Student Focus on Jason Kovatch

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Jason Kovatch
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Delaware, Ohio
High School: Rutherford B. Hayes High School
Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University
Undergraduate Degree: BS in Biochemistry
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'm not exactly sure, but I know I was at most four years old. My grandpa, Dr. Robert E. Ross, was an optometrist (Ohio State Optometry Class of '57) and retired in 2004, and my mom says he did my eye exams! I'm sure I had a great time, as far as I know!

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

I had it in my mind since seventh grade that I wanted to do something in the healthcare field, and I figured optometry would fit well since it's in the family. After working for my optometrist back home right before undergrad, I knew for sure that optometry would be a perfect fit for me. I especially thought that the trial lenses were just really cool!

Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?

Columbus is local for me, so my friends and family are here. I knew the campus pretty well already too, and of course, the program here is the best one out there!

Did you attend an admissions visit day with us? If so, why would you recommend that others attend?

I did, and I loved it! I learned about what the program was like and what I could do to better my chances of getting accepted. It was also pretty cool because it almost felt like I was already taking the first steps for admission, which made me even more excited to start (even though admission was still a while away for me at the time)!

What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?

It felt so welcoming, and like everyone there was happy to see me and hoped to see me back as a student. The facilities were also quite impressive. I felt ready to be there!

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

I was surprised by how much the professors want to see you succeed. I've had professors who hoped I would do well before, but here, they don't just want to see you do well, they want to see you surpass them. They're with you every step of the way, and are some of your best supporters.

Which clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?

I'm a part of NOSA (the National Optometric Student Association), which goes out to underserved communities in the area to do eye screenings and exams. I want to someday practice in an underserved or rural community because I strongly believe that everyone deserves the best eyecare they can get, and NOSA helps me serve in that way now. I'm also a part of the Professional School Orchestra, which has players from all the different health professions here at Ohio State. I play the trombone, and we meet once a week to unwind from our programs and play some great music. We have a winter and spring concert too!

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

The friends I've made here have really made the difference. We know the struggles and joys of this program, and we all help each other out. I know that I've made life-long friends, and I'm so grateful for that. My family has also been so supportive. They listen to me go on and on about eyes and optics and all of it, and they always want to know more. I'm blessed that they're always rooting for me! My girlfriend has been the most supportive. She listens to me ramble on about everything, helps me study, and always makes me feel proud of what I'm doing. I could not have gotten to this point, nor had this great experience, without her, or without my friends and family.

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

Being in the clinic is the best. Using your skills and knowledge to help patients is the whole reason I wanted to do this, and now that I'm finally getting to do that, I couldn't be happier! I can't wait to get better at doing exams and to learn more about the profession! There are still so many things yet to learn, and I'm ready for all of it!

What advice do you have for future optometry students?

Make friends, study hard, and NEVER forget to ask for help! There's always someone there when you need them!