Johnson City, Tennessee
Johnson City’s Trusted
Eye Care Destination
Expert optometry, curated designer eyewear & cutting-edge dry eye solutions—serving Johnson City and Washington County.
Looking for the best eye doctor near Johnson City, TN? Destination Eye Care combines advanced diagnostics, a luxury optical boutique, and genuinely personalized vision care—all just a short drive from downtown Johnson City.
Thorough Eye Examinations
Our optometrists leverage state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to evaluate every aspect of your eye health—from refractive errors to early detection of glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Johnson City patients receive the same caliber of care found at top university clinics.
Curated Eyewear Collection
Our optical boutique features 850+ hand-picked frames from independent and luxury designers you won’t find at chain retailers. Our stylists work one-on-one with Johnson City patients to match frames to face shape, lifestyle, and personality.
Custom Contact Lenses
Whether you wear dailies or need specialty lenses for keratoconus, astigmatism, or presbyopia, our fitting process ensures all-day comfort. Johnson City patients enjoy complimentary trial pairs with every new fitting.
All-Ages Vision Care
From a child’s first eye screening to managing age-related conditions, our doctors care for every generation. Flexible scheduling and most major insurance plans accepted make it easy for the whole family.
Conveniently Close to Johnson City
Destination Eye Care is located at 2554 Highway 394 in Blountville—an easy 25-minute drive from downtown Johnson City via I-26. Patients from Washington County, Jonesborough, and Gray regularly make the trip for an eye care experience they can’t find closer to home.
With a boutique atmosphere, no rushed appointments, and technology that rivals specialty clinics in Knoxville and Asheville, the drive is more than worth it.
Dry Eye Relief for Johnson City Patients
Chronic dry eye affects millions, yet most eye clinics near Johnson City only offer artificial tears. At Destination Eye Care, we go further with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy and TempSure RF—clinically proven treatments that address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
These in-office procedures reduce eyelid inflammation, restore healthy oil gland function, and rebuild your natural tear film. Most patients report noticeable improvement within just a few visits.
Your Eye Care Team Near Johnson City
Trusted by 1,000+ Patients • 20+ Years Serving the Tri-Cities
Dr. Mark Bowers, OD
Founder • Practicing Since 2002
Dr. Bowers opened his practice in 2004 with a simple goal: give Tri-Cities families access to the same quality of eye care found in major metro areas. Two decades later, patients from Johnson City and beyond seek him out for his meticulous approach to diagnostics and his genuine investment in long-term eye health.
Dr. Tara Rathbun, OD
Joined 2012
Dr. Rathbun brings particular expertise in pediatric optometry and contact lens fittings, making her a favorite among Johnson City families managing children’s vision and complex prescriptions.
Dr. Jake Bowen, OD
Optometrist
Patients consistently praise Dr. Bowen for his patience and clarity. He takes extra time to walk through every finding, explain treatment options, and ensure no question goes unanswered—a level of attentiveness that keeps Johnson City patients coming back.
More Than an Eye Exam—An Optical Experience
Most Johnson City eye clinics focus on volume. We focus on you. Our expanded facility features dedicated rooms for advanced testing, a sunglass gallery, and a boutique-style optical floor with over 850 designer frames—including independent labels you won’t see anywhere else in the Tri-Cities.
We also offer services rarely found outside major cities: Neurolens for chronic headaches and digital eye strain, IPL and RF therapy for dry eye, and precision contact lens fittings for even the most challenging prescriptions.
Johnson City residents regularly tell us the short drive to our Blountville location is the best decision they’ve made for their eye health. We think you’ll agree.
Johnson City’s Eye Care Destination Awaits
New patients welcome. Discover what 1,000+ five-star reviews are all about.
Questions from Johnson City Patients
How far is Destination Eye Care from Johnson City?▾
We’re located at 2554 Highway 394 in Blountville, approximately 25 minutes from downtown Johnson City via I-26. Patients from Jonesborough, Gray, and the ETSU campus area find us easily accessible.
What makes you different from Johnson City eye doctors?▾
We combine the diagnostic capabilities of a specialty clinic with a boutique optical experience. With 850+ curated frames, advanced dry eye treatments like IPL and RF therapy, and unhurried appointments, we deliver a level of care and selection most local offices simply can’t match.
Do you take my insurance?▾
Yes—we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare. Call our office at (423) 403-3820 to confirm your specific plan before your visit.
Can I get specialty or hard-to-fit contact lenses?▾
Absolutely. We specialize in fitting contacts for astigmatism, presbyopia, keratoconus, and other complex prescriptions. Many Johnson City patients come to us after struggling with comfort or clarity at other practices.
Do you treat dry eye or just prescribe drops?▾
We go far beyond eye drops. Our practice offers IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), TempSure RF, and LLLT—advanced in-office treatments that target the underlying cause of dry eye disease. Most patients see real improvement within a few sessions.