Student Focus
Monthly interviews where our students open up and share their insights, experiences and background as they purse their optometry school dreams.
Browse through our student experiences
Student Focus on Rachel Mills
June 2025
Pennsylvania native Rachel Mills was drawn to Ohio State Optometry's welcoming community and world-class faculty, and she now thrives as a Class of 2026 student involved in numerous organizations. A trip to Peru with SVOSH, where she helped serve 3,000 patients, has been her most impactful experience so far. She advises future optometry students to, “Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.”
Student Focus on Casey Cempre
May 2025
As a child, Casey Cempre always loved visiting his optometrist. He remembers, "The scientific artwork and fancy instruments excited me, and my optometrist was great at explaining the eye to kids." Today, as an Ohio State Optometry student, Casey embraces the program's challenges and deeply values the friendships he's formed. "During Buckeye Launch orientation week, I connected with several other students who, like me, had worked non-optometry related jobs before changing career paths," he says. "After the first week of classes, I could tell that many of them will be lifelong friends."
Student Focus on Maya Dey
April 2025
"Ohio State Optometry is a research powerhouse," says first-year student Maya Dey. The Aurora, Ohio native chose Ohio State because, "The program provides extensive support and resources for those interested in optometric science. And most importantly, the program’s rigorous curriculum and exceptional clinical training constantly reassures my decision." She is especially grateful for her classmates, and says, "I am deeply grateful to share my time with individuals who not only understand the rigor and demands of this field but also inspire and motivate me daily."
Student Focus on Catherine Wondra
March 2025
On her Interview Day tour, Ohio State Optometry first-year student Catherine Wondra was impressed by the attention to detail in the Low Vision Clinic's design. She recalls, "When touring the clinic, I heard the low-vision patients are seen on the first floor so they don't have to utilize the stairs or elevator. The large numbers on the recessed exam room doors and the high-contrast carpet allows these patients to exercise as much autonomy as they can upon arrival. I figured if they put this sort of considerable thought into the design of the building’s layout, they must truly care about the well-being of their patients and the success of their students."
Student Focus on Derik Holmberg
February 2025
When researching optometry schools, Derik Holmberg realized that Ohio State was the complete package. "It offers competitive tuition (even for out-of-state students), a diverse student population, excellent NBEO board pass rates, great college sports teams, an OD/MS program, and it’s home to the only optometry fraternity in the country." Now, as a second-year Ohio State Optometry student, Derik is excelling in the classroom and clinic while connecting with his classmates."
Student Focus on Matt Andrew
January 2025
Third-year student Matt Andrew chose Ohio State Optometry because he wanted to be part of a program that would push him academically and help him become a confident optometrist. As an OD/MS student, he has enjoyed working on research and presenting findings at optometry conferences. The relationships he has built with his classmates have been particularly meaningful. "There’s a special kind of bond that is created between classmates when you can look at someone and know all their interesting ocular findings because you’ve performed so many exams on them," he says of his optometric education journey so far. "I’m looking forward to my fourth-year extern rotations where I can focus on caring for patients full time and continuing to grow my clinical skillset."
Student Focus on Amy Ngo
December 2024
When Amy Ngo started looking at optometry schools, she wanted to find an inclusive and supportive place that felt like home. The Ohio State University College of Optometry's culture of collaboration stood out, and Amy (a Kentucky native) made the decision to become a BuckEYE. As a thriving second-year student, she has emerged as a leader and advocate for the profession. "The Class of 2027 has become like family," she says. "We look out for each other, help each other through the tough times, and celebrate each other’s successes."
Student Focus on Olivia Pyles
November 2024
When Olivia Pyles had her first eye exam and was prescribed glasses at age eight, she couldn't wait to share her excitement. The first thing she did when she got to school the next day was to have all of her classmates try on her new glasses to see if their vision improved, too. Today, her desire to help others see clearly is backed up by a lot of education and hard work, as she succeeds in the classroom and clinic as an Ohio State Optometry student. In addition to Ohio State's outstanding board passage rates, Olivia chose to become a BuckEYE because, "Four years is a long time to spend in a new city and in a demanding program, so I knew I wanted to choose a program where community was valued."
Student Focus on Maggie Dunn
October 2024
Maggie Dunn, an #OSUopt Class of 2025 student, enjoys applying what she's learned in the classroom in real time with her patients. She says, "My favorite part of optometry school so far has been starting clinical care and really figuring out what I like and where I see myself going in practice. I love interacting with the patients and getting to know a little about them as I provide them with care." Beyond the classroom and clinic, Maggie is actively involved in several clubs and organizations, and she was named the AOSA's Student of the Year!
Student Focus on Avae Lockwood
September 2024
Avae Lockwood, a current second-year Ohio State Optometry student, chose to pursue a career in optometry because of her personal experiences in the field. She said, "My dad has keratoconus, and hearing his stories about his vision changes and then experiencing some of my own in vision therapy really opened my eyes to optometry’s value. Ohio State Optometry from there was a no-brainer; I knew that being the best clinician and advocate for my patients meant attending Ohio State Optometry."
Student Focus on Ian Binns
August 2024
Growing up in Columbus and earning an undergraduate degree in molecular genetics at Ohio State, Ian Binns says, "I was used to the massive scale of the undergraduate classes at the university." But when he started his studies at the College of Optometry, his experience was starkly different. "The small class size in the college was such a breath of fresh air, I no longer felt like a number in a chair at a 700-person lecture. I was able to interact with professors and ask questions during class. The small class sizes also allow genuine interactions between students and faculty, which is conducive to learning."
Student Focus on Mehdi Dabaja
July 2024
Michigan native Mehdi Dabaja recalls thinking that his childhood optometrist was the smartest doctor he had ever seen, and he aspired to be just like him. Today, Mehdi couldn't be happier with his decision to attend The Ohio State University College of Optometry. As a member of the Class of 2026, he appreciates the unwavering support of faculty and his classmates. He says, "I am certain when I graduate from The Ohio State University as an optometrist, I will be able to manage the most complex cases with confidence."
Student Focus on Liam Brescacin
June 2024
As a child, Liam Brescacin always looked forward to visiting his optometrist. In high school when he started thinking about college and career paths, Liam had a chat with his longtime optometrist. “Hearing him talk about how fulfilling his job was and how much he still enjoyed it after 30 years confirmed that optometry was my number one career choice,” he says. Liam chose Ohio State Optometry because, “Ohio State provides the highest quality optometric education from some of the best doctors/professors in the country. The NBEO passage rates don’t lie.”
Student Focus on Gabby Jabboure
May 2024
Gabby Jabboure, a member of the #OSUopt Class of 2027, looks forward to learning clinical skills and performing eye exams on her friends and family in the coming academic year. This talented student is grateful for the tight-knit nature of the Ohio State Optometry program, and she values the relationships she has built with her fellow students and professors. She says of her classmates, “I couldn’t get through school without them. I feel so grateful to be surrounded by such smart and compassionate people who are always willing to help each other succeed.”
Student Focus on Adam Pirie
April 2024
Adam Pirie has excelled in leadership roles as an #OSUopt student, notably as Class President for the Class of 2026 and co-founder of The Prismatic Effect. He says, “There’s a great sense of community here, and I’m so thankful and happy to be a part of it.”
Student Focus on Grace Scheresky
March 2024
Grace Scheresky was inspired to become an optometrist after her very first eye exam. She remembers, “I was in first grade when I got my first eye exam. Like most kids, I was terrified, so I asked the optometrist as many questions as I could think of about what was going on during the exam. She was so patient and kind with me. I left that day excited to get my glasses and looking forward to going back to get my eyes checked next year.” Soon, Grace will be on the other side of the eye exam experience. She looks forward to seeing patients and exploring all of the areas of optometry, such as binocular vision and pediatrics.
Student Focus on Aaron Deese
February 2024
hio State Optometry Student Aaron Deese was a sophomore in undergrad when he first shadowed his long-time childhood optometrist. He remembers, “One day of seeing patients was all it took for me to understand the impact I could have in the lives of so many patients, and after that I was sold.”
Student Focus on James Chung
January 2024
For #OSUopt student James Chung, Ohio State Optometry represents the best of both worlds – a small college within a large university. He says, “It is awesome to feel a sense of belonging with how close-knit you are with your classmates and faculty members, while, at the same time, studying at one of the largest universities in the country.”
Student Focus on Christina Gluch
December 2023
Christina Gulch chose Ohio State Optometry because of its reputation for academic rigor. She says, “I want to know that when a patient sits in my chair that I have the education that can provide them the best care possible.” As a third-year student, her favorite experiences so far have involved problem-solving while interacting with patients.
Student Focus on Zak Bogosian
November 2023
Zak Bogosian has always been a hands-on learner, so he is incredibly well suited to Ohio State Optometry’s immersive, experiential program. He says, “Time spent in the pre-clinic is just as valuable as time in the library. What is even better is finally being able to apply our skills and knowledge in the exam room on real live patients!” Outside of the classroom, Zac has connected with his fellow students and networked with optometry alumni as a musician. He has joined the eye-conic “Bad Habits: The Eye Docs of Rock” onstage at a number of events in Columbus, Washington, D.C., and even New York City!
Student Focus on Nathan Stefan and Joshua Stefan
October 2023
You’re not seeing double! This month’s #OSUopt Student Focus is on twins Nathan Stefan and Joshua Stefan. While these brothers don’t always agree, when it came to selecting an optometry school, Ohio State was their top and only choice. After a tour of the college as prospective students, Nathan remembers being “… blown away by how engaged everyone was with answering my questions and the commitment the college was making to improving facilities for our education. It's the reason I only applied to Ohio State; there was no plan B.” Joshua was equally impressed, and says, “I wanted to be one of the best and every year, Ohio State turns out the most accomplished class of optometrists in the country. The low student-to-instructor ratio, smaller class size and amount of clinic experience prior to graduation all convinced me that Ohio State was the place to go.”
Read more about Nathan and Joshua >>
Student Focus on Ruth Regassa
September 2023
Ruth Regassa knew that she wanted to pursue a career in optometry after volunteering at the Faith Mission clinic with Dr. Joan Nerderman. Participating in the Improving Diversity in Optometric Careers (I-DOC) program made her choose to study optometry at Ohio State. “I-DOC allowed me to meet (virtually) the faculty at the college and the impression I got was how supportive everyone was,” she says. “I knew that optometry school was going to be hard, but I also knew that I would be supported in every way here at Ohio State.” Now in her second year as an #OSUopt student, Ruth has already traveled with the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists on a service trip to provide eye care in Jamaica, and she looks forward to more service opportunities.
Student Focus on Halea Kohl
August 2023
Halea Kohl (’25) decided that she wanted to be an optometrist in middle school. She says, “At the time, getting to say ‘I want to be an optometrist’ made me feel unique because no one else in my class dreamed of being an eye doctor. I knew I wanted to work with people in a way that could make a huge impact, and when I remembered how much I benefited from going to the optometrist, I just felt that it was the career for me.”
Student Focus on Anna Mitchell
July 2023
Anna Mitchell, who came to Ohio State Optometry all the way from Simcoe, Ontario, says, “My favourite part of school is being surrounded by so many people passionate about the field of optometry.” As a member of the Class of 2026, she values the genuine friendships she has formed during her first year. She explains, “Attending the same classes together for several hours each day allowed me opportunity to become close with my classmates. We are all there to support each other with the challenging curriculum and plan many events to meet socially and give our brains a break.”
Student Focus on Insam Alsanai
June 2023
As she prepares to begin her second year as an #OSUopt student, Insam Alsanai looks forward to applying what she learned in the classroom in a clinical setting. She appreciates Ohio State Optometry’s thoughtful curriculum design and says, “The idea of completing didactic work within the first year and then mastering clinical skills during the second year gives the students the time to truly absorb and grasp the information at a consistent level. I believe this will give the students the ability to focus on each skill set without having to juggle didactic courses with clinical courses. The way the program has been laid out made me believe that Ohio State Optometry is a strong institute that takes pride in graduating the best-skilled doctors every patient deserves to have!”
Student Focus on Clayton Richardson
May 2023
As a child, Clayton Richardson thought glasses were so cool that he pretended to have blurry vision, but his optometrist saw through his shenanigans. Clayton’s 20/15 vision remains strong, and he now focus his appreciation for glasses and all things eye-related on his studies as an Ohio State Optometry student.
Student Focus on Juliana Mazzotta
April 2023
After shadowing several different medical professionals as an undergrad, Juliana Mazzotta realized that nothing felt as right as optometry. “It was the perfect combination of everything I was looking for in a career. Not only are we able to make a huge difference in the lives of our patients, but the work-life balance is incredible, the community across the country is like a family, and the doctor-patient relationships you’re able to build are so unique and special.” Now, as a second-year student, Juliana credits her Ohio State Optometry classmates and professors for creating an environment in which she can thrive and live up to her full potential.
Student Focus on Pearson Miller
March 2023
University of Michigan graduate Pearson Miller put all rivalries aside when choosing an optometry school and chose the best option – Ohio State. “I chose Ohio State Optometry for in large part the value of the education. I knew I would be receiving an unrivaled education,” he says. “Between the OD/MS and the Graduate Business Minor, I knew Ohio State Optometry would open many doors outside of the 9-5 professional life.”
Student Focus on Shihij Takoo
February 2023
Out of every school Shihij Takoo considered, “Ohio State Optometry had the most established and successful combined OD/MS program, which was a huge benefit.” She enjoys Ohio State Optometry’s “unique combination of a small school energy with the backing of a large, research based campus in a growing city” and truly shines as a student leader in the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), National Optometric Student Association (NOSA), and the Inter-Professional Council (IPC).
Student Focus on Katie Exline
January 2023
Katie Exline (Class of 2024) grew up in Southeastern Ohio, where most kids dream of becoming Buckeyes. She says, “Ohio State Optometry was always my number one choice, and as I became more familiar with the college community, I knew it would be a great fit for me. From professors to peers and attendings to alumni, everyone involved with Ohio State Optometry is kind, supportive, and genuinely invested in your growth as a developing optometrist. More importantly to me, they’re invested in your growth as a person and providing opportunities for you to learn inside and outside of the exam room.”
Student Focus on Ana Schroeder
December 2022
Class of 2025 student Ana Schroeder appreciates Ohio State Optometry’s small class sizes. “Coming from a small undergrad university myself, I knew just how influential small classes are on your ability to grapple with difficult material. With small class sizes, you will become friends with your professors and everyone in your class, and that support system will become the backbone to your success along this difficult journey.”
Student Focus on Stephanie George
November 2022
As a high schooler, Stephanie George decided that she wanted to make the world a better place by becoming an optometrist. She knew that Ohio State Optometry was a great fit during her first tour of the college. She says, “I was blown away by (Ohio State Optometry’s) curriculum, extracurriculars, and everything in between. It seemed so distant at the time, so it's still hard for me to believe that I'm exactly where I wanted to end up!” Now, as a member of the #OSUopt Class of 2024, she is co-president of Student Council, vice president of Optometry Ambassadors, and is active in NOSA, AOSA, and EYE. And to top it off, she’s in the combined OD/MS program!
Student Focus on Aidan Go
October 2022
Throughout his first year as an #OSUopt student, Aidan Go was frequently reminded that Ohio State Optometry was the right choice. He happily says, “One of my favorite parts about first year was being surrounded by a bunch of people who can ‘nerd out’ with me about eye stuff. If I went up to anyone else and started talking about the corneal abrasion I saw, they’d walk away.” As a second-year student, Aidan looks forward to expanding upon his clinical skills.
Student Focus on Monica Sanago
September 2022
As #OSUopt student Monica Sanago begins her fourth year, she looks forward to growing as a clinician. This future eye doctor loves interacting with patients and helping them in any way possible.
Student Focus on Curt Fritts-Davis
August 2022
For #OSUopt fourth-year student Curt Fritts-Davis, a childhood love of optical illusions led to a passion for vision science. As a combined OD/MS student at Ohio State, he is working with Dr. Marjean Kulp and Dr. Andy Hartwick on a unique project studying traumatic brain injuries and the visual near triad. As much as this future doctor enjoys research, he says that seeing patients has been his favorite part of optometry school. “The warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with knowing I made a difference in someone's life never gets old,” he says. “In my fourth year, I'm looking forward to having those types of moments more often.”
Student Focus on Tallon Kramer
July 2022
Tallon Kramer’s (Class of 2025) first impression of Ohio State Optometry was, “WOW.” He said, “Walking into such a welcoming optometry family of both friends and faculty from day one made the transition super easy. The campus is also huge and so different from what I experienced in undergrad. I am so thankful to have been accepted into such an incredible program and I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else.”
Student Focus on Emily Watson
May/June 2022
Ohio State Optometry Class of 2023 student Emily Watson instantly felt accepted when she started optometry school. She says, “Ohio State is a huge school, but the optometry program makes it feel like a small school, which really surprised me! You get the best of both worlds; small school feel with all the opportunities that OSU has to offer!”
Student Focus on Mitchell Pulleo
April 2022
Second-year student Mitchell Pulleo remembers when he put on his first pair of glasses as a child, “I was amazed by the sharp and defined world that I had been missing out on while previously living with uncorrected refractive error.” Today, he’s working toward a degree that will allow him to provide this experience for countless others.
Student Focus on Mykia Kidd
February 2022
First-year student Mykia Kidd chose Ohio State Optometry for its reputation and legacy of excellence. “I love that it is a close-knit community and family-like from the moment you apply through the rest of your career.”
Student Focus on Mary Curtis
January 2022
Optometry aligned with everything Mary Curtis wanted in a health care career – changing patients’ lives for the better while still maintaining a great work-life balance – and Ohio State was a perfect fit for this Hilliard native. She says, “After the interview day I had no doubts any longer that Ohio State Optometry was meant to be my home for the next four years.”
Student Focus on Jose Germain
December 2021
Jose Germain, an #OSUopt Class of 2025 student, chose Ohio State Optometry because, “I knew I wanted to learn from and train with the best.” As his first semester comes to a close, he says the relationships he’s built with classmates have been tremendously valuable. “The friendships we’ve made have really contributed to a positive learning environment, and I also really enjoy spending time with them outside of the classroom,” he says.
Student Focus on Lauren Schneider
November 2021
Lauren Schneider’s (Class of 2022) love of science led her to pursue optometry, and her desire to study at an institution with the benefits and resources of a major university and the smaller class size of a private institution led her to Ohio State.
Student Focus on Derek Eibon
October 2021
In Derek Eibon’s (#OSUopt Class of 2022) first extern experience, he rotated through different outreach sites in Columbus. He says, “My favorite part of Outreach was being able to help patients who were in less fortunate situations and being able to make a difference in their lives.”
Student Focus on Jenna Jamil
September 2021
At her admissions interview, Jenna Jamil ( #OSUopt Class of 2022) immediately felt welcomed and knew that Ohio State Optometry was the right place for her. She says her first impression was, “All of the students and faculty were very kind, and it had a family-friendly sort of environment. Rather than being super competitive with each other, everyone seemed very encouraging, and truly wanted each other to succeed.”
Student Focus on Liz Nickell
August 2021
Take a look at the unique #OSUopt experience of OPT II Liz Nickell in August’s Student Focus. Liz says, “From day one, I always felt so incredibly supported. Even though our first year was not a traditional one, all the faculty went above and beyond for our class.”
Student Focus on Brandon Lim
July 2021
Third-year #OSUopt student Brandon Lim has been busy this summer taking classes and seeing patients in the clinic. He truly values the connections he has made with his fellow students. He says, “My classmates have played a huge role in keeping me sane. There is also a sense of camaraderie - going through the same intense curriculum while we all navigate through a pandemic, social injustices, and all sorts of life events.”