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Kristin S. O’Brien, O.D.

Meet Dr. O’Brien, a proud provider of vision care products and services at Denver Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery in Denver, North Carolina.

Photo of Dr. Kristin O'BrienDr. Kristin O’Brien grew up in Midland, Michigan where, from an early age, she had her eye set on a future in optometry. Dr. O’Brien attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Biology with a Vision Science concentration. She went on to complete her Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree at the Michigan College of Optometry (MCO) and graduated in 2013. Dr. O’Brien has additional training in the areas of low vision, pediatrics, specialty contact lenses, and working with patients who have a mental or physical handicap. She particularly enjoys getting to know her patients and takes pride in providing exceptional eye care.

While in school Dr. O’Brien founded the Michigan Optometric Student Private Practice Association (MOSPPA) and was influential in beginning the Student Optometric Leadership Network (SOLutioN) of which she has served as President, followed by the Executive Director and is now on the Alumni Board. She also spends time on the lecture circuit, speaking about private practice and the business aspects of the profession with Optometric Insights to inspire success in future generations of optometrists. She currently leads the Vision Source NEXT Student Program with the goal of providing resources to students most interested in private practice optometry.

Dr. O’Brien has participated in optometric missions to Guyana and Mexico to provide eye care to the underprivileged and has served nationally on the Vision Council Young Professionals Advisory Committee, Liaison to the Allergan Jumpstart Ambassador Program, is the Past-President of the Colorado Young Professionals Club and current Vision Source Administrator in Charlotte, North Carolina. She also serves as the North Carolina Optometric Society Young OD Committee Chair. In addition, Dr. O’Brien works as the Director of Marketing and Analytics for iCare Advisors where she helps other optometrists achieve their dreams of opening a private practice from scratch.

Dr. O’Brien has earned multiple honors as an optometrist; early in her career with the Marchon Practice Management Award and the William Feinbloom Low Vision Award and later was named the 2016 International Vision Council Next Generation Innovator. Most notably, Dr. O’Brien was awarded the 2017 Colorado Optometric Association Young OD of the Year.

Dr. O’Brien moved from Michigan to Colorado in 2013 and opened a cold start private practice with two business partners and the help of many mentors who have guided her along the way. In 2019, Dr. O’Brien moved to Huntersville, NC, traded mountain views for life on Lake Norman, and opened Denver Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery April 1, 2021.

In her spare time, Dr. O’Brien enjoys going on walks with her French Bulldog, Luna, boating on the lake, and exploring local eateries around town with her husband, Chris, and young daughter, Emma.

From Denver, CO to Denver, NC, Dr. O’Brien finally feels at home and is looking forward to caring for the Denver, NC community at Denver Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery!