Knoxville Tennessee Optometry
Home – Our Practice in Knoxville
At Karns Vision Center, we believe that exceptional eye care starts with a patient-centered approach. From routine eye exams to advanced treatments for conditions like dry eye and myopia, we provide expert care tailored to your unique vision needs. Our Knoxville-based team is dedicated to helping patients of all ages achieve and maintain optimal eye health with advanced technology, skilled professionals, and a welcoming environment.
We know that clear vision impacts every aspect of life, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of services, including contact lens fittings, eye disease management, and specialty eyewear. Whether you’re scheduling your child’s first eye exam or exploring treatment options for chronic dry eye, our team is here to guide you through the process.
More Than Just an Eye Exam – A Complete Eye Care Experience
Your experience at Karns Vision Center goes beyond a standard eye exam. Our goal is to create a comfortable, informative, and seamless visit, ensuring that you receive the best possible care for your eyes. We stand out by offering:
We also recognize that convenience matters. That’s why we offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, making it easier for you to get the eye care you need on your schedule.
Making Quality Eye Care Affordable and Accessible
We accept a variety of medical and vision insurance plans to ensure our services remain accessible to the Knoxville community. If your insurance is not listed below, please contact our office to confirm coverage.
We accept a variety of medical and vision insurance plans to ensure our services, including myopia control in Knoxville, remain accessible to the community. If your insurance is not listed below, please contact our office to confirm coverage.
Medical Insurance Plans Accepted:
Vision Insurance Plans Accepted:
If you have questions about your insurance benefits or need assistance with payment options, our knowledgeable staff is happy to help.
We know insurance can be confusing, and we want you to feel confident about your coverage before your appointment. Many patients are surprised to learn that there are actually two different types of insurance for eye care, and they work very differently from one another.
We know insurance can be confusing, and we want you to feel confident about your coverage before your appointment. Many patients are surprised to learn that there are actually two different types of insurance for eye care, and they work very differently from one another.
You might come in expecting a routine eye exam, but if we discover or treat a medical issue, we’re required to bill your medical insurance instead. This happens more often than you might think. Common medical eye visits include treatment for eye infections in Knoxville, such as pink eye, as well as evaluations for glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye symptoms, flashes or floaters, diabetes-related eye exams, eye allergies or itching, sudden changes in vision, and monitoring for an abnormal retina or optic nerve.
If we diagnose or treat any medical condition during your visit, it will be considered a medical visit and billed accordingly.
Vision insurance is designed for preventive or routine care. It doesn’t cover diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of medical problems. Think of it like the difference between dental cleanings and dental surgery. They require different types of coverage.
We understand if your medical insurance has a high deductible and you prefer not to use it for your visit. We offer a discounted prompt pay rate, allowing you to self-pay at a lower cost. Please let us know during your visit, and we’ll be happy to help you explore this option.
Our doctors determine the type of visit based on the findings from your exam and eye health assessment. Once a medical condition is diagnosed or treated, we are legally required to bill medical insurance. We always aim to be upfront about costs and explain your options before you’re billed.
You can always ask questions about your coverage or billing. Our staff is here to walk you through your options and help you understand what to expect. We promise always to be honest about costs, explain your options clearly, and work with you to keep care affordable.
Karns Vision is dedicated to providing our patients with quality eye care services. It is important to us that you understand our financial policy so that we can serve you in the best way. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our staff to discuss them.
We go above and beyond to try to determine your insurance coverage before your appointment. We can obtain information about your plan, including our participation and the amount of coverage your insurance company provides. Since we are contracted providers for hundreds of insurance plans, we can’t know the intricate details of every plan. You are responsible for determining matters relating to your insurance and all charges incurred.
Experienced Optometrists Dedicated to Your Vision
At Karns Vision Center, our team of skilled optometrists is committed to providing expert, compassionate care for all our patients.
Originally from Camden, TN, Dr. Shane graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in mathematics. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. Lucky for him, he also met and married his wife – Dr. Michelle – while studying at SCO in Memphis. Dr. Shane is a member of the American Optometric Association and has consistently been named one of Newsweek’s Top 100 Optometrists in America. He is an adjunct professor of the Southern College of Optometry. Shane and Michelle have 3 children – nearly all grown – Sean, Canon, and Savannah.
Originally from Jupiter, FL, Dr. Michelle graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Biology. She received her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. Dr. Michelle is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. Dr. Michelle has a special interest in Dry Eye Management, particularly with the advent of Intensed Pulse Light or IPL treatment for dry eyes. She is also adept in “hard to fit” contact lens cases. If you love the design and décor of the office, it is the handiwork of Dr. Michelle – among many talents, she is an amazing decorator, also enjoying gardening and outdoor activities.
Originally from Tennessee, Dr. Kate graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Chemistry. She received her Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in May of 2016. Upon graduation, Dr. Kate served as an active duty Optometrist in the United States Navy from 2016 – 2020. During this time, she also completed a fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Kate is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. In addition to diagnosing and treating eye disease, Dr. Kate enjoys fitting specialty contact lenses. These lenses correct vision for patients that do note see well with glasses. She loves how life changing these lenses can be for patients who usually have very poor vision. In her free time, Dr. Kate likes to read and keep up with her husband and son.
Each doctor brings a wealth of experience and a personalized approach to patient care, ensuring that you receive the best solutions for your vision needs.
Friendly Experts Ready to Assist You
Our team goes above and beyond to make every visit smooth and enjoyable. Whether you’re selecting new glasses, scheduling an exam, or discussing treatment options, our knowledgeable staff is here to help.
Practice Manager
The idea generator, the marketing guru, part-time therapist, the one with her finger on the pulse of all things Karns Vision. Zoë meets with our frame vendors, website developers, social media contacts, numerous other accounts – all this while also researching insurances and obtaining verifications to make sure each patient has the best possible experience. There is so much preparation that happens that most patients, and even most of our staff never see…it’s only because of that preparation things go smoothly, and that’s where Zoë thrives – behind the scenes mostly making sure it all goes well.
Administrative Assistant
The fixer of our problems- Kelsey is our to go when we need a solution. She is our most veteran employee- throughout her many years at KVC, she has most enjoyed seeing the growth the practice has had in meeting new patients, more innovative technology, and becoming more than “just an eye doctor’s office” to the community.
Patient Relations Liaison
When our team needed someone to step into a tough role, Emma didn’t just rise to the occasion—she ran with it. Formerly a teacher, Emma brings the same calm, capable energy, and kid-friendly charm to our front desk that she once brought to the classroom. She has a natural gift for making patients—especially the younger ones—feel understood, supported, and at ease. Emma never hesitates to take on new challenges. Whether it’s a tricky schedule, a full waiting room, or something totally out of left field, she shows up ready to help with a can-do attitude and a steady smile
Patient Relations Liaison
Inessa brings a beautiful blend of talent, kindness, and curiosity to our front desk—and we’re lucky to have her. A true multi-talented wonder, she speaks five languages, plays the piano with grace, and captures life through the lens as a passionate photographer. But beyond her impressive skills, it’s her warm heart and eagerness to help that patients remember most. Whether she’s greeting you with a friendly smile or jumping in to learn a new task without hesitation, Inessa brings energy, creativity, and genuine care to everything she does. She has a natural way of making people feel welcome and understood—no matter what language they speak.
Patient Relations Liaison
If kindness had a face, it might just look like Elizabeth. Our unofficial clinic ray of sunshine, Elizabeth, is often the first smile you see and the warm voice that makes you feel instantly at ease. With a heart as big as her to-do list, she’ll go out of her way to make sure every patient feels heard, cared for, and completely supported. Often described as a real-life Disney princess, Elizabeth radiates warmth, patience, and grace. She is always finding ways to lift others up with compassion and humility. She makes the world —and our front desk—a much better place.
Optical Lead
You won’t find a nicer person on our staff- Sarah is without a doubt one of the kindest people you will ever meet. She goes above and beyond checking on staff and is always the quickest to befriend someone. Her optical expertise is unmatched. Not only will she make sure you feel confident in your frames, she will make sure you’re happy with your “new eyes” and will go to any and all lengths to make the experience excellent for you!
Optical Assistant
Optical Assistant
Optical Assistant
Optical Assistant
Technician
There are too many great things to say about this one- she has been the biggest surprise employee in all the best ways. She is so eager to learn as much as she can about the profession and the office in general. Her favorite aspect of working at KVC is being able to communicate with patients and learn more about the pathology of different eye conditions. She hopes to one day become an optometrist herself.
Technician
Technician
Technician
Originally from Ukraine, Valentyna brings warmth, grace, and a touch of playful sass to everything she does. With a background in nursing, she first joined our clinic as a technician, but her passion for patient care and love of aesthetics led her to our Spa Room, where she now specializes in IPL and RF treatments for our dry eye patients. Valentyna has quickly become a patient favorite, known not just for her skilled hands but for her kind heart, easy charm, and perfectly timed jokes. She has a special gift for connecting with everyone she meets, making every treatment feel like a visit with a trusted friend.
Our team is dedicated to providing top-tier customer service and ensuring that you leave our office feeling confident about your eye health and vision care decisions.
At Karns Vision Center, we combine expert care, advanced technology, and a patient-first approach to provide the highest quality eye care in Knoxville. Whether you need a routine checkup, specialized treatment, or new eyewear, our team is ready to assist you.
📍 Location: 7686 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville, TN 37931
📞 Call: 865-247-7715
📅 Schedule Your Appointment Today!
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