A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM DR. PUCKETT

I purchased my practice in East Town Mall on March 1, 2008. When we close our office on January 25, 2020, we will close just 36 days short of our 12th anniversary. Throughout the years the mall has experienced numerous changes and setbacks, including a temporary re-branding to Knoxville Center Mall and in recent years, the loss of many tenants and anchor stores. For the past few years, we had been hopeful the practice would be relocated. However, a few months ago I obtained advance notice of the impending closure of Knoxville Center/East Town Mall. This gave me the opportunity to re-evaluate and determine the future course of my career. 

After much consideration, I have elected not to continue with my current corporate practice model. I will be opening a new practice in partnership with Dr. Susan Carter. Our new practice, Eyes on Northshore, is located at Pellissippi Parkway and Northshore Drive. I elected to make this change because it will allow me to provide additional services and take better care of my patients. Dr. Carter specializes in pediatrics, vision therapy, sports therapy and neuro rehabilitation, and I am excited to be a part of a practice that can provide such comprehensive eye care. Personally, I will continue to provide routine eye care and in the near future, will also begin dry eye therapy and fitting of specialty contact lenses. Practicing in a private practice setting will allow me to spend more time with my patients and provide better quality care. Our new location has easy parking and is located in a beautiful area easily accessible by interstate. 

 This decision was both very easy and extremely difficult to make.

 Why was this an easy decision? 

I would like to spend more time with my family. My current practice is open 7 days a week with the ability to close for holidays just 3 days per year. This inflexible schedule over the past 11 years ensured I worked most weekends and holidays, frequently missing opportunities to spend with my family. I have missed far too many ball games, field trips and other special events that are important to my children and family. While this is an unfortunate reality of many parents, I am blessed to have the opportunity to make a needed change which will allow me to be more present with my family. 

Why was this a difficult decision? 

My staff: I have been blessed with a wonderful staff that are more family to me than coworkers. My husband has taken on an important role in the practice and has become an important part of the business. My sister has worked alongside me since the practice opened and I have relied heavily on her support and abundance of knowledge. Misty and Amanda have also been with me since we opened and Rhonda joined us approximately one year later. These are the smiling faces you see when you walk in and the voices you recognize when you call. Without this trio as well as all the other amazing employees I have worked with throughout the years, this practice would be just be another cold and unwelcoming space in a nearly deserted mall. This group of staff has truly been the reason we have persevered despite the difficult circumstances surrounding us. I have been so very blessed to work each day with this amazing group of women.  

My patients: I have been honored to provide eyecare to a wonderful group of patients. You all have touched my heart and taught me so much throughout the years. I have shared in your lives and watched your children grow into adults, marry, and have children. I have cried with many of you after the loss of a spouse or child and I have been brought to my knees by patients that prayed for me when I was going through difficult times in my own personal life. I have always tried to provide the best care for my patients, and I hope I have given you a fraction of the blessings you all have given me.

These last 12 years have been amazing and while I will no longer be located in East Town Mall, I will still be providing eye care in the Knoxville Area. For those who are able, I would greatly appreciate your continued support as I am (and have always been) dependent on your loyalty to stay in business and support my family. While all of our current staff aren’t relocating together immediately, we hope to be reunited in the future and to continue to be a part of the lives of the patients we have grown to care so much for over the past 12 years. 

Contact Lens Patients:

After January 26, 2020: Patients with valid contact lens prescriptions will be able to order new supplies by calling Eyes on Northshore at 865-288-4449. Contact lens supplies can be mailed directly to your home.