Dr. Elliott will anchor ECOTN’s presence in McMinnville as much-revered Dr. Jennifer Elder departs the practice. Dr. Rone will assist the transition, serving as locum tenens.

The leadership team at Eye Centers of Tennessee (ECOTN) announced today that Kelsey Elliott, O.D., will be joining the ECOTN staff in McMinnville, replacing Jennifer Elder, O.D., as staff lead there. Dr. Elliott’s start date at the McMinnville office is slated for July 15, 2019.

“Though we were saddened to learn that Dr. Elder, a patient and staff favorite, will be leaving us, we are ecstatic to let our McMinnville-area patients know that Dr. Elliott will continue delivering the high-quality eye care they’ve grown accustomed to,” said Dr. Michael Patterson, Partner at ECOTN. “Dr. Elliott is an all-star practitioner, and we look forward to introducing her to the McMinnville community.”

A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dr. Elliott majored in biology with a chemistry minor at Southern Adventist University before attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. When she’s not seeing patients, Dr. Elliott is a canine-loving outdoorswoman and artist.  

“While I’ve loved every minute of my time with the staff and patients at ECOTN, and will miss them all, I am certain Dr. Elliott will step in and forge impactful relationships across the area,” said the departing Dr. Elder. “I want to thank our entire team and the patients who entrusted their eye care to me. Nothing gives me more comfort embarking on a new adventure with my husband than to know that my friends, colleagues, and patients will be in great hands with Dr. Elliott.”

Dr. Elliott will begin seeing patients at ECOTN’s McMinnville office — located at 220 North Chancery Street; McMinnville, TN 37110 — on July 15, 2019.

Stepping in to assist the ECOTN transition in McMinnville is Norman Rone, O.D., a longtime notable in the McMinnville community. Dr. Rone, a graduate of the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, has practiced for 55 years and will be serving as “locum tenens” — locum tenens is a person who temporarily fulfills the duties of another — beginning May 1, 2019. In addition to his work as an eye care practitioner, Dr. Rone is a former mayor of McMinnville, a past president of the McMinnville Chamber of Commerce, and a past president (and current member) of the McMinnville Rotary Club.

“Having Dr. Rone, a trusted practitioner and community leader, assist in the handoff between Dr. Elder and Dr. Elliott is a true blessing,” said Dr. Larry Patterson, Medical Director at ECOTN. “Having a steady hand play an integral role during a time of transition is beyond helpful. We are extremely grateful to Dr. Rone.”

To set an appointment with Dr. Elliott or Dr. Rone, call: 931-473-2487.