Kingsport, Tennessee
The Best Eye Exams and Frame Choices for Kingsport are at Destination’s Premier Eye Care Practice
Advanced eye exams, exclusive designer eyewear & real dry eye relief—proudly serving Kingsport and the greater Tri-Cities.
Looking for the best eye doctor near Kingsport, TN? Destination Eye Care delivers a level of personalized vision care that Kingsport patients tell us they simply can’t find elsewhere—backed by advanced technology, a curated optical boutique, and doctors who never rush.
In-Depth Eye Examinations
Our exams are anything but routine. We use high-resolution retinal imaging, digital refraction, and ocular health screening to catch conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease early—when treatment is most effective. Kingsport patients get the thorough evaluation their eyes deserve.
Exclusive Eyewear Boutique
Forget the generic wall of frames at big-box stores. Our optical floor features 850+ handpicked styles from independent artisans and luxury labels—many exclusive to our practice in the Tri-Cities. Our frame stylists help Kingsport patients find eyewear that reflects who they are.
Expert Contact Lens Care
Daily lenses, multifocals, torics, or specialty scleral lenses—we handle it all. Our fitting process prioritizes comfort and clarity, and every new Kingsport patient receives complimentary trial pairs so you can test-drive your lenses in real life before committing.
Whole-Family Eye Health
One practice for every generation. We welcome kids for their very first eye exam and continue caring for patients through every stage of life—including monitoring for age-related conditions. Most major vision and medical insurance plans accepted.
A Quick Drive from Kingsport, A World Away from Ordinary
Our practice is located at 2554 Highway 394 in Blountville—just 20 minutes from downtown Kingsport via I-26 or Highway 11W. Patients from Colonial Heights, Fall Branch, and across Sullivan County make the easy trip for care they can’t get locally.
With unhurried appointments, technology that matches specialty referral centers, and an eyewear selection that rivals boutiques in Nashville and Asheville, Kingsport patients quickly discover why the short drive is the best decision they’ve made for their vision.
Real Dry Eye Treatment for Kingsport Patients
Tired of eye drops that barely help? Our dry eye treatment center goes straight to the source with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and TempSure RF—advanced therapies that reduce lid inflammation, unblock oil glands, and restore your natural tear film.
These are the same treatments offered at specialty clinics in major cities, now available minutes from Kingsport. Most patients notice meaningful improvement after just a few comfortable, in-office sessions.
Meet the Doctors Kingsport Patients Trust
Locally Owned • 1,000+ Google Reviews • Serving the Tri-Cities Since 2004
Dr. Mark Bowers, OD
Founder • Practicing Since 2002
When Dr. Bowers launched Destination Eye Care in 2004, his vision was clear: bring Kingsport and the Tri-Cities a practice where cutting-edge diagnostics meet unhurried, patient-centered care. Over two decades later, his commitment to investing in the latest technology and taking the time to truly listen has earned the trust of families across Sullivan and Hawkins County.
Dr. Tara Rathbun, OD
Joined 2012
Kingsport families love Dr. Rathbun for her gentle chair-side manner and deep expertise in contact lens fittings and children’s eye health. She takes extra care to make young patients feel at ease while delivering the same thorough, technology-driven exam adults receive.
Dr. Jake Bowen, OD
Optometrist
Dr. Bowen quickly became a patient favorite for his rare combination of clinical skill and communication. Kingsport patients appreciate that he walks through every detail of their exam, answers questions without watching the clock, and brings genuine enthusiasm to dry eye treatment and preventive eye care.
Why Kingsport Patients Are Making the Switch
Large retail chains process patients on a conveyor belt. We don’t. Every appointment at Destination Eye Care is scheduled with enough time for a complete evaluation, honest conversation, and zero pressure—something Kingsport patients say they’ve never experienced at a chain optical.
Beyond exams, our facility offers services most Kingsport-area practices simply don’t: Neurolens for chronic headaches and screen fatigue, IPL and RF therapy for stubborn dry eye, a sunglass gallery, and a boutique optical floor with 850+ designer frames from brands you won’t see at any Kingsport retailer.
It’s eye care the way it should be—and it’s only 20 minutes from Kingsport.
Kingsport Deserves Better Eye Care
Join the 1,000+ families who’ve already made the switch. New patients always welcome.
Common Questions from Kingsport Patients
How long is the drive from Kingsport?▾
About 20 minutes. We’re at 2554 Highway 394 in Blountville—easily reached via I-26 or Highway 11W from downtown Kingsport, Colonial Heights, or Fall Branch.
What sets you apart from Kingsport eye doctors?▾
Three things: time, technology, and selection. We schedule longer appointments so nothing gets rushed, invest in hospital-grade diagnostic equipment for early disease detection, and carry 850+ unique designer frames you won’t find at any chain optical in Kingsport.
Which insurance plans do you accept?▾
We accept most major vision and medical plans including VSP, EyeMed, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare. Call us at (423) 403-3820 and we’ll verify your specific coverage before your appointment.
Can you treat chronic dry eye—not just prescribe drops?▾
Yes—that’s one of our specialties. We offer IPL, TempSure RF, and LLLT to treat the root cause of dry eye, not just mask symptoms. These are the same advanced therapies available at specialty clinics in larger cities, now right here near Kingsport.
I was told I can’t wear contacts. Can you help?▾
We hear that often—and frequently find a solution. Our doctors specialize in fitting complex prescriptions including keratoconus, high astigmatism, and multifocal needs using the latest specialty lens designs. Many Kingsport patients who were told contacts weren’t an option are now wearing them comfortably.