The health and safety of patients and staff remains our top priority. As federal, state and local guidance permit, we are resuming routine eye exams to meet your eye health needs. Please follow the SCHEDULE NOW link below or call our office to book an appointment. Click here to learn more about our health & safety policies.
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM10:00 AM - 6:00 PM10:00 AM - 6:00 PM10:00 AM - 6:00 PM10:00 AM - 6:00 PM10:00 AM - 6:00 PM1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Carlson Eye Care Centers' vision is to be the industry leader in eyecare and eyewear by concentrating on a patient centric approach in providing a new standard of quality, convenience and innovation in a caring and compassionate manner.
Dr. Carl...
Carlson Eye Care Centers' vision is to be the industry leader in eyecare and eyewear by concentrating on a patient centric approach in providing a new standard of quality, convenience and innovation in a caring and compassionate manner. Dr. Carlson & Associates can help diagnose, treat, and detect subtle changes in your eyes year over year. Come visit our offices at and let us help you see and look your best. Our doctors are here to provide the professional eye care near you, to guarantee you have the clearest vision. Call today to schedule an appointment for your annual eye exam.
Dr. Torrey J Carlson & Associates is the local eye doctor to see for all of your eye care needs in Knoxville, TN. As your local Knoxville optometrist, Dr. Torrey J Carlson & Associates can help diagnose, treat, and detect subtle changes in your eyes year over year. Come visit our offices at 7600 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919 and let us help you see and look your best. Our doctors are here to provide the professional eye care near you, to guarantee you have the clearest vision. Call today to schedule an appointment for your annual eye exam.
our doctors
Dr. Torrey Carlson
Dr. Carlson was born in Escanaba, Michigan. He married his wife Amy in 1995, They moved to Tennessee after graduation. They have four children Masey, Lizzie, Allie, and Jack and an Irish setter, Sadie. He enjoys spending time with family, traveling, antiques, reading, golfing, basketball.
Education
Attended Ferris State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then attended the now-Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, graduating in 1995.
Experience
Doctor of Optometry therapeutic Tennessee
Texas
Colorado
and Virginia. American Optometric Association (AOA)
TN Optometric Association (TOA)
ALLDOCS
Northeast Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians
East TN Optometric Association (ETOA). Board of Optometry
Dr. Alecia Rogers
Dr. Rogers grew up in Delphi, Indiana. She married her husband Brad in 2014 and they have two daughters, Annora and Emilia.
Education
Dr. Rogers attended University of Indianapolis receiving a B.S. in Chemistry. She then went on to attend Indiana University School of Optometry, graduating with her Doctorate in 2009.
Experience
She joined Dr. Torrey Carlson and Associates after graduation and worked there until 2014. After spending a few years working in Columbia
SC she returned to east Tennessee and rejoined the practice.
Dr. Cynthia Boger
Dr. Boger has gone on an optometry mission trip to Belize and would like to go on many more in the future. She enjoys hiking, biking, painting, reading, and cooking in her free time.
Education
University of Central Florida, with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Microbiology and a minor in Medical Anthropology, 2014
Nova Southeastern University, 2018
Experience
Therapeutic Licensed in Tennessee and Florida
Dr. Hope Henderson
Contact Lenses Therapeutic Optometry She loves spending time with her daughter and husband, family, friends, and her dog. She also enjoys playing softball, spending time outdoors, and watching movies.
Education
Maryville College
Indiana University College of Optometry
Experience
Doctorate in Optometry American Optometric Association Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians
Dr. Jackie Ngo
Dr. Ngo was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. She moved to East Tennessee in 2005. In her spare time, Dr. Ngo enjoys reading, tending to houseplants, embroidery, and vintage/antique shopping. She loves traveling to explore new cities as well as revisit familiar destinations.
Education
East Tennessee State University Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and a minor in Humanities, 2014
Illinois College of Optometry and received her doctorate in 2019
Experience
Dr. Ngo is a member of the American Optometric Association
The Northeast Association of Optometric Physicians
and the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association.
Dr. Lindsey Coley
Dr. Coley grew up in Morristown, TN and has been living in Knoxville since 2014.
Education
She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in microbiology, along with a minor in psychology. She then attended Southern College of Optometry.
Experience
She completed clinical externships at Volunteer Eyecare in Halls
TN and at South East Eye Specialists in Knoxville
TN. Dr. Coley provides all optometric services and has an interest in pediatrics.
Dr. Mitch Brown
Dr Brown is a native of Kingston, TN. He has particular interest in contact lenses, family and pediatric optometry, and managing ocular disease. He joined Carlson Eyecare Centers in 2023.
Education
Dr. Brown attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and receiving a bachelor's degree in Psychology. He then attended Southern College of Optometry and received his doctorate of Optometry.
Experience
Tennessee Therapeutic Licensed Optometrist
Dr. Stephanie Cunningham
Therapeutic Optometry Contact Lenses Ortho K Dr. Cunningham enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with family, camping, hiking, and playing with her puppy.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Bio-medical Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in German from Western Michigan University and graduated from Michigan College of Optometry with a Doctor of Optometry degree.
Experience
Doctor of Optometry American Optometric Association
Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians
and East Tennesseee Optometric Association.
Dr. Thomas Bandy
Therapeutic Optometry Contact Lenses Dr. Bandy enjoys traveling, spending time with family, cooking, and trout fishing.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology from East Tennessee State University in 1976. Graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 1981 with a Doctor Of Optometry degree.
Experience
Doctor of Optometry American Optometric Association
Southern Council of Optometrist
Life Member of Armed Forces Optometric Society
and the Military Officers Association.
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Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY EYE EXAM?
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY EYE EXAM?
1
You should bring your vision insurance and medical insurance information to your eye exam. If you currently wear any prescription lenses, bring your eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. You should also bring any and all questions you may have. Contact your optometrist if you have specific questions about any additional items you think you may need to bring to your eye exam.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EYE EXAM AND A VISION SCREENING?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EYE EXAM AND A VISION SCREENING?
1
A comprehensive eye exam is administered by an optometrist and can detect not only vision problems but problems with eye health and general health as well. A vision screening is typically performed by a general medical practitioner such as a pediatrician or a nurse. While a vision screening can help identify vision issues, it can miss many important issues that a comprehensive eye exam can identify. This is why everyone is encouraged to get annual eye exams. Schedule your eye exam today.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN AN EYE EXAM?
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN AN EYE EXAM?
1
An eye exam involves a series of simple but comprehensive tests that allow your optometrist to assess your vision and your eye health. Your optometrist will discuss the results of your eye exam with you and determine the right prescription to help you to see your best.
IS A CONTACT LENS EXAM DIFFERENT THAN AN EYE EXAM?
IS A CONTACT LENS EXAM DIFFERENT THAN AN EYE EXAM?
1
A normal, comprehensive eye exam will allow your optometrist to determine if your eyes are healthy enough to wear contact lenses. During your contact lens fitting, detailed measurements of your eyes will be taken to determine the right contact lenses for you. There is an additional fee for a contact lens fitting and evaluation for all contact lens patients (both new and established patients). Schedule your eye exam today to have all of your questions about contact lenses answered.
WHY SHOULD I GET AN EYE EXAM?
WHY SHOULD I GET AN EYE EXAM?
1
An annual eye exam involves more than just updating your glasses or contact prescription. A comprehensive eye exam can also detect eye health issues as well as general health problems. Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can be detected in early stages through an eye exam, and this can result in early treatment. Schedule your annual eye exam today.
CAN EYE EXAMS DETECT OTHER HEALTH ISSUES?
CAN EYE EXAMS DETECT OTHER HEALTH ISSUES?
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Eye exams can detect eye health issues such as glaucoma and cataracts. Eye exams can also detect general health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. This is why eye exams are an important part of health maintenance for everyone regardless of age or vision correction needs. Schedule your annual eye exam today.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE AN OPTOMETRIST?
WHEN SHOULD I SEE AN OPTOMETRIST?
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You should see an optometrist once a year whether or not you believe you need vision correction. An annual eye exam can detect not only eye diseases but also other diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Schedule your eye exam today.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN AN OPTOMETRIST TREAT?
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN AN OPTOMETRIST TREAT?
1
An optometrist can treat vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. An optometrist also often treats common eye problems like dry eye syndrome and eye infections. An optometrist can also treat chronic eye diseases such as glaucoma. Optometrists are trained to detect and diagnose all eye problems and eye diseases. Schedule an eye exam today if you are experiencing any problems with your eyes or your vision.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE OPTOMETRIST?
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE OPTOMETRIST?
1
At your optometrist appointment, your optometrist usually will check your eye health and evaluate your vision. After the exam, your optometrist will discuss your vision health and the right prescription for you. Your optometrist can also answer any questions you have about your eye health, eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses. Schedule your eye exam today.
HOW DOES MY VISION CHANGE WITH AGE?
HOW DOES MY VISION CHANGE WITH AGE?
1
Changes in vision that occur with age include reduced pupil size, dry eyes, loss of peripheral vision, decreased color vision, and vitreous detachment. The most common vision problem that comes with age is presbyopia, which is the normal and unavoidable age-related loss of focusing ability. Different types of lenses can provide help for presbyopia. The risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy increases with age too. Your optometrist will discuss any age-related vision problems you’re experiencing at your next annual eye exam.
WHAT IS A REFRACTION TEST?
WHAT IS A REFRACTION TEST?
1
Your optometrist uses a refraction test to determine your exact eyeglasses prescription. Through showing you a series of lens choices through a device called a phoropter, your optometrist determines the amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism that you have and the lenses needed to correct these vision problems.
WHO CAN WEAR CONTACT LENSES?
WHO CAN WEAR CONTACT LENSES?
1
Nearly anyone who needs vision correction can wear contact lenses. Contact lenses can provide vision correction for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or a combination of these issues. Finding the perfect lens for you is sometimes a process of trial and error. All of the lens parameters can be finalized only after you’ve worn the successful combination. Schedule an eye exam to talk with your optometrist about whether contact lenses would be a good vision correction option for you.
HOW DOES AN OPTOMETRIST TEST MY EYES?
HOW DOES AN OPTOMETRIST TEST MY EYES?
1
An optometrist uses several tests and tools to evaluate your eye health and your vision. Your eye exam usually will include a glaucoma test, a retinal screening, a visual field screening, an extraocular muscle test, and a refraction test. The results of these screenings and tests help your optometrist evaluate your vision and overall eye health.
HOW IS VISION MEASURED?
HOW IS VISION MEASURED?
1
Vision is measured through a series of tests performed at an eye exam. Visual acuity is commonly measured by a series of two numbers, the first number representing the distance from which a person can clearly see something, and the second number representing the distance from which a person with normal vision can see that same thing. This measurement is typically obtained during an eye exam by having a person read from an eye chart with various sizes of letters.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD NEEDS GLASSES?
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD NEEDS GLASSES?
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Taking your child to an optometrist for an eye exam is the best way to learn if your child needs glasses. Many children who need glasses aren’t aware that they do. Signs of vision problems in children include sitting too close to the television, squinting, sensitivity to light, difficulty with eye-hand coordination, and avoiding visual activities like reading and drawing. To see if your child needs glasses, schedule your child’s eye exam today.
Learn More
See Clearly, Drive Safely
Whether a long road trip or a short getaway is calling your name this summer, seeing clearly while you drive is a must. Without a personalized vision solution - like the proper lenses for your glasses or sunglasses, your vision could be compromised. Our practice provides a personalized approach to vision care, ensuring you and your family are ready to hit the road with a custom solution tailored to your vision needs.
Our best-in-class services provide personalized care and innovative technologies. Additionally, our vision solutions include options* for those who wear Single Vision or Progressive lenses, may need Transitions®, Anti-reflective, Blue-IQ, Prescription Sun lenses, and contact lenses too. Adventure is waiting—and so is clear vision for you and your family.
CLARIFYE - The Digital Eye Exam That Shows You More
We focus on your eyes, but we are also committed to your overall health.
The CLARIFYE digital eye exam provides an advanced and precise eye care experience for your best vision, can pinpoint changes in your eye health over time, and can tailor prescriptions for day and night. This state-of-the-art digital eye exam technology can also help me diagnose health problems like diabetes and glaucoma.
Your visits will be different from now on. CLARIFYE helps reduce the ‘which is better 1 or 2’ guesswork of traditional eye exam methods for most patients.
CLARIFYE maps the unique fingerprint of your eyes, and you will leave knowing you have a precisely pinpointed, customized prescription and a new insight into your health.
Don’t hesitate to schedule your comprehensive eye exam with us today – please see some convenient times that may work for you. We look forward to seeing you.
Upcoming Eye Exam Appointments
And more appointments available for you and your family
