Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Optometrists in Somerset, KY
Founded in 1975, Associates In Eye Care has grown from a single practice in Whitley City, KY, to a trusted network of eight locations across southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee. Our team of 11 experienced optometrists and dedicated staff are committed to delivering personalized, comprehensive eye care using state-of-the-art diagnostic technology. With decades of collective experience, we specialize in pediatric and geriatric eye care, contact lens fittings, and management of ocular diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. Our mission extends beyond clinical excellencewe actively engage in international healthcare missions through HIS Servants Ministries, reflecting our core value of compassionate service.Every patient benefits from our focus on thorough, unhurried care, ensuring accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans. From routine exams to emergency eye care, we prioritize patient education and long-term vision health, supported by an in-house lab for precision lens manufacturing. This combination of expertise, advanced technology, and community-driven values establishes us as a leader in regional eye care.
Services
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Contact Lens Exams
Emergency Eye Care
Eye Disease Management
Geriatric Eye Care
Pediatric Eye Care
Designer Frames
Contact Lenses
Binocular Vision Testing
Tonometry Test
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer comprehensive eye exams with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology.
- Our team includes 11 experienced optometrists across eight regional locations.
- We provide personalized patient care with a focus on community service.
- Our in-house lab ensures high-quality lenses with advanced features.
- We have over 45 years of experience serving Kentucky and Tennessee.
What people say
Friendly receptionists
Knowledgeable doctors
Excellent customer service
Amazing staff
Thorough and caring doctors
Services
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Our comprehensive eye exams use advanced diagnostic tools to assess vision health and detect ocular diseases. We evaluate refractive errors, intraocular pressure, and binocular vision function for patients of all ages. Annual exams help maintain optimal vision and identify conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration early for effective treatment.
Contact Lens Exams
Contact lens exams determine the optimal prescription and lens type for your vision needs. We offer disposable, toric, and colored lenses with proper fitting techniques to ensure comfort and clear vision. Our optometrists provide ongoing care and adjustments for long-term lens wearers.
Eye Disease Management
We diagnose and manage ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Our treatment plans combine medication management, lifestyle recommendations, and advanced monitoring techniques to preserve vision and slow disease progression effectively.
Geriatric Eye Care
Specialized geriatric eye care addresses age-related vision changes and disease risks. We conduct thorough screenings for cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration while providing adaptive solutions for patients with reduced vision or mobility limitations.
Pediatric Eye Care
Pediatric eye exams ensure proper visual development and academic performance. Our child-friendly approach detects refractive errors, amblyopia, and binocular vision issues early. We provide age-appropriate treatments and collaborate with parents to maintain children's long-term eye health.
People
Gary Upchurch
Optometrist
Dr. Gary Upchurch has practiced optometry in Albany, KY since 1980. Recipient of the Kentucky Optometric Association Award, he specializes in comprehensive eye exams and ocular disease management while leading community health initiatives through HIS Servants Ministries.
Meg Harlin
Optometrist
Dr. Meg Harlin joined Associates In Eye Care in 2025, serving Albany and Russell Springs patients. With expertise in contact lens fittings and pediatric eye care, she brings a patient-centered approach to vision health in her hometown communities.
Amy Combs
Optometrist
Dr. Amy Combs provides optometry services at our Jacksboro location. She focuses on personalized patient education and comprehensive vision solutions, utilizing her expertise in diagnostic technology to improve patient outcomes.
Teresa Singleton
CFO/Vice President
As Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Teresa Singleton oversees financial operations and strategic planning for our multi-location practice. With over 20 years in healthcare administration, she ensures efficient practice management while maintaining patient care standards.
Timothy Sparkman
Optometrist
Dr. Timothy Sparkman serves patients in Russell Springs and Somerset. Known for his patient-centered approach, he specializes in pediatric eye exams and binocular vision assessments, explaining complex procedures in accessible terms for families.
Questions
What eye care services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive exams, contact lens fittings, emergency eye care, and management of ocular diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we work with major insurance providers and offer assistance understanding your vision care benefits during your visit.
Are evening appointments available?
Yes, our Somerset location offers extended hours until 7 PM on Wednesdays to accommodate working patients.
Do you handle eye emergencies?
Yes, we provide urgent care for eye injuries, sudden vision changes, and other ocular emergencies during regular business hours.
What makes your practice unique?
Our combination of advanced technology, community service commitment, and 45+ years of regional experience sets us apart as trusted eye care providers.
Reviews (1)
Brenda C.
Mar 31, 2018
Report
Although the wait was a little much, the ladies at the desk were friendly, Deanna was kind enough to answer my many questions without getting frustrated the Doctor was thorough and had a kind demeanor. Aside from the wait once you're in the exam room, all in all, I had a pleasant experience.
