Our Optometrists at Brooks Eye Center & Optical
Meet the team forming our practice's backbone — proudly serving the Columbus community since 1977. Brooks Eye Center & Optical, we go beyond the surface and delve deep into how the eye functions and the various conditions affecting your vision.
Meet The Eye Doctors and Staff At Brooks Eye Center & Optical
Our eye doctors and staff take the time to explain the results of your eye exam, describe your options and listen to your eye care needs. Because maintaining good eye health is an ongoing partnership, we encourage you to ask questions and share your health information, which could be vital to monitoring, diagnosing, and treating potential vision problems.
Our Eye Doctors in Columbus, MS
Robert Phyfer, OD is a Mississippi Native originally from West Point. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mississippi State University in 2012 with a degree in microbiology and was inducted into the Phy Theta Kappa Honor Society. He went on to earn his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, in May of 2016.
Following graduation, Dr. Phyfer completed an advanced residency in ocular disease and primary care at the William V. Chappell Jr. VA Outpatient Clinic in Daytona Beach, Florida. During his residency, he received extensive training alongside specialists on oculoplastics, cornea, retina, glaucoma, and comprehensive ophthalmology, allowing him to manage complex eye conditions with a collaborative, patient-centered approach.
In 2021, Dr. Phyfer expanded his clinical expertise when he became certified by the Mississippi State Board of Optometry to perform eyelid surgical procedures. That same year, he was the first optometrist to introduce electrosurgical removal of eyelid lesions in the Columbus area. In 2023, he became the owner of Brooks Eye Center, where he continues to invest in advanced technology and expanded services to bettrer serve patients throughout the Golden Triangle region.
Outside of the office, Dr. Phyfer enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, fishing, and staying active.
Dr. Troy Johnson was born in Columbus, MS in 1992, but spent most of his life growing up in Shannon, MS. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 2010. He began his college career at Itawamba Community College where he was nominated for Who's Who Among America's Colleges and Universities and received the Chemistry award in 2012. He chose to further his college career at Mississippi State University where he graduated Magna Cum laude with his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in December 2014. Dr. Johnson was a member of both Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Alpha Lambda honor societies while attending MSU. He decided in August 2016 to further his studies to become an optometrist. He became engaged with optometry through physics courses taken in his undergrad program. Concepts of how light refracts as it passes from one medium to another really interested him and altered his footsteps leading to optometry. While attending Southern College of Optometry, Dr. Johnson traveled to Frome, Jamaica as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists to provide eye exams to many individuals in need.
He graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 2020. Dr. Johnson has several family members with vision problems who developed his interest in preserving and improving sight. He has a passion for the medical aspect of optometry and believes Brooks Eye Center has provided him the support and state of the art equipment needed to provide the best quality eyecare to all his patients. He is proud to be a member of both the American and Mississippi Optometric Associations.
During Dr. Johnson's free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as his pets. His hobbies include attending college football games, swimming, bike riding, tennis, and playing board games.
Dr. Brannon Herring is from Aberdeen, Mississippi and graduated from Hatley High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mississippi State University, where he built a strong foundation in biomedical sciences before pursuing advanced clinical training at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Herring's clinical education included externship rotations at premier eye care institutions across the Mid-South. At Olive Branch Eye Care, he gained extensive experience in advanced diagnostic techniques and comprehensive pediatric care. His time at the Charles Retina Institute in Germantown, Tennessee provided hands-on training on the managing of complex retinal disease alongside nationally recognized retinal specialists. At Linder Ocuplastics in Memphis, Tennessee, he trained in specialized oculopastic and reconstructive procedures, ocular aesthetics, and in-office surgical techniques such as lump and bump removals.
Through these experiences, Dr. Herring developed his skills in diagnosing and managing ocular disease, performing minor surgical procedures, and providing comprehensive care to patients across all age groups. He is committed to delivering exceptional, evidence-based care with a focus on disease prevention, early detection, and personalized treatment.
Outside of his professional practice, Dr. Herring is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing. He is equally passionate about family life, cherishing time spent with his wife and loved ones.
While our optometrists are the face of our practice, our dedicated support staff plays a vital role in ensuring your experience at Brooks Eye Center & Optical is seamless.
Brianne has been with Brooks Eye Center since 2000, and over the years has become a touchstone in the practice for our doctors, staff, and patients. She attended MUW for its business administration curriculum, and has trained extensively with the American Optometric Association, Essilor USA, and PECCA Practice Management University. Brianne has also developed several team building and management workshops, and has presented them to colleagues in St. Louis, Atlanta, Dallas, and Topeka.
Brianne is certified as a Paraoptometric Assistant by the American Optometric Association. She also is a member of the AOA's Paraoptometric Resource Committee, developing resources for optometric support staff across the nation. Brianne won the Mississippi Paraoptometric of the Year Award in 2022, and then went on to be chosen for the national Paraoptometric Community Service Award in 2023.
On a day to day basis, Bri is responsible for quality and performance of office processes, procedures, staff and patient services. Her most important priorities are delivering a superior patient experience, and motivating and developing staff.
After business hours, Brianne enjoys spending time with her family, tending to her chickens, and traveling.
Kayla is highly trained in lens edging, assembling of eyewear, frame styling, lens selection, and contact lens evaluations. She was certified as a paraoptometric by the American Optometric Association in 2019, and as a certified optician by the American Board of Opticianry in 2020. At Brooks Eye Center you will find Kayla communicating with patients, making everyone feel comfortable and important, and creating an eyewear look they cherish. After business hours, Kayla enjoys spending time with her son and husband, and being outdoors.
Ray joined our team in October of 2020, and functions as an optician and handles patient care coordination duties as well. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in microbiology. He brings with him years of clinical and customer service experience. Our patients are guaranteed an exceptional encounter with Ray involved. In his spare time, Ray enjoys cooking, writing, binge watching Hulu.
Meagan has been with the Brooks Eye Center team since November 2021. She brings with her several years of experience working in clinical and customer service settings. Meagan is responsible for scheduling, insurance verification, and customer service in the front office. She loves making our patients feel at home. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Julia became part of the Brooks Eye Center team in February of 2022. She functions as an optician as well as our marketing coordinator. She enjoys managing media relations, frame inventory, assisting in the lab, contact lens evaluations, and her favorite- frame styling for patients!
Julia has a Bachelor's in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Alabama, and is currently in the Master's program at UA in digital and social media marketing. She has experience in sales, marketing, customerservice, and the legal field. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, painting, and baking.
Lindsey has been with our practice since 2016. She functions as our contact lens specialist , and utilized the most current technology and fitting techniques to ensure that our patients achieve the best vision possible. Lindsey is also a highly-trained optical information resource for frame and lens options, contact lenses, and sun wear. At Brooks Eye Center, Lindsey helps patients find perfect eyewear to complement their activity, fashion, and lifestyle. After business hours, Lindsey spends quality time with her son, friends, and family.
Meredith is certified as a paraoptometric assistant by the American Optometric Association and experienced in both ophthalmology, and optometry fields. She has been a part of our team since April 2016. At Brooks Eye Center, Meredith pre-tests patients, performs ancillary testing, and assists our doctors, giving them the most thorough eyecare available! Meredith also assists the optical department and handles insurance verification for tests and procedures. After business hours, Meredith enjoys spending time with her husband, and sons, and her animals. She also enjoys following the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Dallas Cowboys, and attending Freedom Church.