Dr. Brinks was raised and educated in the Pacific Northwest. He focuses on bringing advanced technology and high quality eye care to under-served rural communities throughout Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

His international teaching and research endeavors have taken Dr. Brinks overseas to Cambodia, Bhutan, East Timor, Guatemala, the Marshall Islands, and the Samoas. He completed a masters degree at OSU in international health to support his work with the ministries of health overseas, furthering their vision for eye care in their countries.

While not at work, Dr. Brinks enjoys native forest restoration, surfing, and archery.