Founder & Purpose

Hello Everyone, 

My name is Ben Murphy, I'm from Raleigh, North Carolina, and I'm a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Heels!).

I'm currently on the Pre-Optometry track (aspiring eye doctor), and am majoring in Advertising and Public Relations with an intended concentration in Healthcare Communication & Marketing, as well as a minor in Neuroscience. 

As someone who's always seeking to learn more about the eyes and eye care, I've found it surprisingly difficult to come across simple, synthesized sources of such information. Additionally, I've been asked countless times by family members, friends, and classmates questions like "Optometry? Does that have to do with the eyes?" or "Optometrists? Do they have to go to med school? Do they perform surgeries?" Thus, with all this in mind, I was inspired to create OPTOmal: an easily accessible, consolidated online education platform that seeks to provide simple answers to everything eye and eye care-related. 

Furthermore, I'm also a firm believer in the old adage "it is more blessed to give than to receive," and another major hope I have for OPTOmal is that through merchandise, fundraisers, and, potentially one day sponsors, the platform will help to raise awareness and funds to fight against pediatric eye care shortages. Which I believe to be one of the most undiscussed international issues, since it is estimated that tens of millions of children worldwide don't have access to proper eye care (often this acts as a major impairment to their cognitive and/or academic development). Therefore, all proceeds generated by OPTOmal will go directly toward causes aimed at lessening this largely silent epidemic.

If you're interested in learning more about OPTOmal and/or checking out merchandise or donating, please return to the home menu and continue exploring!

Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!