About Us

We strive to provide the best quality eye care for our patients of all ages and ensure that they leave satisfied with their visit and wanting to come back next year!

  • Myopia Management
  • Digital Eye Exams
  • Dry Eye Center
  • Eye Disease Treatment & Management
  • Refractive Surgery
  • RETeval ERG Testing

Our Team

Dr. Torrey Carlson

Dr. Torrey Carlson

Dr. Carlson was born and raised in Escanaba, Michigan.  He married his wife Amy in 1995 and they have four children Masey, Lizzie, Allie, and Jack and an Irish setter named Sadie.  They moved to East Tennessee just out of school in... Show More

Dr. Carlson was born and raised in Escanaba, Michigan.  He married his wife Amy in 1995 and they have four children Masey, Lizzie, Allie, and Jack and an Irish setter named Sadie.  They moved to East Tennessee just out of school in 1995.

EDUCATION:

Dr. Carlson attended Ferris State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Vision Science. He then attended the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, graduating in 1995.  His Externships included working at the VA’s in Fort Wayne and Marion Indiana, Eglin AFB’s Optometry Clinic, and a Detroit Medicaid Clinic.  He is always attending continuing education classes and seminars to stay current with the newest treatments and up-to-date technology. He is continually seeking the latest technologies in the treatment, management and prevention of ocular diseases such as Glaucoma, Diabetes, Age Related Macular Degeneration, Cataracts and other ocular pathology. He has over 29 years of experience in co-managing LASIK, PRK, and cataract surgery.  He has provided eye care to well over 150,000 people in his career.

WORK HISTORY:

He started with LensCrafters in Knoxville as an associate doctor in 1995. In 2003, he moved to the Tri-Cities area and took the Doctor’s leases in LensCrafters in Johnson City and Kingsport. He in time expanded to the Turkey Creek area of Knoxville which was opened in April of 2005.  In 2016, Dr. Carlson added two more locations: one in Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia and one at the West Town Mall in Knoxville.  Additional offices have been acquired in East Knoxville (Harvest Park), Hixon (Northgate) and Chattanooga(Hamilton Place), TN.

Dr. Carlson was appointed to the State Optometry Board in 2015.  He also has lectured for Alcon, Luxottica Vision Care, and Johnson and Johnson Vision Care.  He has consulted with various other contact lens companies.  He has been involved in marketing research for new contact lens product launches. He serves on the Optometry Advisory Council at LensCrafters. He is a board member of the ALLDOCS doctor's group. He mentors area students interested in Optometry as a profession.

HOBBIES:

Includes spending time with family, boating, traveling, watches, antiques, reading, exercising, basketball, and is an avid sports fan- Go ETSU Bucs, Detroit sports teams, and Go Big Orange!

Dr. Makayla Harr

Dr. Makayla Harr

BIOGRAPHY: Dr Harr was born and raised in Bristol, TN. She lived there until she was 11 then moved to and resided in Piney Flats, TN until leaving for Optometry School. Following graduation, She moved back to Bristol with her husband,... Show More

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr Harr was born and raised in Bristol, TN. She lived there until she was 11 then moved to and resided in Piney Flats, TN until leaving for Optometry School. Following graduation, She moved back to Bristol with her husband, Evan Harr, and her two mini golden doodles Oscar and Leo. Both of their families are from the area, and they are excited to be back home with everyone!

EDUCATION:

Dr Harr graduated Valedictorian from Tennessee High School in 2017. Then, she graduated Cum Laude from East Tennessee State University in 2020 with a major in Biology and minor in Business. Lastly, She recently graduated from Kentucky College of Optometry-University of Pikeville Kentucky in 2024.

WORK HISTORY:

Before Optometry school, Dr Harr worked as a part time technician at Mills Optometric Associates in Elizabethton, TN between the years of 2015-2020. During optometry school she completed her clinical externships at the following locations: Kentucky College of Optometry (Pikeville, KY), Simpson Optical (Lexington, KY), Abell Eyes Refractive Solutions (Lexington, KY).

HOBBIES:

Hanging out with friends, family, and her dogs is her favorite thing to do. She also loves traveling, playing tennis, playing card games, and reading Colleen Hoover. Her next new hobby now that she isnt studying all the time, is to start gardening.

  • English
Dr. Troy Moss

Dr. Troy Moss

Dr. Moss grew up in Chattanooga, TN and recently moved to Johnson City with his wife, who is a General Surgery resident with ETSU.  EDUCATION:  Dr. Moss graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He then... Show More
Dr. Moss grew up in Chattanooga, TN and recently moved to Johnson City with his wife, who is a General Surgery resident with ETSU. 

EDUCATION: 

Dr. Moss graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He then obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree in 2022 from Southern College of Optometry
in Memphis, TN.

WORK:

He completed externships at Kapperman, White & McGarvey in Chattanooga, TN and Southeast Eye Specialists in Knoxville, TN. He provides comprehensive eye exams and particularly enjoys
managing dry eye treatment and corneal disease.

HOBBIES:

Dr. Moss enjoys outdoor activities, watching sports of all kinds, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Michael Morgan

Dr. Michael Morgan

Dr. Morgan grew up just outside of Nashville, TN and is the oldest of five children. He now lives in Church Hill with his wife Sydnee, who is also an Optometrist. They have two sons. EDUCATION: He graduated from Waldorf University with... Show More
Dr. Morgan grew up just outside of Nashville, TN and is the oldest of five children. He now lives in Church Hill with his wife Sydnee, who is also an Optometrist. They have two sons.

EDUCATION:

He graduated from Waldorf University with a Bachelor degree in Biology. While at Waldorf, Dr. Morgan also played on the collegiate basketball team. He continued his education at Salus University in Philadelphia, PA where he received his doctorate in Optometry in May of 2021.

WORK HISTORY:

He completed his externship work at James H. Quillen VAMC in Johnson City and at Cape Fear Eye Institute in Wilmington, NC. Dr. Morgan provides comprehensive exams to all ages and enjoys working with kids!
 

HOBBIES:

In Dr. Morgan’s free time he enjoys basketball, golfing, swimming, video games, and traveling to new food places with his wife. When at home he’s enjoying hanging out with his dog River.

Benjamin Lawrence

Dr. Benjamin Lawrence

Dr. Ben Lawrence grew up near Toledo, Ohio.  He and his wife Alyson moved from Minnesota to East Tennessee in 2014.   Education: Dr. Lawrence graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in Zoology.  Dr. Lawrence received his Doctor of... Show More
Dr. Ben Lawrence grew up near Toledo, Ohio.  He and his wife Alyson moved from Minnesota to East Tennessee in 2014.
 
Education:
Dr. Lawrence graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in Zoology.  Dr. Lawrence received his Doctor of Optometry from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 2011. During his clinical rotations, he did special rotations in pediatrics, low vision, specialty contact lenses, glaucoma, retinal disease, and other ocular diseases.  His externship training was at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System and Eldridge Eyecare in Langhorne, PA.  
 
Work History:
Dr. Lawrence joined Carlson Eyecare Centers in 2021.  Prior to that, he and his wife Alyson owned their own practice, Bright Eyes Family Eye Care with two locations leased within Sam's Club in Johnson City and at the Kingsport Walmart.  In 2021 Dr. Lawrence was recognized as the market area Optometrist of the Year and also in 2021 he received the Optometrist Excellence in Care Award for the region. He also has experience working in other private practices in Johnson City and in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Dr. Lawrence enjoys taking care of patients of all ages and is drawn to the variety and depth that is unique to comprehensive eye care.
 
Hobbies:
Dr. Lawrence loves to spend time being active outdoors with his wife Alyson. They both enjoy hiking and working on their farm.  He is an avid cyclist and both enjoy playing with their rescue dogs and rescue mini-donkeys.

Sarah Elmore

Dr. Sarah Elmore

Dr. Elmore grew up in Orlando, FL and moved to Johnson City in 2017. She now lives in Bristol, TN with her husband and two cats, Rook and Wren. Her father is a civil engineer, her mother is a first... Show More
Dr. Elmore grew up in Orlando, FL and moved to Johnson City in 2017. She now lives in Bristol, TN with her husband and two cats, Rook and Wren. Her father is a civil engineer, her mother is a first grade teacher, and her sister is a registered nurse in Orlando.

EDUCATION:

She attended the University of Central Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Health Services Administration in 2013. She then attended Salus University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry and graduated in 2017.

WORK:

Dr. Elmore began working for Dr. Carlson and Associates in 2017. Prior to joining the practice, she completed clinical externships at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD; the Mountain Home VA in Johnson City, TN; Charleston Eye in Charleston, SC; and Envision Eye Care in Savannah, GA.

HOBBIES:

She developed a love for hiking while previously living in Eastern Tennessee. She also fills much of her free time fostering kittens, watching movies, cross stitching, and traveling.

Dr. Phillip Gilliam

Dr. Phillip Gilliam

Dr. Gilliam lives in Johnson City. He is married to Rene Gilliam, and has four children and many grandchildren. His patients know him as “Dr. Phil.” EDUCATION:Dr. Gilliam is a 1989 Graduate of Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. WORK HISTORY:He... Show More

Dr. Gilliam lives in Johnson City. He is married to Rene Gilliam, and has four children and many grandchildren. His patients know him as “Dr. Phil.”

EDUCATION:
Dr. Gilliam is a 1989 Graduate of Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN.


WORK HISTORY:
He joined Dr. Carlson and Associates in September of 2015 after practicing next to Sears Optical in the Tri-Cities for over 15 years.


HOBBIES:
He enjoys spending time with his family, his church,  going to the gym, reading, and working outdoors.

Medical and Vision Insurance plans

Have another plan? Benefit questions? Paying out of pocket?
Call us at 865-217-1010, We are happy to help.

VSP
VSP
Medicare
Medicare
United Healthcare
United Healthcare
Aetna
Aetna
Cigna
Cigna
Spectera
Spectera
Eye Med
Eye Med
Superior Vision
Superior Vision
Davis Vision
Davis Vision
Humana
Humana
Tricare
Tricare
Medicaid
Medicaid
UMR
UMR
AlwaysCare
AlwaysCare
Aetna Medicare
Aetna Medicare
March Vision Care
March Vision Care
AARP Medicare Complete
AARP Medicare Complete
Envolve Benefits Options
Envolve Benefits Options
Amerigroup
Amerigroup
Versant Health
Versant Health
Community Eye Care
Community Eye Care
Premier Eye Care
Premier Eye Care
WellCare
WellCare
Humana Military
Humana Military
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
BlueCare Tennessee
BlueCare Tennessee
EyeQuest
EyeQuest
Wellcare Medicare
Wellcare Medicare
Wellpoint
Wellpoint

Patient Reviews

Very friendly staff and staff takes the time that they need to answer all your questions and to help you find exactly what you are looking for. VERY PLEASED WITH... Show More
Very friendly staff and staff takes the time that they need to answer all your questions and to help you find exactly what you are looking for. VERY PLEASED WITH MY EXPERIENCE TODAY.
- Patricia L. 3 days ago
Awesome experience! Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Dr.Gilliam is great sets down and talks thru everything in the eye exam. Very professional and knowledgeable! Would recommend to anyone!... Show More
Awesome experience! Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Dr.Gilliam is great sets down and talks thru everything in the eye exam. Very professional and knowledgeable! Would recommend to anyone!
- Cona C. 4 days ago
Dr. Carlson always goes above and beyond to make sure our eyes are healthy.
- Janie 5 days ago
Absolutely the best eye exam I've ever had! Staff is very thorough, and Dr. Carlson has to be the most knowledgeable Optometrist in our area. I'd give more than 5... Show More
Absolutely the best eye exam I've ever had! Staff is very thorough, and Dr. Carlson has to be the most knowledgeable Optometrist in our area. I'd give more than 5 stars if I could!
- Ricky R. 5 days ago
First time ever visit - Dr. Morgan was absolutely amazing, loved his personality and how he was so engaged, answered any questions I had and lived the overall experience from... Show More
First time ever visit - Dr. Morgan was absolutely amazing, loved his personality and how he was so engaged, answered any questions I had and lived the overall experience from checking in to exam to picking out my glasses. Highly recommend.
- Whitney V. 5 days ago
I was very pleased with my visit to the eye doctor. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. I am new to the area but I've found my eye place. I... Show More
I was very pleased with my visit to the eye doctor. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. I am new to the area but I've found my eye place. I will continue to use this eye doctor facility and would highly recommend them to anyone needing an eye doctor.
- Natalie Y. 1 week ago
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff and Dr. Morgan was great as always.
- Johnny W. 1 week ago
Had my first IPL treatment for dry eyes, the Dr. and technician were very nice, and both explained the procedure and answered any questions I had. Had a very good... Show More
Had my first IPL treatment for dry eyes, the Dr. and technician were very nice, and both explained the procedure and answered any questions I had. Had a very good experience.
- Debi L. 1 week ago
I had a very good experience with my appt today.Everyone was really nice.
- Amy S. 1 week ago
The associate who walked me through taking the pictures explained what each picture was for. My exam doctor made sure I was understanding every picture. He also talked me through... Show More
The associate who walked me through taking the pictures explained what each picture was for. My exam doctor made sure I was understanding every picture. He also talked me through the process. I felt like a person and not just a number.
- Crystal 2 weeks ago