Meet Your Knoxville Eye Surgeons

Baptist Eye Surgeons is a group of exceptional eye surgeons who have dedicated themselves to restoring not just sight, but hope to patients in Knoxville, TN, and the surrounding areas. Our eye surgeons understand that behind every pair of eyes lies a unique story. Join us as we introduce these compassionate individuals dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.  

Dr. Andrew Anzeljc , a specialist in ophthalmology, joined Baptist Eye Surgeons in August 2018. His expertise lies in oculoplastic, tear duct, and orbital surgeries, focusing on areas surrounding the eyeball.

Dr. Anzeljc earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 2012. He completed his internship at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, in 2013, followed by his ophthalmology residency at Emory University in Atlanta in 2016. Subsequently, he undertook a fellowship in oculoplastic and orbital surgery at Emory University in Atlanta in 2018 before becoming a part of Baptist Eye Surgeons.

In the realm of oculoplastic procedures , Dr. Anzeljc concentrates on two categories: 

The functional procedures performed by Dr. Anzeljc aim to enhance eye function and vision. These may encompass:

Dr. Anzeljc emphasizes that many patients with drooping eyelids assume that surgical intervention is solely for cosmetic reasons. However, in cases where drooping eyelids hinder vision, procedures like blepharoplasty or ptosis repair are often deemed medically necessary and may be covered by insurance.

The cosmetic procedures performed by Dr. Anzeljc are elective and aimed at enhancing a patient’s confidence in their appearance. These include:

Dr. Anzeljc encourages those interested in rejuvenating their appearance to seek consultations, stating: 

Outside of his practice at Baptist Eye Surgeons, Dr. Anzeljc enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Samantha, and their sons, Luka, Micah, and Noah.

Dr. Marc A. Bodenheimer obtained his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1988 as the top graduate in the College of Engineering. He further pursued his education at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, where he achieved a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, again graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1990.

Dr. Bodenheimer stresses the importance of a proactive approach to preserving eyesight. Waiting until vision issues arise, such as blurriness or discomfort, often leads to delayed eye examinations. Even if vision appears normal, routine check-ups are crucial. They are often the only means to detect severe eye diseases before they cause irreversible damage.

Dr. Bodenheimer explains: 

Early diagnosis offers the best chance at preserving sight. Several common eye diseases can lead to blindness before symptoms manifest. For instance, diabetic eye disease shows no early signs. Similarly, glaucoma , often called the ‘silent thief of sight’, lacks symptoms in its initial stages. Both conditions result in permanent vision loss.

Additionally, macular degeneration, the primary cause of blindness in Americans over 50 , advances silently early on. However, early treatment can slow its progression.

Once these diseases advance to affect vision, prevention of further loss becomes difficult. However, early detection is possible through a comprehensive eye examination , which should include dilation for a thorough evaluation, particularly of the optic nerve.

Dr. Bodenheimer underscores the criticality of annual comprehensive eye exams, including dilation, for individuals with a family history of diabetes, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Waiting until vision blurs or squinting increases is not advisable. He urges patients to take a proactive stance toward their vision to ensure clear sight well into their later years.

Dr. Adam Carrera joined Baptist Eye Surgeons in August of 2020. Dr. Carrera is a highly skilled surgeon known for his dedication to fostering strong patient relationships. He makes sure to involve them in every aspect of their eye health and care. 

Dr. Carrera brings a wealth of experience to his position at Baptist Eye Surgeons. This includes time served in the U.S. Air Force. He achieved a Magna Cum Laude B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology from King University in 2011. 

This was followed by the completion of his M.D. at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine in 2016. During his tenure at ETSU, he was honored with induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

After obtaining his medical degree, Dr. Carrera successfully finished a transitional internship at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis. He subsequently completed his residency at the Hamilton Eye Institute at the University of Tennessee, Memphis.

Dr. Carrera specializes in comprehensive ophthalmology, providing expert assistance to patients dealing with various eye diseases and conditions. He offers a range of services including: 

One of Dr. Carrera’s greatest joys in practicing ophthalmology is the meaningful interactions he has with his patients. He loves ensuring they have a thorough understanding of their eye health.

Dr. Janis L. Holt became a valued member of Baptist Eye Surgeons in December 2019. She  brings her specialized skills in cataract surgery as well as corneal disease and transplant procedures to both the Knoxville and Morristown locations.

With her extensive experience, Dr. Holt has performed numerous cutting-edge cataract surgeries and partial thickness corneal transplantations . Additionally, she takes great pleasure in assisting patients in understanding and managing conditions like: 

Dr. Holt has a personal connection to glaucoma within her own family. This has made her deeply committed to guiding patients through treatment options, empowering them to enhance their vision and quality of life. She emphasizes the potential for patients to regain control over their health, countering the notion that healthcare diminishes our agency.

She attained a Master of Science in Molecular Biology at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO, in 1996. She then completed her Doctorate in Medicine at SLU’s School of Medicine in 2001. 

Dr. Holt finished her residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, FL, in 2005. She completed a fellowship in Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, in 2006.

Fueled by her history of teaching in a university environment, Dr. Holt brings a dedicated enthusiasm to educating patients about the well-being of their eyes. By providing patients with a deeper understanding of their eye function and potential issues, she empowers them to implement positive changes for improved eyesight, leading to a sense of relief and control.

Dr. Holt’s expertise extends to the use of cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, for clinical purposes like migraines and facial spasms, which has yielded notable success with her patients. Furthermore, she enjoys engaging with patients in need of glasses or contact lenses, introducing them to a wide range of intriguing options they may not have previously considered.

Dr. J. Franklin Murchison, M.D . graduated as the second-ranking student in a class of 399 at Jackson Central Merry High School in Jackson, Tennessee, in June 1979. He pursued a degree in Chemistry at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN, from 1979 to 1982, achieving Summa Cum Laude honors upon graduation. 

Following this, he earned his M.D. at the University of Tennessee in Memphis (1982 – 1986). Dr. Murchison completed his internship at the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville, TN (1986 – 1987), and his residency at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina (1987 – 1990). Additionally, he undertook a fellowship in Cornea/External Disease (1990 – 1991) at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida.

Dr. Murchison has been part of our team since 1994. As a general ophthalmologist, he can address virtually any medical problem you may have with your eyes. Dr. Murchison also has quite a few specialties, including LASIK surgery . “We’ve been doing LASIK surgery since it began, pretty much,” he says.

Two structures in the eye focus light—your cornea and your lens. With LASIK, Dr. Murchison can change the shape of your cornea to improve your vision. This is accomplished by creating a flap with one laser. A second laser is used to reshape the cornea and make vision corrections to your distance vision. 

This may help alleviate your need for glasses or contacts. Keep in mind that the procedure can’t be performed if you have cataracts.

Speaking on his years providing LASIK, Dr. Murchison says:

LASIK can be performed if you’re over the age of 40. However, this is the time that presbyopia sets in—a natural condition that makes it hard to focus on objects that are up close. In this case, you may still need reading glasses at certain times.

The procedure is painless thanks to topical anesthetic and anxiety medication. Patients report feeling pressure from a suction ring that’s used, but that’s the extent of it. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes on average and you can usually return to normal activities very quickly. 

Another benefit of LASIK is that it doesn’t require a hospital stay. According to Dr. Murchison, “It’s usually pretty quick. You go home, and with the valium on board, you’ll typically sleep for most of the day. This also really helps the recovery of the eye.”

Specializing in cataract surgery, Dr. Nave rejuvenates patients’ vision. He offers various glaucoma treatments, minimizing the need for daily medication through laser procedures. 

Dr. Nave also handles: 

His patient-centric approach emphasizes trust and communication. He educates patients on their conditions and involves them in decision-making, empowering them in their eye care journey.

Passionate about revitalizing eyesight, Dr. Nave returned to East Tennessee to enhance eye care. “I’m excited to be back home in Sevierville ,” he says, “Seeing patients at all our locations, and giving back to the communities that have supported me over the years.”

In his downtime, Dr. Nave enjoys outdoor adventures with his lab, Hank, and supports the UT Vols. A Star Wars enthusiast, he often references his favorite films. Dr. Nave’s skills and enthusiasm promise a valuable addition to our practice. His devoted care and investment in each patient make him a valued asset.

Dr. Paul Pruett pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, focusing on Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology. Subsequently, he excelled in medical school at Emory University, graduating with high honors (magna cum laude). 

He continued his training with an internship and ophthalmology residency at Emory University, where he had the honor of serving as Chief Resident in his final year. Additionally, he dedicated a year to a fellowship program specializing in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma at Emory.

Like many of our other surgeons, Dr. Pruett has a wide range of interests and specialties. One of these is glaucoma surgery , of which he says, “I’m a glaucoma specialist as well as practicing general ophthalmology. I treat mostly patients that have glaucoma or look suspicious. But I also do general ophthalmology including cataract surgery and treating dry eyes. That kind of thing.”

Glaucoma is an issue with the optic nerve , which is the cable that connects the eyeball to the brain. “The optic nerve can progressively get damaged over time,” explains Dr. Pruett, “generally related to pressure in the eye. This leads to peripheral vision loss working its way forward into the patient’s vision. The problem being that, once the vision loss occurs, it’s permanent. You can’t bring it back once it’s gone.”

Glaucoma isn’t a single disease but a spectrum of issues. “I like to say that the majority of glaucoma cases are caused by birthdays. The natural draining of the eyes can lose function and the pressure in the eyes can go up. As it goes up, it can damage the optic nerve.” Other conditions can cause glaucoma , including genetic conditions and uncontrolled diabetes.

Glaucoma can become necessary for different reasons. One is if medications, often eye drops, aren’t working. The second and likely most common reason is if they aren’t tolerated by the body. “All medicines have potential side effects,” says Dr. Pruett. “If those side effects overwhelm the patient then we can use surgery to lower the pressure.”

Glaucoma surgery falls into two wide categories:

Glaucoma can’t be cured. Fortunately, it can be controlled with surgery. Noting the experience of previous patients, Dr. Pruett says, “There are patients that have had glaucoma surgery decades ago that haven’t had to do anything to treat their glaucoma. However, their glaucoma is still there.”

Dr. Darin Smith has been with us since 1998. He specializes in comprehensive ophthalmology, with a primary focus on cataract and LASIK surgeries. However, he also does a lot of work with cataract surgery and the implantation of intraocular lenses , or IOLs for short.

According to Dr. Smith, “What we do with cataract surgery is we remove the natural cloudy lens and replace that with a clear, plastic lens implant. A lens implant is just a silicone or acrylic lens implant that goes inside the eye after cataract surgery.” 

He explains the different types of IOLs by saying:

To put it another way, IOLs come in three main types:

Each comes with its unique benefits. IOLs are necessary once cataracts progress to the point requiring surgery. 

Standard lenses are typically covered by insurance. They aid either distance or close-up vision but not both, and do not correct astigmatism. Toric lenses correct astigmatism, aiming to reduce dependency on glasses or contacts for either distance or close-up vision, but not both. 

Multifocal lenses offer comprehensive vision correction, addressing distance, close-up vision, and astigmatism. They aim to reduce glasses dependency across all aspects of vision. Light adjustable lenses (LALs) are the newest option for IOLs.They are adjusted after your surgery using UV light to give you the best prescription possible.

Dr. Erik Sweet joined our practice in July 2020. Dr. Sweet is a dedicated comprehensive ophthalmologist known for his patient-centric approach and commitment to education. 

Specializing in comprehensive ophthalmology, Dr. Sweet values the ability to offer a wide range of treatments, setting him apart from specialists who focus on specific areas. His expertise includes administering intravitreal injections for retinal pathologies, performing various cataract surgery procedures, and conducting office-based treatments like eyelid lesion removal.

Moreover, he is skilled in addressing glaucoma through both minimally invasive surgery and laser treatments. He also provides comprehensive care for conditions such as: 

Dr. Sweet’s dedication to ophthalmology was ignited during a medical mission trip, where he recognized the global and local need for comprehensive eye care. He values the long-term relationships formed with patients, emphasizing the continuity of care in ophthalmology.

His practice philosophy aligns with involving patients in decision-making, ensuring they fully understand their options. Dr. Sweet’s business background underscores the importance of effective communication and education in patient care. He prioritizes making patients feel heard and valued, dispelling misconceptions about ophthalmic treatments and surgeries.

In his personal life, Dr. Sweet cherishes time spent with his family. They relish outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and kayaking. Additionally, he looks forward to his annual international “manventure,” an adventure-filled trip shared with close friends.

Located in Knoxville, TN, Baptist Eye Surgeons is a team of highly skilled surgeons dedicated to restoring sight and instilling hope in their patients. Book an appointment today to receive exceptional eye care and regain your vision and hope.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, Morristown, TN, and Sevierville, TN. Give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment .