Our Story

About Carolina Vision Associates

Carolina Vision Associates’ history in Spartanburg goes back to nearly 100 years. We are currently one of the largest primary eye care providers in the upstate area with locations in Spartanburg, Gaffney, Inman, and Woodruff, SC.

Dr. Jay Shelley joined Dr. A.W. “Skeets” Biber in Spartanburg in 1979. Dr. Biber’s grandfather fit lenses in the back of a jewelry store downtown on Morgan Square. His father took over the practice and eventually passed it to his son who partnered with Dr. Shelley. The Gaffney location was opened in 1991 when Dr. Shelley joined Turner Opticians. Two years later, in 1993, our Inman office opened. In 1997, our Woodruff office became part of Carolina Vision when Dr. Sprouse, a Spartanburg native, joined the practice 1992.

In 1992, Dr. Fern Powell came back to her hometown of Spartanburg to assist Dr. Shelley with his expanding practice. Dr. Michael Younger joined in 1995, as the practice was continuing to grow, and his wife, Dr. Stephanie Younger, became part of the team in 2004. Gaffney native Dr. Malissa Mathis began seeing patients at our Gaffney location in 1998, soon after she completed optometry school. In 2008, Dr. Rachelle Penka joined the practice as it continued expanding. Dr. Jay Shelley officially retired in 2012.

All Carolina Vision Associates’ optometrists are board-certified and licensed to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures and identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. Carolina Vision’ doctors work closely with other medical professionals to coordinate care for cataracts and other medical conditions, and care for patients undergoing LASIK and other special procedures.