Our Team

Heather McBryar, OD, FCOVD

Diplomate, American Board of Optometry
Dr. Heather McBryar is a certified optometrist and a Tennessee native. She has more than 16 years of experience in the field of optometry. Her fascination with the field began at a young age with a visit to the eye doctor for a minor vision issue of her own, and later upon learning about a vision condition that ran in her family. With her son both having a vision issue and being on the autism spectrum, Dr. McBryar hit on the novel concept of combining both low vision treatment and vision therapy to achieve the best possible results for patients in need of more specialized help.

Dr. McBryar graduated with honors from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. She is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD), a candidate for Fellowship in the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA), and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry (ABO).

Dr. McBryar has hospital privileges at Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation and is a co-founder of the Chattanooga Area Low Vision Network. She has lectured extensively on the topics of neuro-optometric rehabilitation and low vision
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Christopher Appel, OD

Dr. Christopher Appel, OD was born and raise in Susanville, CA, Dr. Appel has always had a passion for helping people improve their quality of life. With a Doctorate in Optometry, he has dedicated his career to ensuring his patients receive the best eye care possible.

Dr. Appel has extensive experience in the full scope of eye care including routine eye exams, ocular disease management, contact lenses, pediatric eye exams, and surgical co-management, dry eye, specialty contact lenses, and eye emergencies. One of his most fulfilling experiences as an optometrist involved detecting retinal birthmarks, which led to the discovery and treatment of a patient's gastrointestinal polyps. This life-changing experience serves as a reminder of the impact a routine eye exam can have on a patient's overall health.

Before pursuing a career in optometry, Dr. Appel worked as an automotive mechanic, a skill he still puts to good use by working on his own cars. When he's not at the clinic or under the hood of a car, he enjoys hiking, camping, and motorcycle riding. Music is also a big part of his life, as he plays the guitar and is currently practicing vocals with hopes of joining a local band.

Although Dr. Appel doesn't follow any particular sports teams, he enjoys watching motorsports. His ultimate goal in life is to help people gain the ability to live better lives, whether it's through driving safely, learning to read, or simply walking around their home with ease.

Our Staff

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Lizzy Jolley

Clinical Coordinator
Lizzy Jolley is originally from Georgia, and is currently working with us as an office manager. Additionally, she is working to become certified as a vision therapist, and looks forward to the opportunity to help even more patients.
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John McDerman

Vision Therapist
John McDerman is a vision therapist at Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga, and he has spent most of his life in the greater Chattanooga area. He enjoys doing vision therapy and working with kids, and he is looking forward to completing his vision therapy certification process soon.

Dutchess Ware

Dutchess is our receptionist 
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Testimonials


Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.


Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.


Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John  are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!


Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!


Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!


Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!


Alice M.
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Contact Us To Amplify Your EyeCare

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Working Hours

Monday - Tuesday
7:30AM - 5:15PM

Wednesday - Thursday
8:00AM - 5:15PM

Friday - Sunday
Closed

Location
1043 Executive Drive Suite #101 Hixson, TN 37343
Fax
(423) 710 3966
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