Murphy-Watson-Burr Eye Center is a locally owned and operated business that has been serving Northwest Missouri communities since 1989. The company is lead under the guidance of its administrative staff. The practice is owned by a core group of doctors who live in St. Joseph.
Scott A. Murphy
Scott A. Murphy, M.D. is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon. He performs cataract surgery and treats glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other general ophthalmic conditions. Dr. Murphy also specializes in surgery of the eyelids. Dr. Murphy is a graduate of Notre Dame and the University Of Missouri School Of Medicine. He performed his internship in Milwaukee and both his residency and fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Dean McGee Eye Institute. Dr. Murphy sees patients at the St. Joseph, Cameron and Chillicothe locations. He and his wife, Caroline, are the parents of one son. Dr. Murphy enjoys sports of all kinds, particularly snow skiing and water skiing.
R. Alan Watson
R. Alan Watson, M.D. is a board certified eye surgeon specializing in cataract surgery, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, eyelid and brow surgery to improve vision and general ophthalmology. Dr. Watson joined Dr. James Murphy in private practice in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1990 following undergraduate and medical school training at the University of Arkansas as well as internship and residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences at Little Rock. During his residency, Dr. Watson worked in emergency room medicine and remains interested in the diagnoses and treatment of complex eye diseases. Dr. Watson holds office hours in St. Joseph and performs surgery at Murphy-Watson-Burr Surgery Center in St. Joseph. Dr. Watson is the father of three children. He enjoys outdoor activities and travel. Dr. Watson additionally has an artistic side. His oil paintings are on display in all of the clinic locations.
William E. Burr
William E. Burr, M.D. is a board certified eye surgeon specializing in LASIK refractive surgery, cataract surgery, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and general ophthalmology. Dr. Burr received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University, Waco, Texas, and his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. His internship and residency were performed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences at Little Rock. Dr. Burr joined Drs. Murphy and Watson in private practice in St. Joseph in 2000. He practices in St. Joseph, Chillicothe, Trenton, and Hiawatha and performs surgical procedures in each of these locations as well. Dr. Burr and his wife, Stephanie are the parents of three teenagers. They are active members of Wellspring Community Church. Dr. Burr enjoys many outdoor activities including snow-boarding, water skiing, and crossfit.
Matthew E. Honson
Matthew E. Honson, O.D. is a Board Certified Optometrist who works in the St. Joseph office. Dr. Honson graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Following his undergraduate degree, he went on to complete a Doctorate of Optometry and an additional Bachelor of Science of Visual Science from the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Honson’s clinical training includes working at Dunham U.S Army Health Clinic and the War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and the VA Medical Hospital in Newington Connecticut focusing on diabetic eyecare and glaucoma. Dr. Honson’s practice includes general eyecare, fitting of contact lenses and glasses, and the diagnosis and management of eye disease.
Angela M. Honson
Angela M. Honson, O.D. is a Board Certified Optometrist who practices in the St. Joseph office. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston. She completed several externships including Offut Airforce Base and Santa Fe Indian Hospital focusing on Diabetic EyeCare, Pediatrics, and Contact Lenses. Dr. Honson specializes in complete family eyecare. She especially enjoys providing pediatric and contact lens exams.
Jaimie M. Pfeifer
Jaimie M. Pfeifer, O.D. is an optometrist specializing in family eye care, contact lens fitting and routine vision exams. Dr. Pfeifer is a native of Cameron, Missouri, and is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She obtained a Doctorate of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Pfeifer’s internships included Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, advanced ocular disease study, pediatric and low vision treatment at the Southern College of Optometry. Dr. Pfeifer is an avid runner, having completed the Chicago Half Marathon and the St. Jude’s Marathon in St. Louis. Prior to completing her professional studies, Dr. Pfeifer served one year as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. Dr. Pfeifer and her husband Scott are the parents of two children. She has a special interest in education and in children’s eye health.
Drew Garwood
Drew Garwood is excited for the opportunity to join Murphy Watson Burr Eye Center. A native of Saint Joseph, Dr. Garwood graduated from Benton High School in 2006. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry at Truman State University while playing collegiate baseball. During his college baseball days, Dr. Garwood was a member of the St. Joseph Mustangs summer collegiate team during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry in 2015. Dr. Garwood practices the full scope of optometry including diabetic eye health exams, pre and post operative cataract care, and contact lens fittings. Dr. Garwood currently lives in Saint Joseph with his wife, Blair-a native of Saint Joseph- and their 1 year old daughter Hallie. Dr. Garwood is currently accepting new patients of all ages.