Where To Find Your New Ophthalmologist in East Tennessee

Baptist Eye Surgeons • September 22, 2022

Finding an ophthalmologist is a pivotal step toward preserving your vision as well as your overall health. At Baptist Eye Surgeons, we understand the need for high-quality eye care in East Tennessee. That’s why we have offices in Knoxville and the surrounding areas to serve you, no matter where you live.

Find your new ophthalmologist in East Tennessee in:

  • West Knoxville
  • Downtown Knoxville
  • Morristown
  • Sevierville

 

West Knoxville

Located in West Knoxville inside Tennessee Valley Eye Center, our ophthalmological office boasts state-of-the-art equipment and a welcoming atmosphere, providing expert eye care with plenty of hospitality. We also perform a lot of our Knoxville eye procedures and surgeries at this location’s surgery center.

Hours of Operation:

  • Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Address:

  • 140 Capital Dr, Suite 110 Knoxville, TN 37922

Contact Information:

  • Phone: (865) 579-3920
  • Fax: (865) 579-3963

My husband and I have been patients since moving to Knoxville in 2006. We have received such excellent care from several different physicians in the group for various problems.  Each one has been so caring and answered all our concerns, spending as much time with us as we needed. The staff is always professional, friendly and kind. I would give them more than 5 stars, if I could.  – Mary L.

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Downtown Knoxville

Located just South of Downtown Knoxville, our ophthalmologist’s office combines modern care with Knoxville charm, offering top-tier eye care services just around the corner from a vibrant cityscape.

Hours of operation:

  • Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Address:

  • 4528 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920

Contact Information:

  • Phone: (865) 579-3920
  • Fax: (865) 579-3963

The staff was extremely friendly and very polite. They took their time with me and explained exactly what they were doing and why. They set up my surgery to my convenience and scheduled my follow-ups with my regular eye doctor. Rating wise, 5 stars. Thank you so much. – Iva K.

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MorristownOutside sign for Baptist Eye Surgeons where you'll find your new

Baptist Eye Surgeons provides a community-centered environment with cutting-edge eye care services in Morristown, TN .

Hours of operation:

  • Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Fridays, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Address:

  • 3001 W Andrew Johnson Hwy, Morristown, TN 37814

Contact Information:

  • Phone: (423) 581-0360
  • Fax: (423) 585-4244

Optical Shop

At Baptist Eye Surgeons in Morristown, TN, we go beyond medical care. We also provide Morristown and the surrounding areas with our comprehensive optical shop. 

Here, you can discover frames and lenses tailored to your lifestyle. Additionally, our optical shop offers an extensive range of prescription contact lenses, accommodating various preferences from single-vision soft lenses to more advanced options.

Hours of operation:

  • Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
  • Fridays, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Address:

  • 3001 W Andrew Johnson Hwy, Morristown, TN 37814

Contact Information:

  • Phone: (423) 587-2450
  • Fax: (423) 585-4249

Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses

We provide a broad range of brands and styles that you’ll love, including:

  • Aristar
  • Coach
  • Nike
  • Ralph Lauren
  • Ray-Ban
  • Silhouette
  • Vera Bradley

And that’s just scratching the surface. Our extensive range of sunglasses is tailored to suit your preferences, whether or not you require a prescription.

As dedicated eye specialists in Morristown, TN, we cater to your specific vision needs. Our lens  selection includes conventional options like: 

  • Single-vision 
  • Bifocal 
  • Trifocal 
  • Progressives lenses 

For those with active lifestyles, we also provide specialized lenses suitable for sports and outdoor activities. In our optical shop, you’ll find lenses with a variety of distinctive features, including:

  • Durable shatter-resistant polycarbonate
  • Anti-reflective coating
  • Polarization
  • Transition lenses

Additionally, we offer BluTech lenses designed to shield against high-energy ultraviolet and blue light. These lenses are particularly beneficial for patients dealing with macular degeneration and cataracts.

Contact Lenses

We have an extensive range of contact lenses at our Morristown location. Options include:

  • Soft contact lenses
  • Gas-permeable contact lenses
  • Multifocal contact lenses
  • Toric contact lenses
  • Scleral contact lenses

The staff are very polite, courteous, and helpful. The doctors are knowledgeable in their fields of expertise. They are up to date with modern capabilities. I urge anyone with issues with their eyesight to give them a call. They diagnosed my problem immediately and promptly took care of it. – Margaret J.

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Sevierville

Our Sevierville, TN ophthalmologist’s office seamlessly blends advanced technology with outstanding eye care for the local community.

Hours of operation:

  • Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Address:

  • 186 Collier Drive Pigeon Forge, TN 37862

Contact Information:

  • Phone: (865) 579-3920
  • Fax: (865) 579-3963

We recognized the need for convenient and accessible ophthalmology services in Sevierville. Our decision to open an office here reflects our dedication to serving the eye care needs of patients in their local communities throughout East Tennessee. – Valerie Gibbs, CEO of Baptist Eye Surgeons  

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Meet Our Surgeons

Information for Patientswoman getting an eye exam with an east tennessee ophthalmologist

A smooth intake process is a priority for our team. To help ensure this, we offer convenient access to all necessary patient information forms online. You can easily download, print, and complete these forms prior to your initial appointment, minimizing any potential delays. If it has been a year since your last visit, we recommend completing them again.

Simply click the links below to obtain and fill out your forms:

Or click here to download all the above forms at once.

Billing and Insurance

At Baptist Eye Surgeons, we understand that your comfort goes beyond bedside manner. This is why our administrative team is available to address any inquiries you may have about billing and insurance.

Contact our insurance specialist at (865) 579-3974 to discuss your:

  • Billing
  • Insurance coverage
  • Financial hardship

Remember to bring your insurance card for each appointment. Most Medicaid, Medicare, TennCare, and private insurance plans typically cover the majority of your medical treatments.

If you’re using private insurance or Tenncare, you will likely need a referral from your primary care physician. It’s crucial to contact your insurance provider before your appointment with us to secure the necessary referral. Failure to do so may result in rescheduling if a valid referral is not in place.

Out-of-pocket expenses may be due at the time of your appointment. These include charges not covered by your insurance, such as:

  • Copayments
  • Deductibles
  • Refraction Fee

We accept major credit cards including Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express for your convenience.

Online Payments

You have the option to make your payment online . To do so, please provide the following details:

  • Your first and last name
  • Account number
  • Payment information

Click on “Continue” and then follow the prompts to complete the payment process.

Knowledge Resources

Just as your eyes are connected to the rest of your body, their well-being is linked to your overall health. In fact, your vision can serve as a window into underlying health conditions you might not be aware of. As ophthalmologists based in East Tennessee, we aim to provide you with a wealth of resources to enhance your understanding of various eye conditions and their treatments.

These resources come in the form of ebooks, videos, and blogs. Our ebooks serve as comprehensive guides, addressing nearly any question you may have regarding eye diseases or procedures.

Follow the links below to access and learn from our ebooks :

  • The Complete Guide to Cataract Surgery: Everything You Need to Know Before, During, and After
  • The Complete Guide to Glaucoma
  • Your Guide to Cosmetic Eye Procedures for a Younger-Looking You

In addition, our extensive video library offers insightful interviews with our eye surgeons, where they address a wide range of eye health matters and treatments. Whether it’s LASIK or glaucoma, they’ll keep you up to date on the latest developments. You can view them on our Resources page or on our YouTube channel .

We also maintain a blog library . Every month, we publish new articles that cover the most current information on eye surgery and eye care. Whether you’re interested in delving into cataract surgery or learning about computer glasses, you’re likely to find the information you’re seeking within our blogs.

The staff were all very friendly.  Wait time was minimal and testing was done quickly and efficiently. My eyes are very important to me so having a group I can trust is very important.  – Christina V.

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Specialties Offered by Your Ophthalmologist in East Tennessee

Your ophthalmologist in East Tennessee is proficient in handling a wide range of eye conditions. Whether it’s eye exams or problems with the cornea, our eye specialists provide you with the necessary care to safeguard or, when possible, restore your vision. They excel in pinpointing your eye issues and formulating a comprehensive plan to ensure the longevity of your vision.

Cataracts

Cataracts result from the aging-related breakdown and clumping of eye proteins, causing clouding of the lens. This hinders light from focusing on the retina, impairing vision. Even slight clouding qualifies as a cataract, potentially leading to significant vision problems. 

Symptoms include: 

  • Blurred vision 
  • Faded colors 
  • Reduced night vision 
  • Light sensitivity
  • Double vision 

An eye exam is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. Cataracts progress slowly and often unnoticed. Treatments range from updated eyewear to cataract surgery , with modern techniques enabling swifter recovery for a speedier return to normalcy.

Cornea Issues

The cornea plays a vital role in focusing light onto the retina. It’s comprised of three layers including the: 

  • Epithelium (outer cellular layer) 
  • Stroma (central, robust section) 
  • Endothelium (inner cellular lining of the stroma) 

Despite its relative simplicity, corneal damage can impact vision. Conditions like Trichiasis, Keratoconus, Fuchs Dystrophy, infections, and abrasions can affect it. Our eye surgeons offer various cornea treatments , including transplants for cases of swelling, deformation, or scarring that impairs clear vision. These procedures replace damaged tissue, restoring sight.

Cosmetic Eye Problems

As time passes, you may observe changes in the skin around your eyes. We offer various cosmetic eye procedures to combat these signs of aging, including: 

  • Botox 
  • Facial fillers 
  • Brow lifts 
  • Eyelid surgery 

Botox and similar injectables relax facial muscles, diminishing furrows and lines without surgery. 

Facial fillers like Juvéderm, Restylane, and Belotero plump sunken areas, reducing aging signs. Brow lifts elevate eyebrows for a youthful look, smoothing forehead skin. They can complement eyelid surgery, addressing severe drooping lids that affect vision. Eyelid surgery enhances eye appearance, applicable to lower, upper, or both lids as per your preference.

Diabetic Eye Issues

Elevated sugar levels can harm blood vessels, including those in the eyes, potentially leading to irreversible vision loss known as diabetic eye disease . As diabetes rates surge in the U.S., regular eye checks for disease symptoms become increasingly vital. 

Diabetic eye disease can yield microaneurysms —fragile spots with vessel bubbles in the eyes. If left untreated, these bubbles may burst, causing blood to seep into the retina. While the blood eventually clears, residual proteins can lead to background diabetic eye issues.

Early detection through comprehensive eye exams is crucial, as regaining lost vision proves challenging. These exams enable tailored laser treatments, preserving sight.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eyes may arise from allergies, weather, or a more severe condition called dry eye syndrome . It impacts the tear film which is comprised of oil, water, and mucus layers, crucial for eye protection and moisture. Disturbances in any layer can result in insufficient or incorrect tear production, leading to the syndrome. 

Causes include: 

  • Eyelid inflammation 
  • Autoimmune disorders 
  • Medications 
  • Hormonal shifts 
  • Contact lenses 
  • Aging 

Our ophthalmologists will conduct a precise eye exam to diagnose and devise a personalized relief plan.

Eye Exams

Comprehensive eye exams are crucial for both vision and overall health. They provide a thorough evaluation of eye structures beyond standard check-ups. 

These exams detect conditions like: 

  • Macular degeneration 
  • Diabetic eye disease 
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts 

Those aged 40 and above should have these exams annually or every two years. With higher risk after age 50, yearly checks become necessary. Your ophthalmologist in East Tennessee offers surgical treatment for eyelid disorders, including droopy lids, congenital issues, trauma, and eye-related cancers. 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma , often caused by elevated eye pressure, results in optic nerve damage. Various surgical options exist for treatment, including: 

  • Trabeculectomy 
  • Laser trabeculoplasty 
  • Aqueous shunt implants 
  • Laser peripheral iridotomy

Given that approximately three million Americans live with glaucoma, regular eye check-ups are crucial. Those above 40 with a family history of glaucoma or high eye pressure face a higher risk. 

Common symptoms include: 

  • Eye pain 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Reduced night vision 
  • Mild headaches 
  • Diminished peripheral vision 
  • Occasional eye redness 

Early cases may find relief through medication or laser surgery while advanced cases may require more extensive procedures. Your ophthalmologist in East Tennessee will advise you on the best course of action.

Eye Infections

Every year, millions seek medical help for eye infections . These can often stem from improper contact lens care. Swift treatment is crucial to prevent complications and further spread. 

Types of eye infections include: 

  • Iritis 
  • Styes 
  • Shingles
  • Conjunctivitis 
  • Infectious corneal ulcers 
  • Herpes simplex eye disease 

These conditions share similar symptoms, requiring professional diagnosis. For accurate evaluation and specialized treatment, turn to your ophthalmologist in East Tennessee.

LASIK Surgery

At Baptist Eye Surgeons, we offer LASIK surgery . Short for laser-assisted stromal in-situ keratomileusis , LASIK is tailored to eligible patients and frees them from the need for glasses or contacts. It addresses prevalent refractive issues like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Our precise laser intervention reshapes the cornea, enhancing focus and ensuring clear vision.

Reconstructive Eye Surgery

Issues ranging from eyelids to tear ducts may require reconstructive surgery for your eyes. Thankfully, we’re experienced at correcting these concerns, restoring both function and vision.

We handle conditions such as:

  • Tumors
  • Lacerations
  • Impaired eye sockets
  • Both upper and lower eyelids
  • Excessive tearing or blockages

Opting for reconstructive eye surgery isn’t just about fixing an ocular issue — it’s about enhancing your overall quality of life.

Retina Issues

Macular degeneration is the primary vision risk for individuals above age 65 . It impacts the retina , a layer of nerve cells lining the back of the eye. The retina is responsible for detecting light and transmitting signals to the brain to form visual images. Diabetic retinopathy, retinal tearing, and detachment also pose threats to the retina.

Signs of retinal issues often include:

  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Floaters in the eye
  • Flashes in the eye

If you notice a sudden increase in these symptoms, it could indicate a retinal problem. Contact our Knoxville retina specialist promptly for the necessary treatment.

Great experience from the initial phone contact throughout the check-in, eye exam, and check out. I highly recommend Baptist Eye Surgeons. – Barry C.

Do you need to see one of our ophthalmologists in East Tennessee? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Find your new ophthalmologist in East Tennessee at Baptist Eye Surgeons. With offices in West Knoxville, Downtown Knoxville, Morristown, and Sevierville, we are committed to providing top-tier services to our community. Our team of dedicated ophthalmologists and surgeons is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a wealth of experience to address a wide range of eye conditions.

From routine eye exams to specialized treatments for conditions like comprehensive eye exams to eye surgery, we are dedicated to safeguarding and restoring your vision. We take pride in our comprehensive approach, ensuring that you receive personalized care tailored to your unique needs. With a commitment to excellence, we strive to exceed expectations in every aspect of care.

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

July 29, 2026
Diabetes affects various parts of the body, including your eyes. Keeping your blood sugar under control is not just good for your health overall, but it also helps protect your eyesight. Over time, high blood sugar can irritate the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of serious eye problems. Knowing how diabetes and eye health are linked can help you identify issues and take measures to protect your sight. How Does Diabetes Affect Eye Health? When blood sugar stays high, it can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and helps you see. Damaged blood vessels might leak fluid, swell, or change how well the retina works. Diabetic eye problems usually develop slowly, so you might not pick up on any changes in your vision until significant damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to get regular eye exams, even if their eyesight seems fine. Common Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes People with diabetes are more likely to have certain eye problems. Finding and treating these issues early can lower the chance of losing vision permanently. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye issue that happens when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. These damaged vessels may leak fluid, which may cause blurry vision, dark spots, or changes in how you see. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessel growth can lead to serious problems. If diabetic retinopathy worsens, new abnormal blood vessels can grow, causing serious problems, including vision loss. Getting regular eye exams can help catch these changes early, before they become severe. When fluid is retained in the macula (part of the retina which focuses on sharp central vision), this swelling can make it harder to read, recognize faces, or see fine details clearly. When detected early, treatments can help reduce swelling and protect your eyesight. 3. Cataracts People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts early. Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, which can cause blurry vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. While cataracts come with age, having diabetes can make them appear sooner or progress quicker. 4. Glaucoma Diabetes can also raise your risk for glaucoma, which is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually starts without any clear symptoms, but if it is not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Routine regular eye exams are important for finding glaucoma early and keeping your eyes healthy Diabetes-related eye problems might not cause symptoms at first. Still, there are some warning signs you should look out for: • Blurry or distorted vision • Difficulty focusing • Dark spots, floaters, or shadows in your sight • Increased sensitivity to glare • Trouble seeing colors clearly • Sudden alterations in vision • Partial or complete loss of vision If you notice sudden vision changes, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible. The Value of Regular Eye Exams for People With Diabetes Getting a full eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision if you have diabetes. During the examination, your physician will study your retina, look for symptoms of diabetic eye disease, and track any changes over time. Many eye problems linked to diabetes can be treated more easily if they are found early. Regular checkups help your eye doctor give you advice that fits your own eye health and diabetes care. Protecting Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes Looking after your general health is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Here are some things you can do to protect your vision: • Keeping blood sugar levels under control • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol • Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams • Following your diabetes treatment plan • Eating a balanced diet that promotes eye health • Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of eye complications Prioritizing Your Vision and Eye Health Diabetes and eye health are closely linked, but you can lower your risk of serious vision problems by taking action early. Getting regular eye exams, making healthy choices, and managing your diabetes all help protect your eyesight. If you have diabetes, seeing your eye doctor regularly can help catch changes early and keep your vision clear for the future. Your eyes are a key part of your health, so make caring for them a priority at every age. 
June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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