Student Focus on Hayley Cesario

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Hayley Cesario
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Hometown: Worthington, Ohio
High School: Thomas Worthington High School
Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
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?

I had my first eye exam when I was in third grade. Although it feels like a distant memory, I recall being both confused and fascinated by all the gadgets the doctor used to look at my eyes. Luckily, I left without glasses in-hand, but I did carry with me a curiosity about optometry.

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

My journey in optometry began in middle school, when we were instructed to create a pamphlet detailing our career of choice for our language arts class. At the time, I was almost certain I was destined to be a neonatal nurse. After finishing my project, I presented it to my teacher and admitted to him that my research had only confirmed that it was not the career for me. He suggested that I look into optometry, as he noticed I had doodled what he thought were irises in the margins of all of my assignments. Little did he know, those were not intended to be irises (I’m just bad at art)! From that day on, I began looking into optometry as a career option, and although I explored other options over the years, nothing had the same appeal as optometry. I truly fell in love with the profession after shadowing (and eventually working under) Dr. Jim Albright in Worthington. Dr. Jim Albright, Dr. Stephen Schnulo, and Dr. Jay Lytle showed me that optometry is so much more than a career - it is a community. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to the staff at Albright and Schnulo Family Eye Care for showing me the ropes and solidifying my passion for optometry!

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

Technically yes, but because of the pandemic and my undergraduate class schedule, the majority of the events I attended were online. Even with the virtual format, it was easy to see that Ohio State Optometry is committed to preparing students to be the best clinicians and professionals that they can be. I am grateful that I was introduced to the resources, facilities, and opportunities that Ohio State has to offer prior to applying to optometry schools. The most important aspect, however, was the student testimonials and actually getting to speak directly with current optometry students. They gave me a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a professional student, what to expect, what they value in a school, and so much more. Their love for the college, their classmates, and their future profession certainly left a lasting impression.

Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?

For me, all signs pointed to Ohio State. Whether it’s OSU’s outstanding reputation, esteemed faculty, stellar NBEO passage rates, or the simple fact that Ohio State Optometry is the best school in the country (if you ask me, at least), choosing Ohio State Optometry has been my easiest life decision yet. I have yet to meet an alum or student who has anything but the best to say about Ohio State Optometry. Being part of a massive and well-respected university, living in an ever-growing city, having some of the greatest collegiate sports teams in the nation, taking part in Buckeye traditions, having access to an accomplished and extensive alumni network, and being just a short trip from home are really just added bonuses. I am forever proud to be a Buckeye!

What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?

My first real encounter with OSUCO was in Pre-Optometry Club when Dr. Earley came in to speak to us. I think I speak for everyone in attendance when I say that we all left thinking, “I wanna be like that guy.” Of course, we can’t all be super-geniuses, but I figured my best shot at becoming one was to learn directly from them!

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

As a Columbus native and a Buckeye (by birth and officially for the last six years), I would say I am pretty well-acquainted with the school and the area, so when starting at OSUCO, there wasn’t much left about Columbus that surprised me. However, getting to watch some of my classmates experience campus and Columbus through fresh eyes has been an awesome adventure. Plus, watching my friends experience their first game day in The 'Shoe is something I will never forget.

Which clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?

I am honored to say that I am the current president of Optometry Ambassadors and one of the Vision Care Fund Coordinators for Epsilon Psi Epsilon. I am also a member of Beta Sigma Kappa, NOSA, and the AOSA. These positions have given me countless opportunities to work alongside and learn from my peers, faculty members, alumni, patients, and even future students.

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

My classmates! I am so lucky to be a part of our little optometry family - I can’t imagine my time here without them! It is wonderful to have such a fantastic group of people as my peers to learn and grow alongside. From pulling long nights at Hamilton to laughing until we cry at the EYE House, I will certainly cherish every memory. I also owe a huge thank you to my friends and family for their continued love and support!

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

While it’s nearly impossible to narrow it down, I think my most memorable moment has been my parents sitting for me as my first-ever patients! I would not be who I am or where I am without their love and support, so it was a massive moment to be able to share that experience with them! Outside of the classroom, EYE rush week has to take the cake for my favorite moments. It was awesome to let loose with classmates. I am most looking forward to spending more time with patients and improving my clinical skills!

What advice do you have for future optometry students?

Optometry school is certainly no walk in the park, so remember to celebrate your hard work! These are formative years for us as professionals and as people - make sure to save time for the people you love and for doing things you love. Overall, have fun and do your best!