Seth A. Rhyne O.D. has joined his dad, M.W. Rhyne Jr. O.D., in an optometry practice, East Tennessee Binocular Vision Center, with offices in north and west Knox County.

Seth, 32, considered a different career, but he came around to going to optometry school and now says, “My dream is to be one of the best providers of primary eye care in the southeast.”

Attending Powell middle and high schools, Seth enjoyed music and creative writing. He played in the PHS marching band and went on to the University of Tennessee where he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics.

“I never thought he would do this,” his father said. “His mom (Susan Rhyne) always wanted him to become an optometrist.”

Once Seth made the decision, he had to catch up on some science courses, but he ended as valedictorian of his class at the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), the only college of optometry in Kentucky. “And he had the highest score on the national exam,” said his proud father.

“I had a real leg up from having worked with Dad,” said Seth.

Optometry school is a four-year program of coursework that includes an internship one day a week during the third year and externships for one semester during the fourth year.

The practice

Optometrists test and correct vision, often prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses.

M.W. Rhyne O.D.

The Drs. Rhyne treat all ages and have developed expertise in binocular vision; simply stated, treatment to coordinate both eyes to generate sharp, three-dimension images.

“We offer vision redevelopment services,” Dr. Seth Rhyne said. For adults, that might mean rehabilitation – sorting out vision complications following a stroke, for instance.

For kids, the doctors work on vision development. That starts with screening as the children often don’t realize there’s a problem. Symptoms include: losing their place when reading, tilting their head to one side, clumsiness or an eye that turns. The doctors look at performance as well. Can the child follow a baseball, for instance?

“Kids will not complain usually because they think everybody sees like they do.”

As a new practitioner, Dr. Seth has a flexible schedule. “Call up,” he says. “It’s easy to get an appointment.” Call 865-437-3166 or email ETBVC17@gmail.com

East Tennessee Binocular Vision Center (ETBVC) has offices at 715 Callahan Dr., Knoxville near the interchange with I-75 and at 9051 Executive Park Dr., Ste. 401, Knoxville near the Cedar Bluff interchange with I-40/75.

Dr. M.W. Rhyne explains these locations make it more convenient for patients, both regional and even out-of-state. “We’ve got patients in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi.”

Life on the farm

Seth and Caitlin Rhyne were married during the Covid-19 pandemic. “It was a small wedding party of 13, held outside on the farm in Heiskell,” M.W. Rhyne recalls. Caitlin has a master’s degree in equine nutrition. Now the farm has no cows and two horses. “We like animals,” said Seth, while his dad enjoys gardening.

M.W. Rhyne has practiced for 50 years, graduating from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 1974. And when he returned to Knoxville after college, he and Susan moved into a house on the farm.

On a personal note, M.W. and I are close to the same age. We grew up in the same part of the county and both still live there. But I attended Halls High School, while he attended Powell High. He came to my attention at a Powell Republican Club pot luck dinner. I had brought my usual bucket of KFC and M.W. came in with a baked casserole. He said it was a special recipe – opossum and turnips.

When he returned to town as a newly minted doctor, his friend made him a nameplate for one of the farm’s outbuildings.

Sharing the bounty: Dr. M.W. Rhyne brings fresh eggs and canned veggies to both offices. Patients and passersby can help themselves for a donation to Dr. Rhyne’s church, Mt. Hermon United Methodist.