Dr. Hannah Hughes is a dynamic optometrist who joined University Eye Specialists in 2020. After completing her biology degree at Northern Kentucky University, she pursued her passion for optometry at the prestigious Indiana University School of Optometry. During her time there, Dr. Hughes was actively involved in various organizations, including the Special Olympics and Optometric Services to Humanity.
Following graduation, Dr. Hughes completed an externship with the Naval Health Clinic in Quantico, Virginia, where she provided care to active-duty military personnel. She then moved on to the Tallahassee Veteran’s Administration, where she continued to develop her skills in caring for patients with diverse visual needs.
Dr. Hughes’ areas of expertise include pediatric optometry, ocular disease management, and contact lens fitting, with a particular passion for scleral lenses. Her desire to improve her patients’ visual outcomes has led her to specialize in fitting these lenses, which can provide exceptional comfort and clarity for those with corneal irregularities or dry eye conditions.
Dr. Hughes also has a keen interest in dry eye treatment and intervention, recognizing the increasing need for specialized care in today’s digital age. She has contributed to various research projects, including consultative research on anterior eye tomography.
Outside of the office, Dr. Hughes enjoys coaching competitive figure skaters at the Ice Chalet in Knoxville, where she has been involved in the sport since she was a young girl. She also enjoys staying active by going for runs and hikes in the beautiful East Tennessee scenery, often accompanied by her spoiled rescue puppy, Burd.