Student Focus on Grace Scheresky

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Grace Scheresky
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Garrison, North Dakota
High School: Garrison High School
Undergraduate Institution: University of North Dakota
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science with Minor in Psychology
Anticipated #OSUopt Graduation Year: 2026

Q&A

How old were you when you received your first eye exam? What was the experience like for you?

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. This experience was one of my biggest inspirations for choosing optometry as my future career.

When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in optometry?

Most of my family members are nurses, so I always knew I wanted to be in health care. During my junior year of high school, I decided optometry was the career for me based on the great personal experiences I had had being a patient and shadowing at an optometry office as well as the vast opportunity optometry has to offer.

What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?

Before I visited Ohio State, I was very intimidated by the program (i.e. THE Ohio State University). However, I had the opportunity to visit my junior year of high school while visiting my aunt and uncle in Columbus (unbeknownst to me, my uncle scheduled an appointment for me with the admissions department which I was glad for after the initial shock and surprise). I was pleasantly surprised by how welcomed I felt from the admissions staff. I was so impressed by this first meeting that I knew I had to apply to Ohio State.

Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?

When it came time to start picking optometry programs, I knew Ohio State was right for me based on the smaller class sizes, the excellent NBEO passing rates, and the knowledge that I would be taught to be the best doctor possible from the best doctors in the country. My past experience visiting Ohio State also aided my decision, because I knew I would get support from everyone involved in the program.

What surprised you most about Ohio State/Columbus?

I was surprised how fast I got used to being on a larger campus and in a bigger city. I am from a very small town, so I was worried if I’d have trouble transitioning to life in Columbus and at Ohio State. But you really can make Columbus/Ohio State as big or as small as you want.

What clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?

I am involved in Optometry Ambassadors, College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD), and National Optometric Student Association (NOSA).

Who has most positively affected you during your time as an optometry student so far?

My family and close friends have been essential during my time in optometry school so far. Optometry school is not easy, and having words of encouragement and someone to talk to has made the tough times easier. I couldn’t have made it this far without the help from my classmates, upperclassman, and professors/faculty as well.

What was your favorite part of optometry school so far and what are you looking forward to in the future years of the programs?

My favorite part of optometry school so far has been shadowing the OPT III students during my first year. It was amazing to see what I’d be able to do in two short years. I’m looking forward to seeing my first patient, most likely my mom, next semester as well as getting experience in areas of optometry such as BVP (binocular vision and pediatrics).

What advice do you have for the class of 2028 as they navigate the admissions process this year?

My best advice would be to be yourself during the admissions process. Admissions committees want to see who you are, not who you think they want you to be.