Dr. Russell was born and raised in Rogersville, Tennessee.  He graduated from Cherokee High School in 1990.  Dr. Russell completed his undergraduate studies at Walters State Community College and The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in Chemistry.  Dr. Russell received his Doctor of Optometry Degree in 1997 from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee after completing externship rotations at Baptist Eye Institute in Knoxville, Tennessee and Sullins Eye Care/Woods Memorial Hospital in Athens, Tennessee. 

Dr. Russell has been married to Stephanie Light since 1998.  They have two children Spencer and Elizabeth.

Professional Honors

• Board of Trustees, Tennessee Optometric Asssociation (2003-2006)
• President, Tennessee Optometric Association (2006-2007)
• Chairman of the Board, Tennessee Optometric Association (2007-2008)
• President, Northeast Tennessee Optometric Association (2008-2009)
• AOA-PAC State Representative, American Optometric Association (2006-Present)
• InfantSEE State Leader, American Optometric Association (2005-Present)