Our Team

Dr. Philip Marler has been providing trusted eye care to the Carthage community for over 30 years. Known for his thorough approach and personal connection with patients, he is committed to delivering high-quality care with a focus on long-term eye health. Dr. Marler is passionate about the medical side of eye care. Find out more about him below.

Dr. Marler earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mississippi College, where he also completed a minor in Chemistry. He went on to receive his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. During his training, he was honored as Clinician of the Year and served as Junior Class Vice President.

After graduation, Dr. Marler gained valuable experience working with Eye Care Associates in Metairie, Louisiana, where he received advanced training in the diagnosis and management of cataracts and glaucoma.

In 1995, he moved to Carthage and purchased the practice of retiring optometrist Dr. H.C. McMillin. Since then, he has built a practice centered on personalized care, modern technology, and strong relationships with his patients.

Dr. Marler has served in numerous leadership roles within the profession, including President of the Mississippi Optometric Association. He is a past president of the Southeast Central Optometric Society and remains an active member of the American Optometric Association. In 2014, he achieved board certification—an accomplishment attained by only a small percentage of optometrists nationwide.

Outside the office, Dr. Marler enjoys running, biking, and traveling with his family. He and his wife, Wendi, work together in the practice and are active members of First Baptist Church of Carthage. They have three children—Sarah, Lindsey, and Austin—and six grandchildren: Ellen, Leo, James, Sophie, Luke, and Aaron.

Dr. Patterson has a passion for all her patients. Learn more about her below.

Dr. Emily Carter Patterson is a native of Tupelo, MS, and a graduate of Tupelo High School. She received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Pre-Optometry from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. While at MSU, she was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Academic Society, Lambda Sigma Academic Honor Society, and the Pre-Optometry club.

In 2022, Dr. Patterson received her Doctorate of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN, graduating cum laude. While attending SCO, she was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Fraternity, a Student Ambassador, a Mississippi SREB Regional Contract Seat recipient, a member of Gamma Omicron women’s leadership society, the Mississippi Optometric Student Association, Fellowship of Christian Optometrists club, and received the SECO Past President’s scholarship.

Dr. Patterson completed her externship training at The Eye Center in Memphis, TN, Olive Branch Eye Care in Olive Branch, MS, and Ralph H. Johnson VAMC in Charleston, SC. She has a special interest in fitting specialty contact lenses like Scleral lenses, myopia management, and ocular disease.

In July of 2022, Dr. Patterson began working as an associate at Carthage Eye Clinic in Carthage, MS. Dr. Patterson is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Mississippi Optometric Association. Dr. Patterson is an active volunteer at Jackson Free Clinic with the Mississippi Vision Foundation.

Dr. Patterson is married to her husband, Reid, and attends Redeemer Church in Jackson, MS. She is an active member of Junior League of Jackson. Dr. Patterson enjoys hiking, painting, baking, gardening, and traveling with her friends and family. On weekends, Dr. Patterson and her husband like visiting farmers’ markets with their dog, Roo.

Dr. Medlin prides herself on having her patients’ best interests in mind. Read more about her below.

Dr. Kaitlin Medlin, a native of Ripley, Mississippi, is a proud graduate of Ripley High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Mississippi.

In 2025, Dr. Medlin completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. During her time at SCO, she was actively involved in several organizations, including the Sports Vision Club, the Mississippi Optometric Student Association, and the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists. She was also honored as a Mississippi SREB Regional Contract Seat recipient.

Her clinical training included externships at Magnolia Eye Care in Holly Springs and Senatobia, Mississippi; The Eye Center in Memphis, Tennessee; and Olive Branch Eye Care in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Following graduation, Dr. Medlin joined Carthage Eye Clinic in Carthage, Mississippi, as an associate optometrist in July 2025.

Outside of her professional career, Dr. Medlin enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, and their baby daughter, Kayden. Together, they are members of Grace Community Church in Jackson, Mississippi. In her free time, she loves reading, traveling with friends and family, and taking walks with her doodle, Dude.