Our Team

Dr. Benner grew up in Forsyth, Montana.  He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate coursework at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, graduating in 1986. Dr. Benner practiced briefly in Sacramento and Auburn, California, before returning to Montana and taking ownership of SMOC in 1988. Dr. Benner has been active in Laurel civic organizations such as Rotary and Kiwanis.  He has led Lion's In Sight mission trips to Mexico.  He is an active member of the Laurel United Methodist Church and was a long-time Youth Leader. He has served on several local community boards, including twelve years on the Laurel Community Education board and the Community Hope board. He currently serves on the Nutting Drain board, HiPoint Subdivision Road board, and the Laurel City-County Planning board.


A past president of the Montana Optometric Association (MOA), Dr. Benner has held numerous roles within the MOA where he has held many positions Legislative Chair, Third Party Chair, Education and Sponsorship Chair, Finance Committee and is a past president as well as within the Great Western Council of Optometry, serving as chair of the board of directors.  Dr. Benner was honored with the MOA Young Optometrist of the Year Award, MOA Distinguished Service Award (twice) and, also MOA Optometrist of the Year Award (twice).


Dr Benner is a past national president of the American Optometric Association. He served many roles and positions within the national volunteer association over his 10 years on the board of trustees.  He also served on the Professional Relations Committee and Geriatrics committee as well as the AOA-Political Action Committee (AOA-PAC), serving as chair from 2010 to 2015. 

 
Dr Benner has also served on the Montana Board of Optometry, where he chaired the board for 2 years.