Dr. Noam Nicholson, O.D. was born May 11th, 1989 at Mass General Hospital in Boston, MA. A few months later the Nicholson family moved across the country and Noam grew up mostly in Seattle, WA.

As a child, Noam was artistic, creative, and sweet. He loved drawing, playing with legos, and gardening.

During high school, Noam developed a reputation for his culinary skills and sense of humor, studying greats such as Jerry Seinfeld and George Carlin. He was also known as a varsity wrestler and starred in the school’s theater production of The Man Who Came To Dinner before graduating in 2007 as a valedictorian.

He was a model employee working in local restaurants like Mix Ice Creamery, Pink Door, Cantinetta, and Pauly’s @ Earl’s on the Ave. He really loved cooking with/for friends, and would often be inviting people over to share a Focaccia, Homemade Pasta, Bahn Mi, or the occasional Turducken.

As a young adult Noam travelled the world, lived in Mexico, enjoyed a long term loving relationship and shared a cat which he adored (Melvin), mastered playing pool, and was an avid UFC fan.

Noam’s childhood education spanned:

• Forrest Valley Day Care

• University Baptist Children’s Center (UBCC)

• Kapka Cooperative Elementary School

• Latona Elementary School

• Lowell Elementary School

• Washington Middle School

• Garfield High School (Class of 2007)

Noam studied biology at University of Washington; but after interning at an optometry clinic and becoming Vice President and Treasurer of the UW Pre-Optometry Club, Noam found a passion in eye care and decided to attend Southern College of Optometry to become a Doctor of Optometry with a focus in dry eye research and care.

Graduating Cum Laude from SCO in 2023, Noam moved to the San Diego area to begin his career. He was hired at an excellent clinic called Beyond Vision in Carlsbad, CA and quickly developed a reputation as a talented and well-respected optometrist.

Most people didn’t realize that Noam had battled mental health challenges for many years; which were exacerbated by the stresses of studying at SCO, especially during the 2020 covid lockdowns. He became driven to improve mental health awareness and practices both at college and in the eye care industry.

Though Noam and his family tried everything they could to ease his challenges and foster stability; it became too much to bear, and tragically Noam took his own life on July 15th, 2024.

Noam lived and died a beloved son, brother, friend, and optometrist.