Student Focus on Alexys Eucker

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Alexys Eucker
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Howland, Ohio
High School: Howland High School
Undergraduate Institution: John Carroll University
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry
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 do not remember how old I was when I received my first eye exam, but I do know I always enjoyed going to the eye doctor. My optometrist is super friendly and has a contagious laugh that lights up the room. It was always exciting to go in to see Dr. D’Apolito. My favorite part about the visit was that after the eye exam was done, I would get a coupon for a free ice cream cone from McDonalds, which is what really won me over.

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

I realized I wanted to pursue a career in optometry during my sophomore year of undergrad. I had shadowed several different doctors ranging from family practice, dentistry and internal medicine but the fields just did not feel right. One day my grandma got a corneal abrasion, and we went in to get it checked out. The doctor was super friendly and I loved the practice we were at. He offered to let me come shadow later that summer. Once I was there, I fell in love with the profession. I saw how the doctors and staff interacted with each other and how the doctors really got to know each patient individually. I knew that this was the right calling for me after that.

Did you attend an admissions visit day event? If so, what impact did the event have on you?

I did not attend an admissions day event, but I had a friend in the program a few years ahead of me. I came down to visit her, and she gave me a VIP tour of campus and the optometry clinic.

Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?

Many of my family members are alumni from The Ohio State University. To me it was a simple choice. If I got accepted into Ohio State Optometry, I was coming here, as it felt like a rite of passage. Ohio State was my final interview for optometry school. While I did all of my interviews online due the pandemic, OSU was the only school that really took the time to show the students the clinic. I remember Dr. Nicky Lai Zoomed in on his phone and showed us all the floors of the clinic. This really stood out to me, as my previous interviews only showed us photos of their clinics during my interviews. I felt like everyone was here to support us and made the most effort to give us as close to an in person visit as possible.

What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?

I was really impressed with the faculty and how they care about each of their students. I think this continues through to today, even as I am coming to the end of my time here in Columbus.

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

One of the things that pleasantly surprised me about Columbus is its incredible food scene. It’s become one of my favorite parts of living here—getting to explore a wide variety of cuisines and always having a new restaurant to try right around the corner.

Which clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?

I am a member of many different clubs here at Ohio State. I am a member of SVOSH, NOSA, Low Vision Club, The Prismatic Effect, the Private Practice Club, and Epsilon Psi Epsilon. Additionally, I am also a member of Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society. I have also been the Vision Care Fund Coordinator for Epsilon Psi Epsilon and the Co-President of SVOSH for the last two years.

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

I think my experience with SVOSH has had the greatest impact on me during my time at Ohio State. I’ve participated in five domestic trips with SVOSH and Remote Area Medical (RAM), helping provide eye care to individuals who otherwise wouldn’t have had access to care. I also helped plan our international trip to Lima, Peru, where we served nearly 3,000 patients in just 6.5 clinic days.

One moment from that trip stands out above the rest. It was the second-to-last day of clinic, and we were all exhausted after working 12 hours each day that week. My final patient of the day was a 5-year-old boy with amblyopia and a very high plus prescription. We were creating custom glasses to be shipped back to him in a month, but we also wanted to find a temporary pair he could use right away. I found a pair that might work and had him try them on. The smile that lit up his face—the pure amazement at seeing clearly for the first time—was surreal. I can still picture him looking around the gymnasium in awe, grinning from ear to ear. That moment changed my life forever.

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

One of the most meaningful parts of optometry school has been the friendships I’ve made along the way. These people have become like family, and I know our bond will last a lifetime—even as we head off to different corners of the country after graduation. As I enter my final two externship rotations in Huntington, WV and Stow, OH, I’m feeling both excited and grateful. I can’t wait to learn from my new preceptors and soak in every last bit of experience before walking across that stage in May.

What advice do you have for future optometry students?

Find something in this field that truly excites you—whether it's pediatrics, ocular disease, vision therapy, or even the latest tech in contact lenses. Whatever it is, let that passion drive you. School will be challenging, but if you stay connected to what inspires you, it won’t just feel like studying—it’ll feel like building something meaningful. Let that passion grow, and you’ll not only succeed—you’ll flourish!