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
Dr. Robert Phyfer combines advanced clinical training with a patient-first approach that helps individuals and families feel confident and cared for at every visit. A Mississippi native from West Point, he believes the best eye care begins with listening, education, and trust.
Dr. Phyfer graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University in 2012 with a degree in microbiology. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 2016. He then 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 trained closely with specialists in cornea, retina, glaucoma, oculoplastics, and comprehensive ophthalmology. This hands-on experience allows Dr. Phyfer to manage both routine eye exams and more complex medical eye conditions with a collaborative, thoughtful approach that keeps patients informed and involved in their care.
In 2021, Dr. Phyfer became certified by the Mississippi State Board of Optometry to perform eyelid surgical procedures and was the first optometrist in the Columbus area to offer electrosurgical removal of eyelid lesions. In 2023, he became the owner of Brooks Eye Center. In this role, he remains deeply involved in patient care while continuing to invest in advanced diagnostic technology and expanded services to better serve families throughout the Golden Triangle region.
Dr. Phyfer provides comprehensive eye exams for patients of all ages, medical eye care and disease management, contact lens fitting, and personalized guidance in selecting eyewear that supports both vision needs and personal style. Patients often value his clear communication style and appreciate leaving appointments with a better understanding of their eye health and treatment options.
Outside the office, Dr. Phyfer enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, fishing, and staying active.
Dr. Troy Johnson brings a strong passion for medical eye care and a thoughtful, detail-driven approach to patient care at Brooks Eye Center & Optical. Born in Columbus, Mississippi, and raised in Shannon, he values serving the community he calls home and helping patients protect their vision at every stage of life.
Dr. Johnson began his academic career at Itawamba Community College, where he was recognized for his academic excellence and received the Chemistry Award in 2012. He went on to attend Mississippi State University, graduating magna cum laude in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. During his time at Mississippi State, he was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Alpha Lambda honor societies.
His interest in optometry developed during his undergraduate studies, particularly through coursework focused on physics and the behavior of light. That early curiosity, combined with personal experiences with family members affected by vision problems, led him to pursue a career dedicated to preserving and improving sight. Dr. Johnson earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in 2020.
While in optometry school, Dr. Johnson participated in a mission trip to Frome, Jamaica, with the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, where he helped provide eye exams to individuals with limited access to care. Today, he has a strong interest in the medical side of optometry. He values the advanced technology and supportive team environment at Brooks Eye Center, which allow him to deliver high-quality, comprehensive eye care. He is a proud member of both the American Optometric Association and the Mississippi Optometric Association.
Dr. Johnson provides comprehensive eye exams, medical eye care, and vision services for patients of all ages. Patients appreciate his attentive nature and his commitment to explaining conditions and treatment options in a clear and approachable way.
Outside of the office, Dr. Johnson enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for his pets, attending college football games, and staying active through swimming, biking, and tennis. He also enjoys unwinding with board games in his free time.
Dr. Brannon Herring brings a prevention-focused mindset and a detail-oriented approach to patient care at Brooks Eye Center & Optical. Originally from Aberdeen, Mississippi, he values providing personalized eye care that helps patients protect their vision and stay ahead of potential eye health concerns.
Dr. Herring earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mississippi State University, where he built a solid foundation in biomedical sciences. He went on to complete his Doctor of Optometry training at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, gaining extensive hands-on experience across a wide range of clinical settings.
His clinical education included externship rotations at several respected eye care institutions throughout the Mid-South. At Olive Branch Eye Care, Dr. Herring focused on advanced diagnostic testing and comprehensive pediatric eye care. During his time at the Charles Retina Institute in Germantown, Tennessee, he trained alongside nationally recognized retinal specialists and gained experience managing complex retinal disease.
He also completed training at Linder Oculoplastics in Memphis, where he developed skills in oculoplastic and reconstructive procedures, ocular aesthetics, and in-office surgical services, including lump and bump removals.
Through these experiences, Dr. Herring developed expertise in diagnosing and managing ocular disease, performing minor surgical procedures, and providing comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages. He is committed to evidence-based care, with an emphasis on early detection, disease prevention, and treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
Outside of the office, Dr. Herring enjoys spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and golfing. He also values time with his wife and family and enjoys staying connected to the people most important to him.
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.