Finding an optometrist in Knoxville is about more than having good vision—it’s about finding a partner in your eye health. There are a variety of skilled optometrists to choose from in the area, but few compare to Dr. Travis Thompson and Dr. Catherine Abbott. Their dedication to comprehensive vision care, coupled with their warm, family-centered approach, makes for a positive eye care experience.
Dr. Travis Thompson acquired Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical in 2014 and welcomed Dr. Catherine Abbott into the team in 2020. Together, they expanded appointment options and made room for new patients as East Tennessee continues growing. They infuse their practice with a family touch, delivering top-tier eye care to Hardin Valley and neighboring communities in Knoxville and Oak Ridge.
Your Knoxville Optometrists
Dr. Travis Thompson took over ownership of Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical in 2014. He has since then turned it into a family affair with the addition of Dr. Catherine Abbott, his wife—an accomplished optometrist in her own right.
Hailing from East Tennessee, Travis always wanted to return to Knoxville after completing his studies at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. He eventually got that opportunity and has been serving the members of his hometown community ever since.
Catherine previously served the Sweetwater community at a private family practice. However, she was thrilled to join Travis as a full-time optometrist at Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical in 2020. Both share a passion for comprehensive vision health and are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of their patients.
The expansion of Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical signifies an opportunity to cater to more new patients and extend their operating hours. Notably, the practice is now open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the first time. This enables them to reach even more patients in the West Knoxville and Oak Ridge communities.
Travis and Catherine are thrilled to establish their optometry practice as a family-owned enterprise within the Hardin Valley community. Together, they specialize in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of eye:
This includes vision correction for children. Their commitment to utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic technology and vision correction products is unwavering. It reflects their dedication to enhancing the quality of life in the Knoxville community through improved vision.
Dr. Travis Thompson
Dr. Travis Thompson is a Knoxville, TN native with deep roots in the Hardin Valley community. His family has lived in the area since 1998 and he even graduated from Karns High School. Upon graduating, he began pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree focusing on Biochemistry at the University of Tennessee.
Following his undergraduate studies, Travis continued his education at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He takes great satisfaction in the diagnosis and management of ocular conditions. He also enjoys the precise fitting of contact lenses and eyeglasses.
Dr. Thompson is an active member of various professional associations, including:
- TAOP (TN Association of Optometric Physicians)
- ETSOP (East TN Society of Optometric Physicians)
- AOA (American Optometric Association)
- A local BNI (Business Network International) group
Beyond his professional pursuits, Travis finds enjoyment in outdoor and athletic activities. He’s an avid golfer, snow skier, and racquetball player. However, his greatest passion is supporting Tennessee sports. With a long-standing tradition of holding season tickets, he is a dedicated attendee of nearly all Tennessee Volunteer football and basketball games.
Dr. Catherine Abbott
Dr. Catherine Abbott joined us in 2020 and has enjoyed establishing herself as a core part of our OD team. She was initially drawn to optometry due to the depth of patient care involved.
Dr. Abbott takes pleasure in building long-term relationships with her patients, cherishing each appointment as an opportunity to spend quality time with them. Her particular fondness for private practice stems from the chance to assist individuals of all age groups.
Originally, from Salem, VA, Catherine earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Virginia. This was followed by attending the Southern College of Optometry where she and Dr. Thompson met. After graduating, she completed a one-year residency program at the Salem VA Medical Center.
Catherine would eventually join a private family practice in East Tennessee in 2014, also run by a husband and wife duo. This gave her a preview of what to expect when she eventually joined her husband at Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical.
Dr. Abbott has dealt with a lot of complicated cases. These experiences have made her a more well-rounded and compassionate doctor when it comes to your vision and health. She also has a lot of experience providing comprehensive eye exams. These exams do more than ensure your vision health. They also check your overall health and well-being.
Catherine enjoys spending her free time with friends and family (which includes her and Travis’ daughter, and their dog, Barley). She also loves hiking and other outdoor activities, making East Tennessee the perfect place for her. Reading is another one of her favorite pastimes as she’s a member of a local book club.
Are you looking for an optometrist in Knoxville, Tennessee? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Dr. Travis Thompson assumed ownership of Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical in 2014. Dr. Catherine Abbott’s inclusion in the team in 2020 allows for expanded appointment availability and the acceptance of new patients. Together, they make their practice a family affair, providing high-quality eye care to Hardin Valley and the surrounding area.
Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical has been serving Knoxville since 2009. Located at 10904 Spring Bluff Way, you can schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (865) 888-0892.
