Student Focus on Mehdi Dabaja

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Mehdi Dabaja
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Dearborn, Michigan
High School: Dearborn High School
Undergraduate Institution: University of Michigan
Undergraduate Degree: Biology
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 remember my first eye exam being around the age of six. My mom took me to an optometrist at the beginning of the school year. At first I was scared, thinking it would be an unpleasant experience, like all of the other doctor visits I’d had before. However, to my surprise it was actually an enjoyable and memorable experience. I was amazed by how the optometrist tested my vision and eye health, all while making sure I was comfortable and answering all of our questions. I remember thinking that he was the smartest doctor I had ever seen, and I aspired to be in his position one day.

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

The vast majority of my siblings are in the medical profession. Growing up, I knew that I wanted to do something health related, but I wasn’t exactly sure what. In college, I attended many career fairs, and I became extremely interested in optometry. I joined the university’s optometry club and was given the opportunity to volunteer and truly see the impact that I could make in people’s lives as an eye doctor. Additionally, after shadowing a few optometrists in my city, I was convinced that I was meant to be an optometrist.

Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?

I chose The Ohio State University for many reasons and overall couldn’t be happier with my decision. Ohio State provides the top-of-the-line education, both academically and clinically. The faculty is world renowned. Ohio State also has the most advanced and cutting-edge technology, innovative research, and they always put the community and its patients above all. 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.

What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?

When I came for my interview at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, I felt unwavering support from the faculty and current students that I didn’t feel anywhere else. The brand new clinic with all the latest technology used in optometry, as well as the college’s focus on research and furthering optometry both academically and politically, made my decision to become an optometry student here that much easier. The atmosphere and comradery was truly unreal, it was such a memorable experience that gave me a glimpse of what my next four years would be like.

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

At first, I was intimidated to move to another state and start a new life. However, I was immediately welcomed by the faculty and students. It was very easy to create a sense of community at Ohio State because at the end, almost all of my classmates felt the same way. It is a community effort at Ohio State to ensure that the students are able to successfully transition to a new city, as well as becoming professional students.

Which clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?

There are many clubs and organizations to join at Ohio State. I am currently a part of intramural football and basketball clubs. In addition, I am also involved in the sports vision club.

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

My family and friends have supported me throughout all of the hard times. They are always there to encourage me and sit as my patients so I could practice my clinical skills on them. Optometry school is definitely difficult, but having people who you can rely on makes the experience that much more fulfilling.

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 is applicability of everything we learn in the classroom to real life scenarios. I am fascinated with how I can directly apply what I learn in the classroom setting in the real world and make an impact in people’s lives. I look forward to doing more clinical work and volunteering to underserved communities, like my community back home. I strive to make optometry more accessible to communities that either don’t have access to care, or to communities that don’t understand the systemic importance of an eye exam.

What advice do you have for future optometry students?

The best advice that I would give to future optometry students is the importance of finding balance. Optometry school is challenging, especially at Ohio State, and it’s important to learn how to balance your academic and personal life without losing sight of your long-term goals.