What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.93
Average wait time
4.77
Bedside manner
4.95
“Pleasantly delighted with my experience at Vision 1st Nashville! Who knew an optometry storefront in a strip mall could be this good? Bonus: it’s in the same shopping center as our Trader Joe’s, which we visit weekly. Talk about convenience!
Dr. James Hoover, OD, and the entire team were kind, helpful and knowledgeable. Dr. Hoover was especially impressive in his understanding of my eye/vision challenges and how clearly he explained how to manage them going forward. Tia, a Licensed Optician, patiently helped me find and purchase two new pairs of glasses while making the most of my insurance benefits.
My only feedback would be to offer an in-house way to preview sunglass tints or transition lenses on the frames you’re considering.
Most importantly, they clearly put the customer first. I felt well taken care of from the moment I arrived through the eyewear purchase. Very happy to have found them!”
Valerie M.September 2, 2026
“Staff is friendly and helpful, and Dr. Hoover is great at explaining what’s going on in the eye, and is always a personal delight to see. ”
Initials hiddenLess than 3 months ago
About Dr. James Hoover
James Hoover, O.D., received his Doctor of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2016 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, with a minor in Philosophy, from Louisiana State University. He spent several years working with the Children's Eye Center of Baton Rouge, where he fostered a deep love for eyecare.
While at Southern College of Optometry, Dr. Hoover was active with Student Volunteers for Optometric Service to Humanity (SVOSH) and traveled to Mexico, Haiti, Belize, and Colombia, performing eye exams and dispensing glasses to underserved areas. He was also awarded the Outstanding Clinician Award by Southern College of Optometry's staff doctors and supervisors.
In practice since 2016, Dr. Hoover has always been fascinated with the eyes and their functions in our lives. At the age of 8 or 9, he was diagnosed as colorblind. Soon after, he began borrowing the colorblind testing book from his family eye doctor and used it to test students at his school to find others like himself for science projects.
Dr. Hoover loves the satisfaction of knowing that his patients leave seeing and feeling their very best and enjoys helping them gain a greater understanding of their refractive and ocular health. He says it is always a treat to see the smiles on his patients' faces when they get their new prescriptions filled and experience clearer vision.
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In-network insurances
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Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Davis Vision
Emblem Health
EyeMed
UnitedHealthcare
Office location
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Southern College of Optometry, Doctor of Optometry
- Louisiana State University (Bachelor's)
Awards and publications
- Dr. Hoover was Also Awarded The Outstanding Clinician Award by Southern College of Optometry’s Staff Doctors and Supervisors
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1386197895
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.93
Wait time
4.77
Bedside manner
4.95
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
203 reviews
Most relevant
Great experience here. Excellent staff, facility, and knowledge. Highly recommend
June 2, 2026Gregory B.Verified patient
Fantastic experience. Great doctor, great staff. Highly recommended.
Less than 1 month agoAdam S.Verified patient
Thorough review of my eyes, professional and personable at the same time. Nice people here
January 24, 2026Glenn G.Verified patient
Always a thorough exam with no wait time. No hard sell tactics after the appointment.
Less than 1 year agoAlfred F.Verified patient
Friendly and helpful staff. The doctor went into detail explaining everything and answering my questions
February 13, 2025Michael H.Verified patient
Vision 1st has friendly and professional staff, such as dr. James Hoover, who devoted his full attention to my problem.
December 12, 2023Amir H.Verified patient
Doctor and office staff were all really friendly and helpful. I already recommended them to colleagues.
February 21, 2025Initials hidden
Great experience! The doctor was thorough and gave me several options. Highly recommend!
October 12, 2025Jill P.Verified patient
First time to the eye Dr in years. They made the process so easy and they are super friendly!
December 10, 2024Deborah D.Verified patient
Dr. Hoover is great at explaining complex subjects, such as retinal condition, etc.
April 9, 2025Bradley C.Verified patient
What a great doctor! Great communicator and very thorough. I will be recommending to others.
October 21, 2024Initials hidden
The staff at vision 1st on White Bridge rd where excellent!! Would go back every time!!!
July 11, 2024Douglas F.Verified patient
Very friendly staff, no wait time, great experience.
January 21, 2026Jayne A.Verified patient
Great visit friendly staff. Doctor spent good amount of time with me. Never felt rushed.
October 26, 2023John A.Verified patient
Super quick, informative, and incredibly friendly and helpful staff!
January 23, 2025Makenzie J.Verified patient
It was the most thorough and well-explained visit I've had with an eye doctor.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
I was seen in a timely manner very nice doctor and office staff
February 17, 2025Kara B.Verified patient
My experience was Amazing! Would definitely return and refer Dr. Hoover.
June 28, 2024Initials hidden
It was a nice experience for me and the staff were vert friendly.
December 1, 2024Herany Z.Verified patient
Dr Hoover was great. I will visit again when needed. Thank you
November 15, 2023Alfred F.Verified patient
Answered all my questions/concerns. Made me feel comfortable
February 2, 2024Corrine D.Verified patient
Pleasantly delighted with my experience at Vision 1st Nashville! Who knew an optometry storefront in a strip mall could be this good? Bonus: it’s in the same shopping center as our Trader Joe’s, which we visit weekly. Talk about convenience!
Dr. James Hoover, OD, and the entire team were kind, helpful and knowledgeable. Dr. Hoover was especially impressive in his understanding of my eye/vision challenges and how clearly he explained how to manage them going forward. Tia, a Licensed Optician, patiently helped me find and purchase two new pairs of glasses while making the most of my insurance benefits.
My only feedback would be to offer an in-house way to preview sunglass tints or transition lenses on the frames you’re considering.
Most importantly, they clearly put the customer first. I felt well taken care of from the moment I arrived through the eyewear purchase. Very happy to have found them!
September 2, 2026Valerie M.Verified patient
Staff is friendly and helpful, and Dr. Hoover is great at explaining what’s going on in the eye, and is always a personal delight to see.
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
Dr. Hoover was very clear in communicating to me. He explained things in a way where I was able to understand what was going on well. The staff were extremely efficient and friendly, and I was in for my appointment on perfect time after onboarding.
June 15, 2026Initials hidden
The whole process of my visit today was just fantastic & fun ??I was joking around with the staff& they were very accommodating to my banter , even the Dr was willing to go along with my clowning ways . Great place -all around the office , Thx
May 21, 2026michael H.Verified patient
The experience started when I called to ask about an appointment since i had new insurance. Ill never go anywhere else. I tend to get anxious with appointments and picking out glasses, and everyone just made me feel right at home and easy going. Everything clearly communicated and tagged with prices. I loved how much was shared during my exam as well. I learned a lot!
May 6, 2026Sabrina C.Verified patient
I had an issue with my eye that my optometrist could not identify. I decided to get a second opinion. Dr. Hoover continued to run tests until we figured it out. He created a plan on how to fix it and referred me to a specialist. The specialist appt was made that day by his staff. I was elated. I received a thank you note in the mail which was a nice touch!
March 23, 2026Tracy W.Verified patient
It was one of the best experiences the office staff is awesome the doctor answered all my questions was very thorough work with me every step of the way and the low cost frames had great selection will be going back
March 11, 2026Letha M.Verified patient
Clean, speedy and efficient with the latest tech
February 23, 2026Fred S.Verified patient
Very friendly, professional. Easy experience.
January 22, 2026Justine S.Verified patient
Friendly , professional
November 29, 2025Lillie R.Verified patient
Dr Hoover was very personable. He explained details about my eyes that no one has ever talked about in the 30+ years I've been seeing eye doctors. This was my first time at this clinic, but I will definitely continue to come here for my eye care.
November 10, 2025Alicia G.Verified patient
First visit
November 1, 2025Jerry R.Verified patient
Dr. Hoover nailed my prescription. It cleared up vision problems I had been having for some time -- since before my last optometrist appointment over a year ago. When I left I was seeing both distance and near well.
October 7, 2025Justin S.Verified patient
A great experience - staff was helpful when I couldn't find the office, and everyone I encountered was friendly and helpful. Dr. Hoover was great at addressing some concerns that I had.
September 26, 2025Brandie M.Verified patient
Very friendly and listened to my concerns. I also was given trial contacts to evaluate prior to committing to them as I had not worn any for over 12 years.
September 17, 2025Joseph L.Verified patient
saw me promptly. was very friendly. didn't make me feel stupid or asking questions about my eye injury. nice and friendly staff. very clean office. nice atmosphere
September 15, 2025Ashley B.Verified patient
The staff were so friendly and everyone was extremely personable. Dr. Hoover explained everything clearly and he was very welcoming. Before this visit, I had not been to the eye doctor in years, and now I am looking forward to my next visit there. I would recommend this office!
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Online it said they took my insurance I drive all the way there waste my time and gas money they don't take it very frustrating very annoying I'm not happy
May 14, 2025Gloria D.Verified patient
Great! Would recommend
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr Hoover spent extra time ‘dialing in’ my prescription. I had a great experience. He didn’t push for me to try contacts or ‘upsell’ me on anything. He took his time during the eye exam and was clearly knowledgeable of my eye condition and how to help me best. I’ll definitely come back here.
March 9, 2025Brent G.Verified patient
Absolutely best experience I’ve had at a doctor’s office, especially an eye doctor. Couldn’t reccomend more! Dr. Hoover made me feel comfortable, explained things to me very easily and without mansplaining. Will be going back when in need!
March 7, 2025christian F.Verified patient
Amazing! Super knowledgeable team.
February 26, 2025payton E.Verified patient
The Doctor saw me quickly. Explained the pictures he took and explained what things he would be watching for in the future. Very friendly and conscientious. I will definitely return.
February 1, 2025Janet S.Verified patient
I appreciated the possiblity of scheduling a same-day appointment. My eye exam went well, without any delays. Everything was clearly explained to me. The doctor is very knowledgeable and nice!
One unexpected thing for me that the usual timeline for getting glasses is two-three weeks. Naively, I thought it would be faster!
December 13, 2024Initials hidden
Good Folks
December 9, 2024Mark D.Verified patient
Friendly staff, very helpful
More than 1 year agoLucia D.Verified patient
The doctor was incredibly friendly and able to explain things to me very well, especially considering I’d never had glasses/eyesight problems before. Beyond just telling me I needed glasses, he explained why I need them and how due to astigmatism I will need stronger ones over time. I will be going back to him for sure.
September 26, 2024Emily S.Verified patient
This was my first eye doctor appointment and Dr. Hoover and staff made me feel welcome and at ease with my concerns. At the end of my appointment the staff helped me pick out a pair of frames that fit my head and she was very helpful with making my decision. Highly recommend this practice!
September 22, 2024Anna D.Verified patient
Doc was great! He listened to my issues from past eye docs & found the right script for me. And it was the cheapest eye appointment I’ve ever had
August 21, 2024Sarah R.Verified patient
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. James Hoover?
Generally, Dr. James Hoover has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Hoover's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. James Hoover accepting new patients?
Dr. James Hoover generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Hoover's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. James Hoover accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Hoover is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. James Hoover online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Hoover using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. James Hoover work with?
Dr. James Hoover works with EyeCare Specialties of Tennessee.
Where is Dr. James Hoover's office located?
Dr. James Hoover's office is located at 68 White Brg Rd, Nashville, TN 37205.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. James Hoover?
Dr. James Hoover frequently sees patients for Contact Lenses, Eyeglasses, General Eye Consultation, Retina Consultation, and Routine Eye Exam. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. James Hoover on their profile.
What languages does Dr. James Hoover speak?
Dr. James Hoover speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. James Hoover in reviews?
202 patients have reviewed Dr. James Hoover. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.93/5. They have a 4.95/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.77/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.