Our Practice in Knoxville

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.

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.

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.

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!

The office MVP, utility player, and any other sports term you want to use. Keira’s flexibility at the office is most impressive. She excels in any position you place her in- whether you need her to do special testing, sell glasses, or do the newest TikTok Trend, she’s always ready. The best part? She does it all so willingly and eagerly- it’s obvious why she was voted most likely to know the answer in our superlative awards.

It’s really special when someone’s greatest desire is to just help people- and that’s how it is for Chris. He truly loves being able to help people in any capacity and make sure you have the very best visit possible. Fun fact about Chris is that he played ice hockey in high school and can still skate to this day!

Our sweet Joy- she is ready to greet you with a smile and tell you a corny joke upon your arrival. She particularly enjoys Halloween time around the office and our group costumes- her favorite being the Packman theme of 2022. When Joy grows up, she hopes to be a Park Ranger- she loves all things outdoors like kayaking and hiking. In the meantime, we’ll enjoy her sweet spirit here.

She’s the ultimate frame stylist- Nina is always up on current fashion trends and is so great at styling unique shapes and patterns. She is also one of the strongest people we know. Her positive outlook and how perceptive she is -even when a situation really is dreary- is encouraging to all of us. We are better people because we know her.

The loudest among us… but also who is guaranteed to make work the most fun. Throughout her years at KVC, she believes the best part of working here has been the lifelong friends, sisters even, she’s been able to make. When working with Sami in optical, we promise you will leave feeling like you just made a new friend and have a boost in your confidence. She is also our resident baker and has helped us become the Cookie Monsters of Karns.

Voted most likely to save the day, we couldn’t be more thankful Shana is part of the team. While she’s fantastic at helping patients select frames that fit their style, she is also amazing at making sure behind the scenes optical items are handled. She does so much that may not get noticed day to day, but boy we are better for her being on staff!

The absolute best thing about Savannah is you never have to wonder what she’s thinking- her realness about life and the sweet demeanor in which she shares her opinion is a true gift. This gift really shines when helping our patients select their eyewear. Savannah won’t you leave in any frame that you don’t just look fabulous in. She is an avid learner and loves to read! Fun fact, her undergrad degree is in Global Studies.

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.

While he may seem like a quiet guy, don’t be fooled. Haddy has one of the goofiest personalities on staff. He is so easy going and gets along with everyone. While his plan is to become a doctor, we appreciate being a pit stop on the journey. Not only is he honing his patient care skills while at KVC, but we’re also giving him lasting friendships.

The guy who can instantly make you feel like old friends. He’s such a genuine guy and so easy to talk to. Perhaps he’s so easy to talk to because he is fluent in English, French, and Arabic. He keeps a full schedule by working, being a full time student, and coaching soccer.

The missing puzzle piece to KVC- Abi has fit into the practice so seamlessly it’s like she’s been here forever. She is such a quick learner, and the patients AND staff absolutely adore her. We’re thankful for what she brings to the team.

Claire is our student worker- she is currently attending UTK and is hopeful to pursue her own career in optometry. While she’s here, she is really growing her patient communication skills and learning all she can about the field. Claire constantly asks the best questions and is so eager to learn.

While his title may say receptionist, Daniel has quickly become a vital aspect to all areas of KVC. He is the quickest to greet you with a warm smile when you arrive, and he may even hop over and help do some of your pretesting during the visit.

His goal is to one day attend optometry school himself so he wants to learn as much about the business as he can. We’re so thankful for his eagerness and the initiative he always has.