Student Focus on Mason Clutter
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Name: Mason Clutter
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
High School: Homeschooled
Undergraduate Institution: Hillsdale College
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry
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 had my first eye exam when I was about six years old, and then I did not have another eye exam until optometry school. I mostly remember the dilation and air puff.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in optometry?
Between undergrad and optometry school, I worked at an OD/MD practice with the intention of applying to medical school. Where I worked was a fourth-year extern site, so I had a lot of interaction with fourth year optometry students over the three years that I worked there, and I found that I liked working on the clinical side with the optometrist more. I was finally inspired to apply to optometry school by another technician who had been accepted to SCO.
Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?
I chose Ohio State Optometry because I knew the quality of the education I would be receiving. I want to be the best clinician I possibly can be, specifically in binocular vision and pediatrics.
What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?
I remember being very impressed during my interview day with how nice everyone was. One of my interviewers mentioned during the interview that "we're training you to be a colleague," and it does really feel that way. I feel respected by all my professors in the classroom and attendings in the clinic.
What surprised you most about Ohio State and/or Columbus?
I was most surprised by the small and friendly feeling within the College of Optometry. I graduated from a small school and was used to knowing most of my classmates. I thought it would be a drastic change going to a large university like OSU, but it wasn't too big of a difference. You get the intimate camaraderie of being within the small College of Optometry while having the benefits of the larger university and city available to you.
Which clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?
I am a part of the OD/MS program and have been the president of the Student American Academy of Optometry (SAAO), both focused on scientific research. I enjoyed conducting scientific research during my undergraduate years, which inspired me to continue pursuing research in optometry.
Who has most positively affected you during your time as an optometry student so far?
Firstly, the recently retired Dr. Mike Earley had a big impact on me during my first year of optometry school. He is an excellent teacher and person, and I am glad I had the opportunity to learn from him. I had been out of school for a few years before starting optometry school and I was struggling to get back into the swing of studying and balance the class load, a part-time job, and raising a family. He sat down with me and helped me find a good balance. Secondly, my master's advisor, Dr. Nicklaus Fogt, has been an excellent mentor. He has helped me develop as a clinician scientist and inspired me to keep pursuing research.
What was your favorite part of optometry school so far and what are you looking forward to in future years of the program?
My favorite part of optometry school has been practicing the skills we learn in the labs. I love the hands-on work, practicing with my classmates, and seeing the translation to clinic.
What advice do you have for future optometry students?
If it was easy, everyone would be a doctor. You can do hard things! I believe in you!