Dr. Joseph R. Armstrong graduated from the University of North Carolina before going on to earn his medical degree from the University of Tennessee with the distinction of being elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He served an internship at Baptist Memorial Hospital, and then returned to the University of North Carolina to complete a Fellowship in ophthalmology, as well as a residency.

Dr. Armstrong returned to Bristol, TN, where he formed his solo practice that later became Mountain Empire Eye Physicians. For his professional leadership and community service, he recieved the 2019 Outstanding Physician Award from the Tennessee Medical Association. Dr. Armstrong is Board Certified by American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in small-incision cataract surgery.

Dr. Armstrong currently resides in Bristol, TN, with his wife and their children.