02/25/2026
Hello Patients and Friends,
It is with mixed emotions that I share the news of my retirement from the practice of optometry at The Eye Group. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to care for you, your families, and in many cases, multiple generations over the years. My career has been deeply fulfilling, and I am sincerely grateful for the trust you have placed in me.
Dr. Dorian Lain and I founded The Eye Group in 1992, and with God’s blessing and your continued support, it has grown into one of the leading optometry practices in the region. Watching the practice grow alongside our wonderful patients and community has been one of the greatest joys of my professional life. After 43 years in practice, I have had the pleasure of getting to know many of you not only as patients, but also as friends. Knowing that I may not see you again in this setting is certainly the hardest part of retiring.
I have been gradually reducing my schedule over time, which has helped make this transition a bit easier. My final day in the office was December 31, 2025. I apologize for the short notice—this milestone arrived more quickly than I anticipated. But this office and the patients I have gotten to see hold a special place for me so you might see my face pop up here and there.
I leave the practice with complete confidence that you will continue to receive exceptional care. Dr. Nicole Lamb recently joined The Eye Group. She graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in 2018 and completed her residency at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Johnson City. She is a skilled and compassionate clinician and will be seeing patients at our Farragut office.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being part of your lives and your vision care for so many years. Serving you and your families has been a true honor.
With gratitude,
Joseph Manning, O.D.
