Dr. Tara Rathbun

With nearly two decades of experience caring for patients in Bristol and Kingsport, Dr. Rathbun has built a reputation for providing compassionate, patient-centered eye care. Since joining Destination Eyecare in 2013, she has continued to serve families across the Tri-Cities region, now welcoming patients at our Highway 394 location. 

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Rathbun earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 1998. Her passion for optometry, particularly in pediatric vision care, has made her a trusted provider for children of all ages. She finds great joy in helping young patients develop healthy vision and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. 

When she is not in the office, Dr. Rathbun enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and can often be found hiking, kayaking, gardening, or tackling home improvement projects. An animal lover at heart, she has a special fondness for cats and enjoys visiting zoos and aquariums whenever she travels. 

Exploring new destinations is something she looks forward to in the coming years. When at home, she is an avid Tar Heels fan and enjoys watching hockey games. 

Dr. Rathbun is honored to be part of Destination Eyecare and is committed to providing exceptional eye care to families across the Tri-Cities. Whether helping children with their first pair of glasses or ensuring adults maintain lifelong eye health, she brings warmth, experience, and expertise to every patient she sees.