With over ten years of experience in optometry, Dr. Julianne Koch recently opened her own practice located in the heart of Nashville. Located in Midtown, Novel Eye Care consists of a skilled team that treats both adults and children. Born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Dr. Koch attended the University of Arkansas, where she received her undergraduate degree in Biology, and continued her education at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. After graduating in 2013, she began working in Murfreesboro before making the move to Music City. Having had glasses since she was two years old, Dr. Koch shares that having a job where she could help others is something she has always known she’s wanted to do.
“I knew I wanted to do something in healthcare, and it ended up being Optometry because I’ve always been passionate about eyes,” she explains.
Going to the eye doctor regularly growing up helped spark her interest in pursuing it professionally as a career; Optometry was something she always had a knowledge of, and was familiar with, therefore, she decided to combine her passion of Optometry and pediatrics and opened her first practice that offers both adult and child care right here in Nashville. Landing on the name Novel Eye Care, her thoughtfully designed office offers a warm touch to all who walk in.
When entering the front door, patients are met with an optical that offers a space to order contacts, purchase glasses, and glass frames. Novel even offers a chic selection of designer frames from designer brands like Prada, Tom Ford, Tiffany & Co, Persol, and even Dr. Seuss inspired frames for the little ones. Dr. Koch’s personal style and touch is to be noted from the whole Novel experience; everything from the interior design of the space that she designed herself, to the curated selection of frames that is offered.
An active reader herself, Dr. Koch wanted to build her practice around the theme of books, hence where the name Novel stemmed from. They even have a hidden bookshelf door to get to the pre-test area! She has an incredible in house book collection to reflect the Novel name, and to make her clientele feel inspired. Especially for her clients that are children and might be wearing glasses for the first time; it definitely brings a fun element to the whole experience.
When asked what she wanted her patients to feel when entering her practice, Dr. Koch says, “Like they’re in a cozy home library… the name Novel is a twist on the books and also means ‘new,’ you know, you’ve got to see to read!” She continues to share that she knows eye exams can be a little stressful, so making her patients comfortable is something she and her team focus on.
A member of the American Optometric Association, Tennessee Optometric Association, and previously Vice President of the Middle Tennessee Optometric Physician Society, Dr. Koch is a full-scope doctor treating everything from dry eye to performing routine medical and vision exams to emergency eye care. In addition, she routinely diagnoses and monitors eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Also experienced in specialty contact lens fitting, Dr. Koch shares that getting routine eye checks, even if you have clear vision, is very important and something people often don’t think to do.
“It’s something that’s recommended, especially if you have family members who are at risk for eye diseases or if you have other conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure or high cholesterol,” she shares. “All of these things we can see in the back of your eyes and can really affect your vision.”
Dr. Koch shares how rewarding it is to help others with their sight; whether it be helping a patient determine the root of their problem or helping a child see clearly for the first time with glasses, being in a role that is built around helping others means a lot to Dr. Koch. Her genuine nature and incredible knowledge are quick to realize in just one interaction!
“I am passionate about eye care and helping people see better and more comfortably,” she says. “Sometimes sight isn’t just about how you’re seeing, but how you’re feeling with your eyes as well, whether it’s your lids and your lashes, or the appearance… helping others see better is very rewarding.”
Novel Eye Care accepts a wide variety of insurances, and is quickly growing their new practice! They are open Monday through Friday, and more information on Novel Eye Care can be found at noveleyecare.com.
"...being in a role that is built around helping others means a lot."