Medical Eye Care in Knoxville & East Tennessee

Both are doctors who examine, diagnose and treat conditions of the eye. An optometrist (OD) holds a doctorate in optometry and provides comprehensive eye care — exams, vision correction, and the diagnosis and ongoing medical management of conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye and diabetic eye disease. An ophthalmologist (MD or DO) completes medical school and a surgical residency, so they also perform eye surgery. At Tennessee Eye Care the two work together: many patients see an optometrist for their regular care and an ophthalmologist when a procedure is involved, with both working from the same record.

If you have a diagnosed eye condition like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy, your doctor will recommend a monitoring schedule based on your specific situation. This is typically every 3-12 months depending on the severity and stability of your condition.

Many eye conditions have a genetic component. If you have a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye diseases, you may be at higher risk. We recommend informing your eye doctor about your family history so they can monitor for early signs.

Seek immediate care if you experience sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, eye pain, or a curtain-like shadow over your vision. These could indicate serious conditions like retinal detachment that require urgent treatment.