OPTOmist: Founder & Purpose

Hey everyone,

My name is Ben Murphy, and I am a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on the pre-optometry track.

I am majoring in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media with a focus in health communication and a minor in neuroscience, since I am fascinated by how clinical care and communication intersect. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, working out, and playing or watching sports.

As an aspiring optometrist, I am always seeking to learn more about vision care; however, I have found it difficult to come across entry-level, consolidated sources of such information. Also, I have been asked countless times by family, friends, and classmates questions like "Eye doctor? Is that optometry or ophthalmology?" or "Do optometrists have to go to medical school... Do they perform surgeries?" Although I am glad to answer these questions, they have brought to my attention the lack of common knowledge surrounding the entirety of vision care. 

So, I was inspired to create OPTOmist: a multimedia platform that provides simple and synthesized optometric, ophthalmic, and vision care information. Through OPTOmist, I hope to provide clearly explained ocular facts and stories, as well as progressively document my own journey to and through optometry school as a resource for future pre-optometry students. 

If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out, as I have included links to my email address and LinkedIn profile.

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Lastly, below are answers to a few common questions about myself and why I have chosen to pursue optometry as a future career:

Q: Where are you from?

A: I was born and raised in Raleigh, NC, so I am a proud North Carolinian.

Q: Why did you choose to pursue optometry?

A: I have always wanted my future career to revolve around helping people. Initially, I enjoyed visiting the optometrist only because I got to try on new sunglasses endorsed by my favorite professional baseball players. But, as I matured and began looking past the fancy optical displays, I realized how optometrists not only get the daily opportunity to better the quality of life and health of others, yet also the privilege to know and encourage many on a personal level. 

Q: When did you know you wanted to be an optometrist?

A: After having opportunities to shadow multiple optometrists in high school and college, as reflecting on each experience only strengthened my love and appreciation for the profession.

Q: What is your favorite subject in school?

A: Anatomy. I have always loved learning about the different structures of the human body and the mechanics that power them.

Q: What is your biggest career goal?

A: To provide high-quality vision care and encourage as many future patients as possible while maintaining a schedule suitable for raising a family.