Dr. Birt is a former US Navy Aerospace Optometrist, where he specialized in the detailed vision needs of Navy pilots and aircrew. His particular emphasis was on ocular pathology, contact lens fitting, and Lasik/PRK pre and post-care. Combined with his enlisted time, he was active duty for 21 years and spent the majority of his career shipboard, overseas, and aboard Navy aircraft.
Dr. Birt has been involved in optometric medical mission work in several foreign countries, including Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Micronesia. He has also worked as adjunct faculty for three different Optometry colleges, helping to prepare future optometry doctors.
Dr. Birt is a graduate of Evangel University, Springfield MO, as well as the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He is an avid fisherman and hunter, as well as an accomplished blues harmonica player. He is married with two sons.