Dr. Blane L. Tarr, OD

Dr. Blane L. Tarr, OD has been serving the residents of East Tennessee since moving back to the area in 2010. Born and raised in Jefferson County, he has always loved the Smoky Mountains, being outside in the beauty of the foothills, and cheering for the Tennessee Vols. He graduated from Jefferson County High School as Salutatorian in 1998, and graduated from Carson-Newman College with honors and a degree in Chemistry in 2002.

Dr. Tarr graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry with Honors in 2006. Upon graduation, he entered Active Duty as a Captain in the United States Army. He served at Ireland Army Community Hospital on Fort Knox, Kentucky, for four years before moving back to Tennessee to serve his family, friends, and neighbors. Dr. Tarr practices full-scope optometry with an emphasis on the detection, treatment, and management of eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and complications from diabetes.

When Dr. Tarr is not seeing patients, he can usually be found spending time with his family and five children, reading, participating in church activities, or watching football. He has been married to his wife, Kelly, for 20 years.

Dr. Katelyn D. Yates, OD

Dr. Yates graduated with honors from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, and has extensive training in extensive training in pediatric primary eye care, binocular vision, contact lens fittings, and dry eye disease. She brings a passion for applying high quality, personalized comprehensive eye care to children and adults. Dr. Yates provides primary eye care and specialty care for medical eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, and diabetes.

Dr. Yates was born and raised in Sevier County, Tennessee, and has a deep and abiding love for the mountains and foothills of East Tennessee. She utilizes her knowledge of cutting-edge technology and experience in order to provide the highest possible level of eye care for residents of Newport and the surrounding areas. When Dr. Yates is not actively protecting the vision of her patients, she can be found spending time with her husband, involved in church activities at Blue Springs Baptist Church, or rooting for the Tennessee Volunteers.