East Tennessee Eye Care

I've been going to Dr.Russell for over 20 years, and he never disappoints! The doc and staff make scheduling appointments completely effortless--always quick and hassle-free. The office is super nice and welcoming, and the entire team is kind and professional. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable, friendly eye care.

Dr. Russel is thorough and has excellent bedside manner. He listened carefully to my concerns, explained the exam process and results in straightforward terms, and never made me feel rushed. The visit felt efficient yet personal. Solid experience overall--I'll continue seeing him and recommend him to others.

I thought your off would listen to me but NOPE they did NOT. No eye Doctor listened since I was 2 years old . I was born with a lot of eye problems and damage. I was legally blind at 2yrs old. I was mad fun of and etc even my dr's can't you see that. I NOW can see everything except small letters and numbers. Your office said I had all this stuff because of my age NO it isn't be cause of my age it is also Diabetes and life HISTORY and everything since birth. The first visit that I have with this company, the doctor made me feel like I was lower than dirt suck at one he was nicer, but gave me an eyedrop, and I tried to explain to these people. I cannot do eye drops. They hurt my eyes and give me migraines and because of that I have all of it and I don't like migraines and I don't like my eyes hurting and because you all don't like my insurance, I can't come back and apparently my insurance don't like you all either. I don't know what the deal is but now I can't get my eyes fixed and that's all I ever wanted is to be able to see and I meant what I said to that doctor, I lose my eyesight. I'm done.

My daughter was excited about picking up her new glasses this morning. We love the staff here at East Tennessee Eye Center, they are always friendly and sweet to my girls and I. We are always greeted with a smile and kindness and any questions or concerns that we may have they have always been great about helping with finding answers and solutions to them... We love being part of this eye care family we have here...

Two Experiences Here First Experience (2022): My visit in 2022 was outstanding--10/10! I have a lesser-known insurance plan, and I chose this clinic because my insurance provider confirmed they accepted it. Though it took the staff a bit of time to sort out the details, they were incredibly patient and kind, even involving the doctor to ensure everything was in order. After about 15 minutes, they figured it out, and I was taken back for my appointment. The doctor was highly knowledgeable and very friendly. I received my eyeglass prescription, selected my frames, paid the balance, and returned a few weeks later to pick up my glasses. They even stayed open a little after closing (about 10 minutes) so I could pick them up after work. Exceptional service! Second Experience (2024): Fast forward to 2024, and it was time for new glasses, so I scheduled another appointment. They called to confirm, and I wanted to ensure they still accepted my insurance, so I called to double-check. Unfortunately, this time, the experience was far from pleasant. The woman I spoke to was dismissive and made minimal effort to check my insurance. She bluntly told me they didn't accept it. I tried to explain that it wasn't traditional insurance but a discount plan managed by a third party on behalf of my insurance, but she wasn't interested. I called my insurance again, and they confirmed the clinic should accept it. When I called back to relay this, she seemed irritated. I asked if they had stopped accepting my insurance in the past two years, but she insisted they had never had anyone with my plan. She must not have been there during my 2022 visit. I then asked if I could have my last known prescription to get new frames elsewhere, but she refused, saying it had been over two years, so I would need a new exam. Now I'm left unsure of how to get new glasses. I'm nearly legally blind, and keeping my prescription up to date is crucial. I hope to get different insurance soon--one that's more widely accepted.

I went for my initial consult in 11/22 for a contact and glasses exam. I had to go back multiple times attempting to get the correct prescription for my contacts, which was fine because I obviously wanted the correct fit and there were other things that kept me from going back for few months. In May I thought we finally had the prescription that would work and I was just waiting on a sample for one eye to come in. I called numerous times for a couple months to see if the contact sample was there, and each time I was told there was a back log on contacts and I wasn't the only patient waiting. This month I got a text that is was time to schedule my next exam. I had already scheduled with another office, but I did call to get the contact information, and at that time I was advised my contacts were there and ready to pick up at my convenience. Seriously.... I have been waiting on contacts since May and never got a call back. I feel Dr. Russell himself did everything he could to get me in the correct fit, but waiting 6 months on a sample contact to come in and not even be called and told the sample was there is not acceptable. You have lost a patient due to the office staff incompetency.

I went to pickup glasses for my 2 kids today and was super upset to find out I drove 40 mins and there was no one there who could adjust them. It's very upsetting since I scheduled the appointment yesterday and wasn't told there wouldn't be anyone there who could adjust them. I definitely wouldn't have wasted my time and gas had I known before hand. I hated the experience especially since one of my kids has never worn glasses before. Then I was told that "Dr Russell can do adjustments but he is with patients right now." Aren't we patients too? I ended up having to go somewhere else to get them adjusted. I won't be returning.

For starters the lady at the front desk is a smart aleck. She has been rude to me every time I come in. She has messed up my contact order along with processing my insurance wrong. This is my second year going to East Tennessee Eye Care and yet again another problem. I will not be going back. I know Dr. Russell personally and he is a nice guy but I can't deal with the unprofessionalism of his staff.