Ophthalmologist in Johnson City & Kingsport
Ophthalmologist Donny Luprice Reeves, M.D., is often considered a family man, but he has also developed a professional passion of treating his staff and his patients as “family.” Today, he leads the Reeves Eye Institute and uses his surgical skills to treat a variety of eye diseases as well as helping those who would like to become less dependent on glasses and contacts.
Now treating patients in East Tennessee, Dr. Reeves has come a long way from his upbringing out west in Ogden, Utah. There, he received his undergraduate degree and went on to pursue his dream of becoming a medical doctor at the University of Utah.
Dr. Reeves began his Ophthalmology career in 2004 prior to being deployed to Afghanistan. Army Reserve Captain Dr. Reeves served officially as Ophthalmologist during Operation Enduring Freedom, but the specialty was only part of his duties as a medical doctor. “I performed skin grafts, facial trauma repair, full reconstructive surgery and general surgery in addition to eye surgery,” says Dr. Reeves. Working on dated equipment in less-than-ideal circumstances were just a few of the many challenges he faced. After receiving his honorable discharge in 2005, he returned to practicing Ophthalmology.
In 2011, his vision became reality. “Building the Reeves Eye Institute has been extremely rewarding,” says Dr. Reeves. “As an Ophthalmologist, I get to serve so many wonderful people and build long-term relationships not only with the individual patients, but also with their families. I get to know them on a personal level.”
Dr. Reeves continues, “Since Ophthalmology is a primary care subspecialty, I can see patients of all ages, all lifestyles, and all walks of life. I can treat an entire family and get to know them well over the years.”
Being committed to his patients is top priority for Dr. Reeves. He specializes in treating Cataract, Glaucoma, Blepharitis and other eye diseases.
Dr. Reeves also treats patients for Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration. Treatments vary from Laser Surgery to Intravitreal Injections. Dr. Reeves also performs Blade-Free Custom LASIK® to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Ophthalmology is a very “gratifying” profession, according to Dr. Reeves. But among his most beloved of all conditions he treats is Macular Degeneration, an especially rewarding task. In some cases, patients have little hope for vision, and with today’s technology, he sometimes helps them improve their sight, which is life-changing for his patients.
“I love seeing the transformation patients undergo as well as the joy they experience when they can see to perform simple, daily tasks,” says Dr. Reeves. “In fact, this is one of the many reasons I chose Ophthalmology—because I can literally see the problem and fix it. It is a great feeling to help patients change their life by improving their vision.”
On the weekend, you just might catch Dr. Reeves with his family enjoying the great outdoors, fishing along the river bank, snow skiing in the winter, or spending time on the lake. The Reeves have a travel trailer, so if nature is calling, they are prepped and ready to go for their next outdoor adventure.
Whether it is caring for his family or his employees, treating his patients, serving his country, or setting off on his next outdoor excursion, Dr. Reeves accomplishes it all with excellence and a commitment to quality.
Education
Bachelor of Science
1995, Weber State University
Ogden, Utah
Medical School
Doctor of Medicine
2000, University of Utah School of Medicine
Salt Lake City, Utah
Internship
2000-2001, Columbia University Affiliate Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital
Cooperstown, New York
Residency
2001 – 2004, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Madison, Wisconsin
Military Service
Doctor of Ophthalmology
United States Army Reserve
2004-2005, Deployed to Afghanistan
May, 2005, Honorable Discharge
Rank: Captain
Ophthalmic Specialties
Disease and Surgery of the Eye
Cataract & Intraocular Lens Microsurgery
Topical Anesthesia, No-Stitch Cataract Surgery
Intraocular Lens Implants for Correction of Nearsightedness, Farsightedness and Astigmatism
PanOptix® Pro Lens, Odyssey™ Light Adjustable Lens, Toric Lens, and Monofocal Lenses
Vision Correction
Blade-Free Custom LASIK® and PRK
EVO Implantable Contact Lens
Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Astigmatism
YAG Laser Surgery
Glaucoma
Surgical & Medical Management
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Eyelid Plastic Surgery
Blepharoplasty
Brow Lift
Reconstruction
Medical and Laser Treatment of
Diabetic Eye Disease
Retina Specialties
Macular Degeneration
Intravitreal Injection for Macular Degeneration & Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic Retinopathy
Retinal Vein & Artery Occlusions
Flashes & Floaters
Uveitis
Retinal Tears
Interests
Camping, Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wakeboarding, and Ballroom Dancing
Board Certification
2005, American Board of Ophthalmology
Professional Membership
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Honors
2005, Army Commendation Medal, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan
2000, Advancement to Captain, US Army Reserve Medical Corps
1999, Honors Family Practice, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Ophthalmology Research
1999, School of Medicine Community Service Award
1998, Utah’s Army Reserve Officer of the Year
1998, Army Commendation Medal
1998, Advancement to 1st Lieutenant, US Army Reserve Medical Service Corps.
1997, General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award—awarded annually to 24 junior officers Army-wide who demonstrated outstanding leadership in a company-level position
1997-1998, Columbia Health Care Scholarship
1996, Graduate US Army Officer’s Basic Course, Medical Logistics
Management Course, Ft. Sam Houston, TX
1994, Utah State Legislature Scholarship
1994, Graduate—top 15% ROTC Advanced Leadership Development Course, Ft. Lewis, WA
1994, Graduate—US Army Airborne School
1992, 3-Year National ROTC Scholarship
1992, Graduate—US Army Air Assault School
