Student Focus on Derik Holmberg

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Derik Holmberg
Pronouns: He/His/Him
Hometown: Greenville, Michigan
High School: Greenville Senior High School
Undergraduate Institution: Michigan State University
Undergraduate Degree: Human Biology
Anticipated #OSUopt Graduation Year: 2027

Q&A

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

The first eye exam I remember was when I was probably eight or nine years old. I was having trouble reading in school, and our family optometrist prescribed reading glasses. According to my mom, I also had to do some eye exercises, which I didn’t enjoy.

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

I realized I wanted to pursue optometry in high school when I participated in a club called Science Olympiad. We competed against other schools in various events, and my first event was Optics. It involved answering general optics questions, learning about the anatomy of the human eye, and using mirrors to direct a laser through a maze. I loved this event, and it sparked my interest in optometry.

Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?

I chose Ohio State Optometry because I wanted a school with a similar vibe to MSU. I loved the Big Ten atmosphere and the big campus feel, where I could be as involved as I wanted. When researching, I realized Ohio State was the complete package. It offers competitive tuition (even for out-of-state students), a diverse student population, excellent NBEO board pass rates, great college sports teams, an OD/MS program, and it’s home to the only optometry fraternity in the country. Plus, it was close enough to home for me.

What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?

My first real impression of OSUCO was during an interview at another college of optometry. I met one of my future classmates there, who had attended OSU for undergrad. We both agreed that OSU was our top choice, and she even offered to give my family and me a tour of OSU when I interviewed there later that fall. Her kindness to a complete stranger reflects the norm at OSU, even if you’re from Michigan!

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

I had never been to Columbus before my interview, so I was surprised by how big both the city and the university were. My hometown has a population of roughly 9,000, so moving to such a large city without knowing anyone was intimidating. However, I was surprised by how quickly I adjusted to living in a big city while attending grad school.

Which clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?

I’m involved in Epsilon Psi Epsilon (EYE), our social fraternity. It’s where I’ve made great connections with peers in my class and others. The EYE house is a fantastic place to unwind and enjoy time with friends without thinking about school for a few hours. I’m also the recruitment chair for OSU Optometry Ambassadors, a club that introduces OSU to current pre-optometry students. Additionally, I’m a member of NOSA (National Optometric Student Association), AOSA (American Optometric Student Association), and SAAO (Student American Academy of Optometry). I’m also in the OD/MS program, and my research focuses on myopia control.

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

My classmates and friends have had undoubtedly the most positive impact on my time here. The people here are what make this experience so amazing. I feel so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be a part of such a bright and kind group of people.

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

That’s a tough one. There have been so many great memories so far and I’m not even halfway done. If I had to pick one, it would be our white coat ceremony. It’s a great event where you celebrate the culmination of so much hard work. And meeting everyone’s families was awesome. I think I was the only person who couldn’t get their white coat on on the first try but that’s par for the course. Here’s some honorable mentions: storming the court after beating #1-ranked Purdue in basketball, Dr. Earley announcing our fantasy football draft order, T35 lunches, EYE rush, Tuesday afternoons on the contact lens floor this past summer, and attending Optometry’s Meeting (OM) in Nashville. I’m looking forward to starting clinic in the spring and creating even more memories with everyone.

What advice do you have for future optometry students?

Take care of the classroom but remember to have fun. Try to live in the moment, even when you’re buried in coursework. Remember, many great doctors have been in your shoes, and they’ve gone on to succeed—you can too!