Dr. Kara Dunkle is a North Carolina native who brings advanced clinical training and a patient-first philosophy to Metrolina Eye Associates. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from UNC Charlotte and received her Doctor of Optometry degree from The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where she was honored with the 2024 Bill Mattingly Memorial Scholarship — a national award recognizing the top low vision student in the nation. She was also a participant in Beta Sigma Kappa.

Dr. Dunkle went on to complete a residency in ocular disease at the Salisbury VA Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina, where she gained extensive experience managing complex eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

She currently sees patients at Metrolina Eye’s Randolph Road, University, and Matthews locations. Dr. Dunkle is known for her thorough clinical care, attention to detail, and commitment to patient education. Her clinical interests include dry eye management, ocular disease, and comprehensive eye care for patients 8 and older.

Outside of the exam room, Dr. Dunkle is passionate about hiking, running, and watch college football games (especially Big Ten games). She currently resides in Downtown Kannapolis with her fiancé who she met in optometry school at Ohio State. They are also frequent flyers at the Kannapolis Cannonballer games every summer!

If you are interested in scheduling your next visit with Dr. Dunkle, feel free to conveniently schedule your appointment by calling our office at (800) 628-EYES (3937).