Employee Focus on Steven Manning
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Name: Steven Manning (OD'18, MS'20)
Current Title: Assistant Professor - Practice
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Wadsworth, Ohio
Degrees and Institutions Attended: The Ohio State University College of Optometry OD ‘18, MS ‘20
Years of Employment at the College: I was in the Advanced Practice Fellowship Program from 2018-2020, then returned in 2024 as an attending.
Q&A
What brought you to the college of Optometry?
My father, Bruce Manning (OD'81), and my brother, Justin Manning (OD'13), attended OSUCO, which was my first introduction to the quality of excellence at Ohio State. I knew I wanted to continue that legacy as a student myself. I then pursued an Advanced Practice Fellowship, which allowed me an opportunity to teach. The experience solidified my desire to train optometry students to contribute to the high caliber education for which Ohio State is known.
Describe your typical day at work or describe your position/role.
I currently am an attending doctor in our Vision Therapy clinic on Wednesday afternoons. I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach students in the clinic setting, helping those with binocular vision issues improve their vision and improve their life. I work at Winchester Vision Care the other days of the week, which is an extern rotation site.
What brings you the most joy in your work?
It is hard to choose between illustrating to students how much impact they can have on people through vision therapy and connecting with the patients themselves!
What advice would you give to a new employee at the college?
Remind yourself of the mission of the college and how your work connects to it. Connect with students as much as you can.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
Most of my time is spent having fun chasing our 2.5-year-old son around, and I also enjoy reading, finding new restaurants, and watching workplace comedies.
What is your go-to Columbus/neighborhood eatery?
It’s hard to beat a good steak and onion rings from the Top Steakhouse on the east side!