Emily O’Brien, O.D.

Emily O'Brien, O.D., earned her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Missouri – St. Louis in 2019. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering with a dual emphasis in Biomedicine & Photonics from the University of Missouri Columbia in 2015.

Dr. O'Brien was inspired to pursue a career in optometry after working in a bio-engineering research laboratory during her undergraduate studies. Through her experiences engineering optical biosensors, participating in peer mentorship programs, and presenting at academic conferences she discovered a passion for patient education and visual health. Optometry became the ideal field to combine her technical background, interest in optics, and desire to help others.

What Dr. O'Brien most enjoys most about being an optometrist is the ability to help patients improve their vision so they can fully engage in the activities they love, whether it is work, hobbies, or everyday tasks. She finds particular joy in witnessing the excitement and wonder from both children and adults when they experience clear vision, especially if it is for the first time.