Serving the Entire Tri-Cities Region
Best Eye Doctor in Bristol, Kingsport,
Johnson City & Piney Flats, TN
Destination Eye Care—one practice, four communities, and the Tri-Cities’ most trusted team for comprehensive eye exams, designer frames, and advanced dry eye treatment.
The Tri-Cities’ Premier Eye Care Practice
Whether you live in downtown Bristol, the heart of Johnson City, scenic Piney Flats, or historic Kingsport, Destination Eye Care is your neighborhood optometrist. Conveniently located in Piney Flats, TN, our office sits at the crossroads of the Tri-Cities—within 20 minutes of every community we serve. Patients across Sullivan, Washington, and Carter counties trust us for personalized, technology-forward vision care that puts your comfort first.
Communities We Serve
One practice, proudly serving every corner of the Tri-Cities
Bristol, TN
Just minutes from the Bristol Motor Speedway and downtown State Street, we’re the top-rated optometrist families in Sullivan County rely on for thorough eye exams, stylish frames, and dry eye relief.
~15 min from downtown Bristol
Johnson City, TN
Home to ETSU and a thriving arts scene, Johnson City residents choose Destination Eye Care for everything from routine vision checkups to specialty contact lenses and Neurolens for screen-related eye strain.
~20 min from Johnson City
Piney Flats, TN
Our home base. Nestled along the 11E corridor, the office offers a relaxed, family-friendly environment with the same advanced technology you’d expect from a big-city practice—without the long drive or crowded waiting rooms.
Our office location
Kingsport, TN
Kingsport residents looking for an eye doctor who takes the time to listen have found their practice. From comprehensive pediatric exams to advanced IPL dry eye therapy, we deliver care worth the short trip down I-26.
~20 min from Kingsport
What We Offer
Everything your eyes need under one roof
👁️ Comprehensive Eye Exams
Thorough evaluations using the latest diagnostic technology, covering vision acuity, eye health screening, glaucoma testing, and more—for every age group.
👓 Designer Frames & Lenses
Curated collections from top brands you won’t find at chain retailers. Our opticians help you find the perfect fit for your face shape, prescription, and personal style.
✨ Dry Eye & IPL Treatment
IPL therapy and TempSure RF target the root cause of chronic dry eye—not just the symptoms. Patients across the Tri-Cities travel to us for this advanced, non-invasive treatment.
📱 Specialty & Contact Lenses
From daily disposables to scleral lenses for keratoconus, plus Neurolens for digital eye strain and headaches—we fit lenses other practices can’t.
Why Tri-Cities Families Choose Destination Eye Care
Founded in 2002 by Dr. Mark Bowers
Over two decades of serving the Tri-Cities with the same commitment to patient-first care.
Central Tri-Cities Location
Piney Flats sits at the geographic heart of the region—an easy drive from Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport.
Technology You Won’t Find Elsewhere
IPL, TempSure RF, Neurolens, and specialty scleral lens fitting—treatments typically only available at big-city clinics.
Three Doctors, One Dedicated Team
Dr. Bowers, Dr. Rathbun, and Dr. Bowen bring diverse expertise and a shared passion for exceptional patient care.
Meet Your Doctors
The team behind the Tri-Cities’ most trusted eye care
Dr. Mark Bowers
Founder & Optometrist
Established Destination Eye Care in 2002 with a vision for patient-centered optometry. Specializes in comprehensive exams and ocular disease management.
Dr. Tara Rathbun
Optometrist
Joined the practice in 2012 bringing expertise in pediatric eye care, contact lens fitting, and a warm chairside manner families love.
Dr. Jake Bowen
Optometrist
Brings a fresh perspective and special interest in dry eye treatment, specialty contacts, and the latest advancements in vision technology.
Your Eye Doctor for Every Tri-Cities Community
Finding the right eye doctor in the Tri-Cities shouldn’t mean settling for a rushed exam at a big-box store. At Destination Eye Care, every patient—whether you’re coming from Bristol, TN, Kingsport, TN, Johnson City, TN, or Piney Flats, TN—receives unhurried, one-on-one time with a doctor who knows your history and genuinely cares about your vision.
Our office carries designer eyeglass frames from brands you won’t find at chain retailers, and our licensed opticians take the time to ensure your lenses and fit are perfect. We also offer advanced services many Tri-Cities optometrists don’t: IPL and TempSure RF for chronic dry eye, Neurolens for digital eye strain and headaches, and specialty contact lenses for conditions like keratoconus, high astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Whether you’re searching for “best eye doctor near me” in Bristol, looking for an optometrist in Kingsport who takes your insurance, or need a Johnson City eye care provider who can handle complex prescriptions, Destination Eye Care is the practice the Tri-Cities trusts. We welcome new patients of all ages and accept most major vision and medical insurance plans.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
New patients welcome from Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, Piney Flats, and the entire Tri-Cities region. Experience the difference a dedicated, local eye care team makes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Destination Eye Care located?▾
We’re located in Piney Flats, TN—centrally positioned between Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport. Most patients reach us within 15–20 minutes.
Do you accept patients from outside Piney Flats?▾
Absolutely! The majority of our patients come from across the Tri-Cities—Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, Blountville, Abingdon, and surrounding communities.
What insurance do you accept?▾
We accept most major vision and medical insurance including VSP, EyeMed, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare. Contact our office to verify your specific plan.
How often should I have an eye exam?▾
The American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years for adults. Children, seniors, and anyone with existing conditions may benefit from more frequent visits.
What is IPL treatment for dry eye?▾
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses controlled light pulses to reduce inflammation and improve oil gland function around the eyes. It’s one of the most effective, non-invasive treatments for chronic dry eye—and one of the reasons patients travel from across the Tri-Cities to our office.
Do you see children and teens?▾
Yes! We welcome patients of all ages. Pediatric eye exams are important for detecting vision problems that can impact learning and development. Dr. Rathbun has a special focus on pediatric and family eye care.