Does anyone live in knoxville tn know of the process to get contacts or glasses through the health department?

It looks like you would need to apply for Medicaid. Here is the information that I found:

Medicaid in Tennessee
Medicaid is a state/federal program that pays for medical and long-term care services for low-income pregnant women, children, certain people on Medicare, disabled individuals and nursing home residents. These individuals must meet certain income and other requirements.

Income requirements
Children
Children (ages 1-5)-133% of the Federal Poverty Level
Children (Ages 6-19)-100% of the Federal Poverty Level

Pregnant Women and Infants
Pregnant Women-185% of the Federal Poverty Level
Infants (ages 0-1)-185% of the Federal Poverty Level

Parents
Non Working Parents- 100% of the Federal Poverty Level Working Parents- 100% of the Federal Poverty Level

Other populations
Medically Needy Individual- 34% of the Federal Poverty Level
Medically Needy Couple- 27% of the Federal Poverty Level
Supplemental Security Income Recipients- 74% of the Federal
Poverty Level

Covered Services
Inpatient and outpatient hospital services, pharmacy services, chiropractic, durable medical equipment, ambulance services, home health services, hospice, laboratory and x-rays, medical supplies, organ transplants, physical therapy, renal dialysis services, speech therapy, vision care, and mental health and substance abuse services.

Co-Payments
Co-payments vary. There are no co-payments if you are under 18, pregnant, living in a nursing home, or receiving family planning services.

You may learn more about Tennessee Medicaid at http://www.tennessee.gov/tenncare/.

If that doesn't work you get real cheap eyeglasses online at www.globaleyeglasses.com.
I got frames, prescription, and transition lenses for 45 dollars and they are good quality