Our Team

Dr. William “Trey” Sullins III is a widely recognized optometrist who has dedicated his career to providing comprehensive eye care and advancing the profession of optometry. He was born at the Naval Hospital in Albany, Georgia, and raised in Athens, Tennessee.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics from Auburn University in 1991, followed by his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in 1995. Following graduation, Dr. Trey completed a residency in Ocular Disease at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida.

During optometry school, Dr. Trey served as Class President and was actively involved in leadership and service organizations, including founding the Pi Epsilon Chi Optometric Fraternity. He served as President of Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, leading international mission trips to Mexico and Costa Rica to provide care to underserved communities.

After completing his residency in 1996, Dr. Trey returned home with his wife, Dr. Christa, to join Sullins Eye Care, the practice founded by his grandfather in 1939. He is an InfantSEE provider and an advocate for rural healthcare, frequently working with state leaders to expand access to care for his patients.

Dr. Trey is a member of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and the American Optometric Association and volunteers with Remote Area Medical to provide free vision care in his local community.

In addition to patient care, Dr. Trey has served as adjunct faculty at both Southern College of Optometry and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he enjoyed the opportunity to teach and mentor future optometrists. He is also a writer for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.

An outstanding ocular and landscape photographer, Dr. Trey enjoys sharing his work through teaching, lecturing, and personal projects. His hobbies include photography, cycling, and spending time outdoors with his family.

He and his wife, Dr. Christa, have four sons: Tim, Jon, Sam, and Ben. Tim and his wife, Kate, both optometrists, joined the practice in 2025; Jon is an MBA student at Tennessee Wesleyan who assists with the practice’s bookkeeping; Sam is a master’s student in computer science at Tennessee Tech; Ben will begin optometry school in the Fall of 2026, continuing the family tradition.

Dr. Christa is an optometrist known for her compassionate patient care and her leadership within the practice. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia and Irmo, South Carolina.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1991, followed by her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in 1995.

Following graduation, Dr. Christa worked at The Eye Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida, where she developed a strong clinical emphasis in contact lenses and provided eye care to the Miami Dolphins. Her fourth-year externship rotations included Waynesboro Ophthalmology in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

In 1996, Dr. Christa returned to East Tennessee with her husband, Dr. Trey, to join Sullins Eye Care. Dr. Christa is an InfantSEE provider and a member of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and the American Optometric Association.

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Christa plays a key role in the management and development of the practice. She has spearheaded major facility improvements, which most recently includes the construction of a new practice location along Highway 411 in Madisonville. She works tirelessly to ensure that the practice is equipped with the most efficient processes, up-to-date technology, and an incredible staff team. Her important administrative role ensures that patients receive the highest quality care possible.

Outside of the office, Dr. Christa enjoys traveling to national parks, hiking, running, and swimming. She has completed three Ironman distance triathlons.

In the community, she serves on the board of the Athens-McMinn Family YMCA, previously served as BSA Troop 118 (Keith UMC) Committee Chair, and has been a member of Keith United Methodist Church for over 25 years.

She and her husband, Dr. Trey, have four sons: Tim, Jon, Sam, and Ben, all of whom are Eagle Scouts. Tim and his wife, Kate, both optometrists, joined the practice in 2025; Jon is an MBA student at Tennessee Wesleyan who assists with the practice’s bookkeeping; Sam is a master’s student in computer science at Tennessee Tech; Ben will begin optometry school in the Fall of 2026, continuing the family tradition.

Dr. Stuart is a respected optometrist who has devoted his career to serving patients in his hometown community. He was born and raised in Athens, Tennessee and educated in the Athens and McMinn County school systems.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Auburn University in 1993, followed by his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in 1997.

Following graduation, Dr. Stuart completed a residency in Ocular Disease at Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. During residency, he served as a mentor to optometry students, and he gained experience performing optometric laser procedures, years before most optometrists in the country had access to this technology.

During optometry school, Dr. Stuart received both the Alcon Excellence Award and the VSP Excellence in Primary Care Award. He was an active member of the American Optometric Student Association.

After completing his residency in 1998, Dr. Stuart returned home to join Sullins Eye Care, the practice founded by his grandfather in 1939. He is an InfantSEE provider and shares his family’s commitment to providing high-quality eye care to patients throughout the region.

Dr. Stuart is a member of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and the American Optometric Association and volunteers with Remote Area Medical to provide free vision care in his local community.

Dr. Stuart has given his time to numerous community organizations over the years. He has served as leader of the United Way of McMinn and Meigs Counties President’s Council and served as President of the Economic Development Authority Board of Directors. He and his family are longtime members of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church.

He is an avid bass fisherman and pickleball player, and he loves spending time with his wife, Amy Sullins, PhD, and their three sons: George, Andy, and Spencer.

George is a 3L at the Winston College of Law, University of Tennessee; Andy is a senior studying finance and real estate at Virginia Tech and a student-athlete on the men’s soccer team; Spencer is a sophomore at UConn, a student-athlete on the football team, and studying biology on a pre-optometry track, planning to continue the family tradition.

Drs. Stuart and Amy also have two dogs: Luna and Stella.

Dr. Tim is an optometrist with special interests in ocular disease, specialty contact lenses, and minor surgical procedures. He is proud to continue a family legacy in optometry that now spans four generations.

He was born and raised in Englewood, Tennessee and is a graduate of Walker Valley High School in Cleveland, Tennessee.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Birmingham Southern College in 2021, followed by his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 2025.

As an undergraduate student, Dr. Tim was Vice President of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, served on the Honor Council, and had a clinical internship at Day Eye Care in Gardendale, Alabama.

During optometry school, he was active in the American Optometric Student Association and participated in national advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill on behalf of the profession.

His fourth-year externship rotations included Vision Source of Newport in Newport, Tennessee and Southeast Eye Specialists in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In 2025, Dr. Tim returned home with his wife, Dr. Kate, to join Sullins Eye Care, the practice founded by his great-grandfather in 1939. Their return marked the start of the fourth generation of eye care in our community.

Dr. Tim is an InfantSEE provider and a member of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and the American Optometric Association. He volunteers with Remote Area Medical to provide free vision care in his local community.

In addition to patient care, Dr. Tim has an active lifestyle. He is an Eagle Scout and enjoys backpacking, shooting sports, and gardening. He is a talented cook and an experienced traveller, as he has already visited all 50 states, as well as 14 countries.

He and his wife, Dr. Kate, have two dogs: Admiral and Winnie.

Dr. Kate is a clinical optometrist with special emphasis in ocular disease, geriatrics, and specialty contact lenses. She was born and raised in Jackson, Tennessee.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Rhodes College in 2021, followed by her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 2025.

As an undergraduate student, Dr. Kate conducted research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and had a clinical internship at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. She was nominated for the prestigious, national Barry Goldwater Scholarship for her research.

She also served as President of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority and volunteered extensively with community organizations to support those experiencing homelessness in Memphis. She has experience working with children of all ages as a camp counselor and a nanny.

During optometry school, Dr. Kate was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa honor society, a finalist for the Student Innovation Award, and recipient of the Private Practice Award in recognition of her commitment to rural optometry. She was active in the American Optometric Student Association and participated in national advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill on behalf of the profession.

Her fourth-year externship rotations included Northwest Tennessee Eye Clinic in Martin, Tennessee and the Jackson VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Jackson, Tennessee.

In 2025, Dr. Kate returned home with her husband, Dr. Tim, to join Sullins Eye Care. Their return marked the start of the fourth generation of eye care in the community.

Dr. Kate is an InfantSEE provider and a member of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and the American Optometric Association. She volunteers with Remote Area Medical to provide free vision care in her local community.

In addition to patient care, Dr. Kate enjoys hiking, playing tennis and pickleball, trivia, baking, and video editing. She also operates a small business that preserves analog media by converting it to digital formats.

She and her husband, Dr. Tim, have two dogs: Admiral and Winnie.

Dr. “Bill” Sullins, Sr., or “Doc,” was the founder of Sullins Eye Care and a pioneering optometrist whose vision laid the foundation for generations of eye care in East Tennessee.

After graduating from Southern College of Optometry in 1939, he established the practice that continues to serve the community today.

During the early years of his career, the scope of optometric practice was far more limited than it is today. Optometrists were not yet permitted to prescribe therapeutic medications, perform procedures, or even dilate patients’ eyes. Dr. Bill was among the forward-thinking leaders who helped advocate for the advancement of optometry as a comprehensive healthcare profession.

He served as President of the Tennessee Optometric Association and President of the Southern Council of Optometrists. He was later honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Optometry. His son, William David Sullins, Jr. (Dr. David), would go on to receive the same distinction, making them the only father-son pair in history to earn this recognition.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Bill served on the first County Council in McMinn County, was named Athens Man of the Year, and was a lifelong member of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church. Tennessee Wesleyan College recognized his contributions by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

From a single practice founded in 1939, “Doc’s” legacy has grown into a multi-doctor practice spanning four generations of his family. His commitment to service, community, and excellence in patient care is the foundation that guides the practice today.

Dr. William “David” Sullins, Jr. was a nationally renowned optometrist whose leadership and vision helped shape the profession of optometry in the United States.

A 1965 graduate of Southern College of Optometry, he went on to build an extraordinary career in both military and professional service.

Dr. David served in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1995 and became the first optometrist in history to achieve the rank of Rear Admiral. He was also the first optometrist in any branch of the military selected for Flag Officer.

Throughout his career, Dr. David remained deeply committed to advancing optometry and improving patient care. He served as President of the American Optometric Association from 1989 to 1990 and was a founder of the InfantSEE public health program, which provides comprehensive eye assessments for infants 6 to 12 months of age, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

The InfantSEE program is one of the largest and most successful public health initiatives in optometry, and every provider at Sullins Eye Care participates in the program.

Dr. David was widely recognized for his contributions, first as the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians’ Optometrist of the Year in 1980, then as Optometrist of the Decade in 1992. Ultimately, he was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame, and he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Optometry in 2002.

His father, William David Sullins, Sr. (Dr. Bill), had received this distinction several years prior, making them the only father-son pair in history to earn this recognition.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. David served as Mayor of Athens, Tennessee from 1979 to 1982. His dedication to both his profession and his community continues to inspire the mission and values of Sullins Eye Care today.