Student Focus on Maggie Dunn

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Maggie Dunn
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
High School: Notre Dame Academy
Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University
Undergraduate Degree: BS in Biology
Anticipated #OSUopt Graduation Year: 2025

Q&A

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

I had my first eye exam around five years old. My parents always knew I would need to go because I, like my older siblings, had congenital cataracts. The experience was quite scary at the time for me because I was told I would need to have surgery. However, after the surgery, I came to enjoy seeing my optometrist. She was the only doctor I didn’t mind having to see and always left feeling better than when I had come in. The added bonus was always getting new glasses, I still remember my favorite pair: lavender Dora the Explorer glasses.

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

I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare, but struggled to settle on what to specifically do until one day it hit me. I was a junior in college when I started working at the optometry clinic in medical records. I saw the students walking around and thought “I could see myself here, doing this.” I then reached out to my optometrist and talked about the career with her and the answer became obvious. I knew I wanted to do for others exactly what my amazing optometrist did for me.

Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?

I chose Ohio State Optometry because of the program it offers. The outstanding clinical and academic faculty and the knowledge and skills they possess, coupled with the school's overall reputation made it the obvious choice. I didn’t know if I’d want to be an optometrist if I couldn’t become one at Ohio State.

What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?

I was very impressed with the level of education I began receiving on day one and knew that I had made the right decision. While challenging at times, I know that I am being well prepared to take on a career in this field.

What surprised you most about Ohio State and/or Columbus?

I lived in Columbus and attended Ohio State for undergrad, so I have become quite familiar with the city and have grown to love it and the school. I am a Buckeye tried and true. The thing that surprised me the most about the optometry school is the sense of community you feel as a student here versus how I felt as a student in undergrad.

Which clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?

I am a part of AOSA, Lions Club, EYE, BSK, and Optometry Ambassadors. I also have worked with the OOA on the OOPAC board.

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

This question feels almost impossible to answer. My wonderful and supportive family and friends have been a hugely positive influence throughout my academic journey. I would be remiss to not give a shout-out to my amazing clinical attendings: Dr. Toole, Dr. Widmer, Dr. Daniel, Dr. Osman, Dr. Ransdell, Dr. Orr, Dr. Goedde, and Dr. Janczak. Each and every one of these outstanding doctors has positively shaped the type of clinician I am becoming and I am grateful to have learned from each of their unique clinical approaches.

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

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. I like applying what I've learned in the classroom in real time with my patients. I am looking forward to seeing how the program evolves as the career field evolves. With expanding scope and new technology, it will be exciting to see how the program changes.

What advice do you have for future optometry students?

My advice to future students is to say yes to opportunity and be eager to learn. Whether it’s a social, networking or clinical experience, saying yes to the opportunity and being eager and excited to do it will only help you grow as an individual and as a clinician. I have found that even when things felt dauting, by reframing my attitude toward it, I was able to gain more confidence in myself and my abilities.