Meet The Doctors

Doctors

At Karns Vision, our staff is friendly and professional. Our commitment is to provide exceptional customer service to all of our patients. We take pride in our personalized care and strive to spend the necessary time with each patient to ensure a comfortable experience.

Our optometry professionals are passionate about providing high-quality care to our family of patients. We focus on providing comprehensive eye exams, a large selection of fashionable eyewear, and the best possible vision care. Come in today to meet our Knoxville staff and make an appointment.

Our Doctors

  • Shane
    Dr. Shane Presson

    Dr. Shane was born and raised in Camden, Tennessee. He made his first venture to Knoxville as an undergraduate student at the University of Tennessee, majoring in Mathematics. He received his Doctor of Optometry in Memphis in June of 1995. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. He is also an adjunct professor with Southern College of Optometry. Dr. Shane is named as one of Newsweek's 2021 Top 100 Optometrists in America. 

    Dr. Shane is excellent with pediatric exams. This includes contact lenses for children. He fit his daughter with contact lenses at just 5 years of age. Additionally, he is our LASIK enthusiast. After having Lasik himself, Dr. Shane has firsthand knowledge of how life changing the procedure can be. He loves co-managing the pre and post-operative care of Lasik patients. 


    If you ever have a good story to tell, Dr. Shane would love to hear it! 

  • Michelle
    Dr. Michelle Presson

    Dr. Michelle was born and raised in Florida. She attended the University of South Florida where she received her undergraduate degree in Biology. She received her Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in June of 1996. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. 

    Dr. Michelle is amazing at helping patients with Dry Eye management. Using medication, drops, and punctal plugs, she can help patients who have spent years struggling with this issue. Additionally, Dr. Michelle is fantastic at fitting specialty contact lenses. Whether you are needing gas permeable lenses, monovision, or a combination of astigmatism/multifocal lenses, Dr. Michelle will work with you to get a prescription that works for you and your needs. 

    If you love the design and décor of the office, it is all thanks to Dr. Michelle. She is such an amazing decorator! She also enjoys gardening and playing tennis in her free time. 

  • Kate
    Dr. Kate Allen

    Dr. Kate was raised in Tennessee. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University, majoring 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 become a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. 

    Dr. Kate most enjoys the medical and pathology aspects of optometry. She can easily diagnose and treat medical issues and infections, such as pink eye or iritis. Dr. Kate is amazing at taking care of our work-in and emergent patients. Additionally, she is a great teacher! She has been asked to give different lectures at national optometric meetings. 

    In her free time, Dr. Kate enjoys spin classes and is always down for a good brunch. Brunch is especially exciting if her dog, Bo Carson, can join.  


Our Staff

  • Zoë
    Zoë - Practice Manager

    Zoë takes care of all the little details in the office that no one else would think about. She is always thinking about new ways to make our staff and our patients feel special. Zoë’s favorite thing about the office is how every day is different- you never know what new things will be happening in and around the office! 

  • Kelsey
    Kelsey - Administrator

    Kelsey is our resident animal lover! Her favorite thing about the office is the community feeling. At Karns Vision, patients are more than just a number. We want to know who you are and what you are about. 

  • Sarah
    Sarah - Optical Lead

    This girl has the most unique handwriting in the world and is a great sport when we tease her about it. Sarah has such a sweet and caring spirit that just makes your day better. Her favorite thing about working here is the close relationships she has been able to develop with her coworkers.

  • keria
    Keira - Front Lead

    Keira is a recent graduate of UT pursing a career in optometry. She is so helpful around the office with her versatile skill set to help out wherever is needed. We love her flexibility. 

  • Chris
    Chris -Technician Lead

    Chris is a crucial part of our team. We are so thankful for his desire to just simply help people however he can. Chris wants to make sure you have the best visit and care possible. 

  • can
    Canon - Technician

    Canon is our resident tech guy. If anything is broken, he's our go-to guy. He is actually the youngest son of Dr. Shane & Dr. Michelle. He is currently working here part time while also attending The University of Tennessee pursuing a career in optometry! 

  • sami
    Sami - Optical Assistant

    Sami is the most outgoing of us all. We truly do not believe she has never met a stranger. Sami has the amazing ability to make everyone feel right at home. Her favorite thing about working here is how welcoming and kind the atmosphere is. 

  • Cori
    Cori - Receptionist

    Cori is one of our receptionist. She will greet you with the warmest smile when you enter the office and make sure you get the help you are looking for!

  • Joy
    Joy - Receptionist

    Joy cannot wait to greet you and help you as soon you step into the office. Her favorite thing thus far about working with us is we are sure to have good lunches and snacks around all the time! 

  • Savannah C
    Savannah - Optical Assistant

    Savannah is part of our optical team and hit the ground running as soon as she started. She has such a bubbly personality and is eager to help out patients! 

  • Ally
    Ally- Technician

    Ally is part of our technician team. She is a current student at UT looking to grow her patient communication skills. A fun fact about Ally is that she is fluent in sign language! 

  • Nina
    Nina -Optical Assistant

    Nina is an optical team member. We are so excited for you all to meet her- she has a keen sense of style and would love to help you find the perfect frame. This girl is eager to help and we are all impressed by her ambition. 

  • Anna
    Anna - Technican

    Anna is officially part of our technician team. She will soon be starting her undergrad degree with the ultimate goal of becoming an optometrist herself. Anna has the sweetest personality and is so eager to learn. 

  • luke
    Luke -Technician

    Luke is part of our technician team. He is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee, and we are excited for his journey with us before beginning optometry school! 

  • shana
    Shana -Optical Assistant

    We are so excited for Shana to join the optical team. She comes with experience in the field and is ready to help you find the perfect glasses! 

  • Haddy
    Haddy -Technician

    Haddy is the newest addition to our tech team! We're so excited for him to spend some time with us prior to going to medical school. He is our resident sports fanatic- loves all things soccer and tennis!

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