OUR DOCTORS

Dr. Jeffrey L. Kegarise
Dr. Jeff Kegarise is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Following graduation he completed his Residency in Family Practice Optometry at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He lectures nationally on eye disease and healthcare quality. He has published a chapter on eye medications in The Manual of Primary Eye Care and is part of the faculty for The Institute for HealthCare Improvement in Boston, MA. He is a specialist in secondary care and eye disease management. Closer to home, Dr. "Keg" writes a regular health column in Williamson County Health, teaches about reading and vision, has volunteered on the Athletic Board in the Grassland community, and coaches a competitive travel basketball team, The Franklin Fury. He loves sports though admits that he now coaches more than he plays! Most of his time is spent with his wife and kids, at cheerleading, basketball or other school activities. His goal is to "make a difference" by "taking a personal interest in the vision and lives of each of my patients."

Dr. Susan Kegarise
Dr. "Susan" graduated from The Ohio State University and completed a Residency in Family Practice Optometry from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. In addition to being a part of the team at COOL SPRINGS EYECARE, Dr. "Susan" has owned and managed Donelson EyeCare since 1995. An accomplished mother and eye doctor, she juggles work, home and weekend cheerleading and sports activities for her and Jeff's three children, Christen, Kevin, Kelli. She enjoys watching all types of sporting events, particularly Ohio State football! Her eye care philosphy is "to treat each patient as you would want to be treated yourself."

Dr. Melissa Dow
Melissa B. Dow, O.D. is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. Ever since growing up in Owensboro, Kentucky, she has planned to be a doctor. She obtained her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Western Kentucky University. She was a recipient of the David J. Kerko Low Vision Award this Summer for her training in low vision treatment. In addition, she was selected as a member of the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society. Married for two years to a financial analyst, Dr. Dow decided to settle in Middle Tennessee so she could be close to her family in Kentucky and Alabama.

Dr. Jody Simmons
Jody Simmons, O.D. graduated from Samford University with a degree in Biology and a minor in German. She then attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry for her doctorate. In addition to serving as class president for four years, she was a recipient of the Carl Zeiss Vision Fellows Award, which chooses eighteen individuals nationwide from thousands of future optometric leaders based on their commitment level to the profession. Dr. Simmons became interested in eye care after her grandmother developed macular degeneration and glaucoma within a short time of one another. Married for four years, Dr. Simmons chose to settle in Middle Tennessee so she could be close to family. She enjoys running, biking and golf and is moderately fluent in German.

OUR STAFF

Kay Holt Swango
Eyewear and Optical Specialist
Kay has over 30 years of experience in optical. Whether adjusting frames, helping you to adjust to bifocals or choosing the perfect frame and lens options for your lifestyle, you will appreciate Kay's expertise. When she is not helping you with your glasses, she enjoys spending time with her husband and adorable granddaughter.

Troy Kish, LDO
Eyewear and Optical Specialist
Having had his own optical dispensary in Florida, Troy is an excellent resource for information on frame and lens options. He is a board certified optician with ABO and NCLE certifications.

Sheila Willis
Insurance Specialist
Sheila has been in healthcare for 16 years directly dealing with insurance and billing issues. She has worked in eyecare and internal medicine. She received her business administration degree from MTSU. She has three grown daughters and enjoys gardening.

Katie Tuttle
Ophthalmic Technician
Katie Tuttle has been an Ophthalmic Technician for two years. She will assist you in the pre-tests you may need prior to your exam. Katie may also be helpful to you in the insertion and removal of your contact lenses. She will be taking the test to obtain her COA certification in 2007. She has lived in Nashville her entire life and enjoys listening to music and spending time with her six dogs!

Amy McClellan
Patient Concierge
Amy was raised in Anderson, Indiana and moved to Nashville three years ago. She has worked in healthcare for five years. She lives in Franklin with her husband and four boys ranging in age from 8-16.