Heidi H. Herring, O.D.

Dr. Heidi Herring is a native of Knoxville, TN. She graduated from Karns High School in 2003 then went to the University of Tennessee where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology.  From there, Dr. Herring attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN where she graduated Valedictorian of her class in 2011. Dr. Herring returned home and has been practicing in Knoxville since 2011.  Dr. Herring sees patient’s of all ages and has experience treating glaucoma, ocular trauma and disease, and prescribing glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Herring is a member of the East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Herring is proud to participate in the nationwide InfantSee program and has volunteered numerous times for Remote Area Medical.  When not working, Dr. Herring enjoys spending time with her husband Ben and their three children Jonah, Charlotte, and Aiden.

Benjamin C. Herring, O.D.

Dr. Ben Herring is a native of North Carolina. Dr. Herring comes from a long line of optometrists, so it was only fitting that he found his way to the profession as well. He graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina with a degree in Economics. From there, Dr. Herring attended a Bible training program in Oklahoma after which he did missions work in South Korea.  Dr. Herring then attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN where he graduated summa cum laude in 2010.  Dr. Herring followed the love of his life, Heidi back to Knoxville in 2011, calling the place home ever since. Dr. Herring has many interests outside of eye care which include golf and being outdoors.  Mostly, he enjoys spending time with his wife Heidi and their young children Jonah, Charlotte, and Aiden.

Paul E. Wittke, MD

(founder, clinician emeritus)

Dr. Wittke is a native of Missouri but was raised and educated in Michigan. He received a B.S. degree in 1958 from the University of Michigan and an M.D. degree in 1962 from Wayne State University School of Medicine.

After internship, Dr. Wittke entered the United States Air Force and served as a general medical officer for 4 years before doing a 3 year ophthalmology residency at the Kresge Eye Institute and Harper Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. In 1973 he received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force and started his practice in Knoxville and Rockwood. In 1981 he joined the Tennessee Air National Guard and served for 10 years as a flight surgeon. Dr. Wittke retired from the United States Air Force in 1992.

Dr. Wittke is very involved in the community. He is an active supporter of Remote Area Medical and is a member of their board of directors. He is a devoted member of the West Knox Lions Club and Grace Lutheran Church. He is married to Sheila and has 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

After 50 years in clinical practice, Dr. Wittke retired at the end of June 2023. He will be greatly missed by both his patients whom he loves and his colleagues who love and respect him greatly. If you had the honor and privelege of Dr. Wittke’s excellent care, we would love to continue that tradition with you in his stead.

John M. Hunt, OD

Dr. John M. Hunt has served the East Tennessee eye care community for over 35 years caring for patients and families in Knox, Roane and Loudon Counties.   He is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and the East Tennessee Society of Optometric Physicians.

Dr. Hunt grew up in the Limestone community in upper east Tennessee.  He completed his undergraduate studies at East Tennessee State University graduating suma cume laude with a major in microbiology.  Dr. Hunt received the Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee in 1984 as Valedictorian of his class.

Dr. Hunt served a total of twenty-four years in the military. His military career began in 1980 with the US Army under the Health Professions Scholarship Program and culminated in 2004 upon his retirement from the 134th Air Refueling Wing with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  The majority of his active duty career was spent at Kenner Army Community Hospital in Fort Lee, Virginia.  During this time he also served as Adjunct Professor for Houston, Pennsylvania and Southern Colleges of Optometry hosting and training students during their clinical rotations.  He served as Chief of Optometry for the 134th Air Refueling Medical Squadron until his retirement from military service.

Dr. Hunt, upon completing his active duty service in 1988, joined Dr.  Paul Wittke in private practice in Knoxville and Rockwood, Tennessee.  His partnership with Dr. Wittke spanned 35 years until Dr.  Wittke’s retirement in 2023.  Their friendship continues to this day.

Dr. Hunt is an active member of his local church and enjoys singing in the choir.  An enthusiastic runner for most of his life, he has completed over 40 marathons and ultramarathons, including the JFK 50 miler. He is an avid Tennessee sports fan and when he is not rooting for the Vols he enjoys working in his garden.  He is married and has 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren.