Glasses, Grit, and Global Impact: Dr. Rich Humpherys in Focus

For Dr. Rich Humpherys, optometry has never just been a job—it’s practically a superpower. With little more than a retinoscope and a passport, he’s brought the gift of sight to thousands across the globe, one pair of glasses at a time. Now, as a member of the Hope Alliance Board of Trustees, he continues to steer the mission with the same unstoppable energy that’s made him a leader in both the clinic and the field.

Founder of Family Vision Care of Ogden, Dr. Humpherys has worn many hats—none of which required perfect vision to spot his impact. He served on the Utah Optometric Association board, chaired the Utah Optometry Licensing Board, and was named Utah’s Optometrist of the Year in 2000. 

Now, in what he generously calls “retirement,” Dr. Humpherys is still doing what he does best: improving lives through better vision. Only now, he’s doing it without the constraints of a 9-to-5—and seemingly without the need for sleep.

How It All Started (Spoiler: With Peer Pressure)

Dr. Humpherys’ journey into humanitarian eye care began with an invitation—and a little friendly nudging. At Utah Optometric Association meetings, a fellow optometrist regularly shared stories of faraway clinics, long lines of patients, and life-changing moments. Eventually, those stories did what any good story should: they inspired action.

He joined a trip to Mexico, where he saw firsthand the ripple effect of a simple pair of glasses. “Those early trips gave me the desire to contribute as much as I could going forward,” he recalls. The rest, as they say, is history. Or rather—thousands of eyeglasses, countless patients, and one very worn-out suitcase later—it’s legacy.

The Global Vision Gap

Even in the U.S., access to vision care can be spotty—but overseas, it can be nonexistent. “Even in poverty, there are often programs in Utah that allow a person to receive vision care,” Dr. Humpherys says. “Overseas, many individuals have no access to even the most basic vision services.” Translation? A child struggling to see the board might be written off as a poor student. An adult unable to read fine print could lose a job. And a grandmother who’s never clearly seen her grandchildren’s faces—well, that one speaks for itself.

Dr. Nonstop

When Dr. Humpherys is on a vision expedition, he’s like a human Energizer Bunny in scrubs, so much so that we’ve nicknamed Dr. Nonstop.  He works tirelessly—often skipping meals, breaks, and the occasional urge to sit down—just to make sure every patient gets seen. His colleagues have even resorted to trickery: telling him the clinic is empty just to coax him into resting. (Spoiler: it rarely works.) His dedication isn’t just admirable—it’s contagious. And it’s one of the reasons so many of these clinics can serve thousands of people in just a few days.

More Than Vision—It’s Freedom

To Dr. Humpherys, improving eyesight isn’t just about clarity—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and quality of life. Whether it’s helping a child see their schoolwork for the first time or witnessing an elderly woman read after decades of blurry vision, he calls these moments “indescribable.”

“The gift of sight is one of the greatest gifts each of us has,” he says. “If I am able to enrich that gift in an individual, it enriches their life.” Simple. Profound. And absolutely true.

Looking Ahead (Through Lenses, of Course)

With new technologies like auto-refractors and portable diagnostic tools, field clinics can now see more patients more efficiently and with better outcomes. Thanks to partnerships with major players like Luxottica, global support for vision care is growing.

Still, Dr. Humpherys is quick to note the challenges. “Time and money—one or both—can be a limiting factor.” Though he now has the time, many optometrists are still juggling packed schedules and family life, which makes volunteering harder to prioritize.

His advice to those considering it? “Just do it. Try it. There is no better time than now. If not now, when?” (Nike, take notes.)

Success Measured in Smiles

For Dr. Humpherys, success isn’t only about numbers. It’s about the face of a child who just realized trees have individual leaves. It’s about gratitude in the eyes of a mother who can now thread a needle. It’s about impact, plain and simple.

“It has given me a much greater level of appreciation for the society we live in and allowed me to share that appreciation with my patients,” he reflects. “From a personal level, it has caused me to truly count my many blessings.”

Now, as a key member of the Hope Alliance Board of Trustees, Dr. Humpherys brings not just wisdom and experience but heart to our mission. His dedication continues to guide us as we expand our reach and bring the transformative power of sight to even more people.

We are proud to work alongside visionaries like Dr. Humpherys (pun fully intended), and we invite others to join us. After all, seeing really is believing.

Support our mission or learn more about upcoming vision clinics at www.thehopealliance.org.