Employee Focus 2025
Employee Focus on Alysia Benson
June 2025
Alysia Benson, CPOA, Coordinator of the Low Vision Clinic at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, enjoys serving in a dynamic role where no two days are ever quite the same. A proud Buckeye with 17 years at the college, Alysia combines clinical expertise with heartfelt care, helping patients navigate vision loss and reclaim independence. From assisting with vision devices to celebrating driver’s license victories, she finds joy in making a difference. Outside of work, she’s a doting grandmother and passionate reader. She advises new employees to stay curious, connect with colleagues, and embrace every learning opportunity. Read the full Q&A to discover Alysia’s inspiring journey, daily impact, and what she’d do if she hit the lottery.
Employee Focus on Tim Fries
May 2025
Dr. Tim Fries draws on his well-rounded educational background and extensive experience in private practice in his role as an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Not only does he teach four courses in optometric business and practice management, he also advises students one-on-one, evaluating career opportunities and reviewing employment contracts.
Employee Focus on Karla Gengler-Nowak
April 2025
Dr. Karla Gengler-Nowak helps Ohio State Optometry investigators navigate the grant proposal process and manage the grants and contracts once they're awarded. In addition to her role as Grants and Contracts Administrator, she also helps faculty and staff expand their knowledge by assigning BuckeyeLearn training. When asked to provide advice to new employees, she replied, "Stay curious! It’s the best way to deeply understand your own job and how it fits in with what everyone is doing around you, and that’s a good way to recognize opportunities to contribute."
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Employee Focus on Steven Manning
March 2025
Dr. Steven Manning has a difficult time choosing what gives him the most joy in his work as an attending doctor in Ohio State Optometry's Vision Therapy Clinic. He says, "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!"
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Employee Focus on Donald L. Bolen
February 2025
Donald Bolen, Ohio State Optometry's Building Services Assistant, takes care of the college's optical equipment and especially enjoys getting everything set in place and working properly. Fun fact about Donald: He has played in Bluegrass bands for more than 25 years!
Employee Focus on Jocelyn Daniel
January 2025
As an Assistant Clinical Professor and Chief of the Primary Vision Care (PVC) Service at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, Dr. Jocelyn Daniel touches the lives of students during each year of optometry school, teaching in the classroom, instructing in the lab, and attending in the clinic. She especially enjoys helping students gain confidence in themselves so they are able to become incredible clinicians.