has helped over the years.

Shannon was born and raised in Columbia, SC, and has a large, close-knit extended family. She is married to her amazing Canadian husband. They have a total of 5 grown children and 6 pets. Outside of work Shannon enjoys spending time with family and friends, being in nature, and traveling as often as possible.

Natalie began her career in eye care in 2007 while living in North Carolina. In 2016, she returned to Lexington. She loves spending time with her husband and son, Jaxson. When not at the office you can find her enjoying family time on the lake or by the pool. To find Natalie in our office, you can follow the sounds of her laughter (also, she always appreciates a good “dad joke”).

Santana moved from Virginia to Newberry, South Carolina at a young age. After graduation, she moved to Lexington, SC where she married and became a mother of 3. She started at Vision Therapy Institute in 2014. She enjoys working with her patients and helping them succeed in therapy, school, and life. Santana’s favorite hobbies are spending time with her children and family, coloring, and listening to music.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Michael (he/him) moved to South Carolina when he was 1 year old and has been working in the optometric field since high school. Michael has been married to his high school sweetheart since 2014. He has been committed to being a Vision Therapist for 6 years and enjoys working with people of all ages and types of vision problems. Michael challenges patients with new and creative techniques to better their vision. He is an avid reader, and a huge fan of Star Wars, Harry Potter, and science fiction.

JD moved from Iowa to the Charlotte/Rock Hill area in 2012. He then joined the military and served 6 years in the Army. After he completed his time in the Army, he moved to Columbia to attend University of South Carolina and study psychology. JD loves a good joke, watching football and supporting the Chicago Cubs, and most importantly helping patients with their visual needs.