Meet Dr. Stephen R. Franklin, MD
Dr. Franklin is an Oak Ridge, Tennessee native with deep East Tennessee roots — a perspective that shapes the personal, community-minded approach he brings to patient care. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, before going on to complete his medical degree at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. He then stayed at UT Memphis to complete his ophthalmology residency, where he trained as a comprehensive ophthalmologist and has practiced since 1988.
Dr. Franklin has focused his career on:
- Cataract surgery — helping patients see clearly again with modern, precise surgical techniques
- Laser eye surgery — offering advanced treatment options for a variety of eye conditions
- General and comprehensive ophthalmology — diagnosing and managing the full range of eye diseases and conditions that can affect vision over a lifetime
Patients can expect the same qualities that have defined Dr. Franklin’s decades-long career: thorough exams, excellent surgical outcomes, and genuine care for each person who sits in his chair.
When he’s not in the exam room or performing surgery, Dr. Franklin enjoys spending time outdoors — biking, hiking, boating, and gardening across the East Tennessee landscape he calls home. It’s that same appreciation for the region and its people that makes him such a natural fit for our practice.
A Warm Welcome to Dr. Franklin's Patients
If you’ve trusted Dr. Franklin with your eye care over the years, we want you to know: nothing about that relationship changes — Dr. Franklin’s full, established practice is now part of East Tennessee Eye Surgeons, which means the same expert care, familiar face, and personal attention you’ve come to rely on are all still here for you.
We know how important it is to feel confident in your eye care provider, and we’re honored that Dr. Franklin’s patients are now part of our extended East Tennessee Eye Surgeons family.
Why This Matters for Our Patients
Adding a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgery specialist of Dr. Franklin’s caliber means our patients in Powell have even greater access to advanced, personalized eye care. Whether you’re due for a routine eye exam, managing a condition like glaucoma or diabetic eye disease, or exploring your options for cataract surgery, Dr. Franklin’s experience adds another layer of expertise to the team you already trust.
At East Tennessee Eye Surgeons, we believe great vision care starts with great relationships — between our doctors and our patients, and between our practice and the communities we serve. Dr. Franklin’s addition strengthens both.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
We invite both new and existing patients to schedule a visit with Dr. Stephen R. Franklin at our Powell, TN office. Whether you have a specific eye concern or it’s simply time for your next routine eye exam, our team is here to provide the highest quality eye care in a warm, welcoming environment.
Call East Tennessee Eye Surgeons today at 865.546.1464 or request an appointment online to get started. We look forward to welcoming you — and Dr. Franklin — to our practice.
East Tennessee Eye Surgeons proudly serves patients in Powell, Sevierville, Knoxville, and the surrounding East Tennessee region with comprehensive eye exams, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, diabetic eye care, and more. Learn more about our full range of services.