We believe that better training means better care for you. Consequently, our opticians are provided more extensive training, which exceeds the industry requirements. We have a Tennessee state licensed optician at every location.
Ashley is certified by the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Society of America. She is a Tennessee state licensed optician and graduate of Roane State with an A.A.S in Contemporary Management. Ashley enjoys swimming, camping, and spending time with her family. As an optician, she enjoys helping patients with their unique eyecare needs. This is where she can use her customer service skills and optical knowledge to brighten every patient’s day, one smile at a time. Ashley has a proclivity for working with patients with challenging visual needs and excels at finding solutions to meet those needs. Ashley is looking forward to many years of serving UES patients and bringing better vision to the Knoxville region.
Stephanie has been with University Eye Specialists for over thirty years. She has spent most of that time at our University of Tennessee Medical Center facility. You can find Stephanie at our Maryville office where she has an exceptional knack for matching her patients up with frames that reflect their personality. Stephanie loves staying active through jogging and lifting weights – but most of all finds pleasure in spending time with her 3 precious grandchildren. Stephanie “considers it a blessing to be able to improve the quality of her patient’s lives.” She also admits that it is “a bonus getting to work alongside some of the best eye doctors in the industry!”
Kara joined University Eye Specialists in early 2020, bringing with her a deep background of over a decade of diverse customer service experience. As an American Board of Opticianry-certified optician, she beautifully blends a patient-first care approach with an eye for style. She loves pairing patients with frames that match their personality while making sure their prescription lenses are a perfect fit for their everyday life. Her favorite part of the job is watching a patient’s face light up the very first time they try on their new glasses. Outside of the clinic, you can find Kara at the ballfield watching her son play baseball, or spending quality time with her family and friends.
With over 15 years of experience as an optician, Julian is passionate about helping patients find the best vision solutions to fit their individual needs and lifestyles. He is dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in optical technology, including state-of-the-art lens designs and innovations, to ensure every patient receives the highest level of care and the best possible visual experience. Originally from Florida, Julian relocated to Tennessee, where he enjoys becoming part of the local community. Outside of the office, he loves spending quality time with his wife and three children. He is also passionate about fitness and enjoys weightlifting and running.
Melessa is certified by the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Society of America. She is also a TN state licensed optician. With over 25 years of experience in the optical industry, Melessa is passionate about helping patients find the perfect eyewear while providing exceptional care and personalized service. Known for her vibrant personality, she loves expressing her style through bold, colorful, and funky eyeglass frames. Outside the office, she has a heart for serving others through mission trips with her church and spending quality time with her loving husband, Wayne; daughters, Autumn and Tabytha and her granddaughter, Parker. Her dedication to both her profession and her family reflects the warmth and compassion she brings to every patient she meets!
Amber is an experienced optician with a background in optical services and ophthalmic care. She is passionate about helping patients find the right eyewear while providing knowledgeable, compassionate, and personalized service. Amber takes pride in making each patient feel comfortable and confident throughout their eye-care experience. Outside of work, Amber enjoys spending time with her family and making memories with her son.
