Dr. Mark Phebus

1) Why did you become an optometrist?

I always knew I wanted to be a doctor because I wanted to help people. I’ve also been interested in the eyes ever since I got my first pair of glasses. 

After a big growth spurt one summer, I suddenly couldn’t see well, and when I put on glasses for the first time, I could see the leaves on the trees again. That experience stuck with me and made me realize how powerful good vision is in people’s everyday lives.

2) What inspired you to practice in Charlotte, NC?

I had always liked Charlotte from afar. I first visited in 2009, before optometry school, as a city I could see myself living in long term. I came back later for Part III of the NBEO boards and was still drawn to it. 

I liked how clean and vibrant the city felt, the energy from having professional sports teams, and the convenience of a large international airport. Little did I know how much Charlotte would change after I eventually moved here, but I’ve really enjoyed watching it grow and I still love calling it home.

3) What is your favorite thing about being an eye doctor?

My favorite part of being an eye doctor is leveraging the fact that the eye is the window to the rest of the body. Using retinal photography, I can show patients a high-resolution image of their systemic health in real-time. It is incredibly rewarding to use these images as a powerful educational tool.  

A picture is worth a thousand words, and seeing their own vascular and neurological health on screen often resonates with a patient more than my lectures alone could. It turns a routine exam into a vital wellness check, allowing me to empower people to take charge of their overall health.

4) What do you feel makes Reflect Vision Care different?

Reflect Vision Care is different because of our commitment to a pure, clinical experience.  We don’t sell glasses. By removing the retail element, we provide a completely unbiased professional eye exam where the only priorities are your specific visual goals and your overall health and wellness.

5) What do you like to do when you're not seeing patients?

When I’m not seeing patients, I stay active through sports like basketball, running, tennis, golf, and pickleball. I am also a diehard supporter of Indiana University, so I spend plenty of time watching Hoosier basketball and football. 

Beyond sports, I enjoy getting outdoors for a hike, traveling internationally, and making it a point to enjoy the local cuisine wherever I go.