Dr. Rachel Schneider joined University Eye Specialists as a general ophthalmologist, specializing in cataract procedures, in 2020 – welcoming the opportunity to practice medicine against the beautiful backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. Dr. Schneider’s passion for eyecare began to develop as she found herself captivated by the intricacies of the eye during medical school. As the Team Captain for the University of North Carolina Varsity Gymnastic team, and as a Junior Olympic National Champion, Dr. Schneider originally had an interest in orthopedics. It was after seeing, first-hand, the impact of restoring sight that she changed her trajectory and devoted herself to the calling of ophthalmology.
Dr. Schneider completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina and went on to study medicine at the prestigious Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University where she graduated cum laude, receiving her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2016. Dr. Schneider continued her medical studies through Tulane University where she completed her ophthalmology residency.
Dr. Rachel Schneider is highly awarded and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the George McClellan Surgical Honor Society. She enjoys giving back to the medical community through various projects and presentations and has contributed to a number of scholarly works including a textbook that is used to shape current medical students’ understanding of human anatomy.
Dr. Schneider’s interests outside of caring for patients include fostering her love of fitness and gymnastics – she is involved with a number of organizations that enable her to motivate and train young athletes. She also loves to cook and discover new recipes from a wide variety of cultural tastes including Italian, Mexican, Chinese and Thai. East Tennessee’s picturesque landscape has been a dream-come-true for Dr. Schneider, as she is able to stay active while exploring the majesty of good ole’ Rocky Top!
