OPTOmist: Founder & Purpose

My name is Ben Murphy, and I am a third-year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on the pre-optometry track. I am studying health communication and neuroscience since I am passionate about patient care and the eye-brain connection. Outside academics, 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 optometry and 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 things like "Eye doctor? Is that optometry or ophthalmology?" or "Do optometrists go to medical school... and 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 platform that provides synthesized pre-optometry resources and simple vision care education. Through OPTOmist, I hope to provide key ocular and optical facts, as well as progressively document what I learn on my journey to and through optometry school, acting as a resource for fellow and future pre-optometry students. 

Please reach out with any questions or suggestions, as I have included links to my LinkedIn and email.

Also, here are answers to a few common questions about myself:

Q: Where are you from?

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

Q: Why did you choose to pursue optometry?

A: I have always wanted my future career to revolve around helping people. Growing up, though, I mainly enjoyed visiting the optometrist because I got to try on sports sunglasses in the lobby. But, as I matured and began looking past the optical displays, I realized how optometrists have the unique privilege to help and befriend patients of all different ages and backgrounds. 

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

A: After shadowing multiple optometrists in high school, since reflecting on each experience only strengthened my love and appreciation for the profession.

Q: What is your favorite subject in school?

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

Q: What are your biggest career goals?

A: I want to serve the people of North Carolina. Eventually, I plan on opening my own practice in the rural eastern part of the state, which has been historically underserved with vision care.

Q: What are your biggest life goals?

A: They're twofold. First, as a Christian, I want to show the same daily love to others that Jesus has shown me. Second, I hope to one day start and support a family.