Our Team

Our Doctors

Heather M. McBryar, OD, FCOVD

(she/her)

Dr. Heather McBryar graduated with honors from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. Her aspiration to become an optometrist began after a great experience with her first eye exam when she was in third grade and she received her first pair of glasses. Dr. McBryar’s interest in vision is also very personal because of a rare genetic X-linked recessive retinal disorder (Blue Cone Monochromatism) that runs in her family.  

Dr. McBryar is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (FCOVD) and has lectured extensively in the area of vision development and vision therapy.  She also holds membership in the Optometric Extension Program, the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, and the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians.  

Dr. McBryar relocated from her hometown of Memphis in 2008 with the desire to expand developmental vision care in the Chattanooga area.  When she is not in the office, she enjoys horseback riding and spending time with her husband and two children.

Christopher A. Appel, OD

(he/him)

Growing up in Susanville, CA, Dr. Chris graduated from high school and underwent training for automotive repair. After several years as an automotive technician, he decided to retrain into a more personally fulfilling career. He graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, then obtained his Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR.

After uncovering a binocular vision problem of his own during school, Dr. Chris knows first-hand how such problems can get in the way of education and daily life. He is grateful to be able to offer pediatric exams, vision therapy, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation in order to help others overcome their own set backs!

While living in Alabama for a short while, he experienced the southern hospitality and is excited to return to such a welcoming and beautiful area! Dr. Chris and his wife and 3 children greatly enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and motorcycle riding.

Our Staff

LeeAnn Baker

(she/her)

Office Manager, Vision Therapist

Buchanan “Bucky” Jolley

(they/them)

Lead Optometric Technician, Vision Therapist

Scott Guider

(he/him)

Lead Optician, Optometric Technician

Jennifer Guider

(she/her)

Front Desk Administrator