MEET OUR OPTOMETRISTS

Peter T. Van Hoven, O.D.

Peter Van Hoven, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in 1999 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Tennessee Technological University.

In practice since 1999, Dr. Van Hoven’s interest in eye care was motivated by a long history of visual conditions and ocular disease in his family. He was driven to pursue a career in optometry to be able to help others improve their vision and overall eye health.

In his time away from the office, Dr. Van Hoven enjoys staying active by boating with his family and hiking.

Nicholas P. Engle, O.D.

Nicholas Engle, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in 2007 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Northern Iowa.

Dr. Engle has always been fascinated with the eyes. He takes great interest in helping his patients understand how amazing their eyes are by educating them on how to keep their eyes at their best. Many people take advantage of their vision, and Dr. Engle likes helping them learn to appreciate and value this wonderful sense. He feels that he has the best of both worlds by being able to educate and treat patients at the same time.

Seeing his patients and their families year after year gives Dr. Engle the unique opportunity to build valuable relationships. Dr. Engle strives to understand his patients’ individual needs by having conversations and asking questions, which allows him to provide the specialized care each patient deserves.

Christina Martin, O.D.

Christina Martin, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry cum laude from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2013 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with honors from Northern Illinois University. Dr. Martin provides all aspects of eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases, glaucoma, contact lenses, pediatric eye exams, and surgery co-management.

Dr. Martin says as a young child she always knew she wanted to be an optometrist. Ever since she began wearing glasses in the 2nd grade, she recalls that her visits to the eye doctor were always her favorite doctor appointment every year.

In practice since 2013, Dr. Martin’s favorite part of being an optometrist is building and maintaining long-term relationships with her patients of all ages. Knowing her patients on a personal level helps her to provide them with the best eye care possible to solve their vision needs.

In her time away from the office, Dr. Martin enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and staying active by participating in outdoor activities with her husband and daughter.

Kenneth A. Young, O.D.

Kenneth Young, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in 1993 where he was awarded for his diagnosis and treatment of ocular pathology. Dr. Young serves as an FDA Investigator and Associate Professor for three optometry schools.

Dr. Young is Chairman of the State Board of Optometry. He was appointed to the board in 2019 by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. He has lectured nationally, has numerous articles published in Optometric journals and has served as clinical investigator for several pharmaceutical and contact lens companies.

In his time away from treating patients, Dr. Young enjoys spending time with his wife and their two kids, as well as hunting, fishing, and raising Hereford cattle. 

Molly Pace, O.D.

Molly Pace, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in 2018 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University.

Dr. Pace began wearing glasses and contact lenses as a young girl in the 7th grade. Later, as a senior in high school, she developed a corneal ulcer because she had not been properly cleaning her contact lenses over time. She spent a lot of time at her optometrist’s office for treatment where she became more interested in the eye care field. She later began shadowing her optometrist and eventually made her decision to pursue optometry as a career.

In practice since 2018, Dr. Pace loves seeing firsthand the impact that eye health education and quality eye care can have for her patients to see more clearly.

In her time away from the office, Dr. Pace loves spending her free time with her family. She is also an avid animal lover who especially enjoys pampering her Yorkie named Teddy.

Dr. Shirnil Channappa

Dr. Shirnil Channappa received his undergraduate degree in Life Sciences from Pennsylvania State University in 1995. In May 2000, he graduated from the University of Alabama – Birmingham with his doctorate in Optometry. His interest in health-related fields and interacting with patients led him to Optometry. He enjoys helping his patients solve their eye care needs.

In his spare time, he enjoys reading, traveling, and solving puzzles.

Jessica Hines-Beard

Jessica Hines-Beard, O.D. received her Doctor of Optometry with top honors from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Christian Brother University in 2010.

Dr. Hines Beard also completed a Master of Science in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University in 2015. After graduating, she worked as a scientist researching potential treatments for inherited retinal diseases, eye trauma, and glaucoma. This is when she realized she could use her breadth of knowledge of these diseases to better serve patients by becoming an optometrist.

As an Optometrist, she practices full-scope optometry to provide comprehensive care for her patients, including glaucoma management, surgical co-management, specialty contact lenses, and long-term management of systemic ocular problems, such as, dry eye and diabetic eye disease.

Dr. Hines-Beard is ready to listen to meet your eye care needs. She loves to work together with her patients, so they can make the best decision for their eye health and overall well-being. Her favorite part of becoming an Optometrist is seeing the smile on a patient’s face when they say, “this is the best that I’ve seen in years.”

Outside of the office, Dr. Hines-Beard and her family are avid travelers. She enjoys good food, fancy coffee, and likes to escape to other worlds through reading.

Patient Testimonials