Student Focus on Casey Cempre

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Casey Cempre
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Worthington, Ohio
High School: Thomas Worthington High School
Undergraduate Institution: Denison University
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry
Anticipated #OSUopt Graduation Year: 2028

Q&A

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

I was probably a toddler when I first went in for an eye exam, but I don't really remember it. As an elementary and middle schooler, I remember I always loved going to have an eye exam. The scientific artwork and fancy instruments excited me, and my optometrist was great at explaining the eye to kids.

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

When I was a junior in high school, I had a class project where I shadowed several optometrists around central Ohio, and that really piqued my interest. I took all of the prerequisite courses for optometry school during my undergraduate education, but I also fell in love with research while there. After graduating, I worked in a leukemia research lab at Ohio State for several years before deciding to pursue a career in optometry.

Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?

I have a close friend who graduated from Ohio State Optometry, and she could not speak any higher of the program that OSU offers. The board passage rates, the cost, and the research opportunities were all big draws, and staying close to home was an added bonus. I'm so lucky that one of the top programs in the country is right in my backyard.

What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?

The faculty and staff who I met first at Ohio State were all so welcoming and warm. It was very clear that everyone working for the college would do anything they could to help my entire class succeed.

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

Traveling outside of Columbus has really made me appreciate the food that Columbus has to offer. I love walking through the Short North and trying new restaurants whenever I can.

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

During Buckeye Launch orientation week, I connected with several other students who, like me, had worked non-optometry related jobs before changing career paths. After the first week of classes, I could tell that many of them will be lifelong friends.

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 benefits of being in a small program is that I've had the opportunity to really get to know my professors and bond with classmates. I'm excited to get into the clinic and get into research in the upcoming years.

What advice do you have for future optometry students?

There isn't any one "correct" way to study during optometry school—figure out what works for you. I personally like to take notes on real physical paper and watch lecture recordings at home with my cats over and over again. Others prefer to draw pictures on whiteboards or make detailed study guides on iPads or study in a group setting. Choose whatever works for you.