Marshall County’s newest eye center is home to a familiar face.
Dr. Natsha Lyles opened Lyles Eye Center in Benton last week. While the Commerce Boulevard office is new, the Marshall County native has been seeing local patients for years at offices throughout the area. Now, she has a chance to provide that same service at home.
“The thought of a family owned, locally owned optometry practice is something I’m very proud of,” Lyles said. “The center is medical optometry meets optical boutique. A lot of the frame companies I’m using are small, private owned companies as well.”
Lyles attended South Marshall Middle School and graduated from Marshall County High School before receiving her degree of Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. Most recently, she worked at an office in Murray for seven years and other providers while she and husband Dr. Aaron Lyles have been raising their three children, ranging from 1 to 8 years of age.
“I moved off to go to school, but I always knew I wanted to come back home because this is friends, family and church family,” Lyles said. “I always wanted to own my own practice. I never felt settled in my profession. I always wanted to do more.”
A corporate purchase of the office she was working at in 2016 was an opportunity for Lyles to fulfill her goal of opening her own practice. Taking a step in that direction, she worked with contractors to convert a former dress shop into a doctor’s office. That meant erecting walls and making changes to the interior.
There is still a boutique air and style, but it’s not just about appealing to the eye — the center has equipment needed to heal them, too. Staff can diagnose and help manage glaucoma, macular degeneration and a variety of diseases. Lyles said she hopes to provide “provide a full scope of care and service that is unparalleled” by offering high quality glasses, contacts and care.
Lyles is currently in the office Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while providing eye care at Kentucky State Penitentiary and West Kentucky Correctional Complex on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.
CORRECTION: An earlier copy of this article stated that Dr. Lyles worked at an office in Benton. Dr. Lyles previously worked at an office in Murray.