Student Focus on Matt Andrew

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Matt Andrew
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
High School: Volcano Vista High School
Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University
Undergraduate Degree: BS in Exercise Science
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 don’t remember my first eye exam, but I do remember the first time I was fitted with contact lenses to help with my performance in baseball as a 10-year-old. My optometrist did a great job of helping me feel comfortable with the adjustment and helping me maximize my visual capabilities. Knowing that my vision was not going to hold me back both in sports and in my day-to-day life gave me a newfound confidence that I hope to provide for my patients.

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

I’ve always had a desire to pursue something in the medical field, but I couldn’t find a career that resonated with me. While driving home after an eye exam during my senior year of high school, my mom suggested that I should explore becoming an optometrist. The more I learned about the field, the more I fell in love with it because of the positive impact I could have on a person’s life by helping them maintain clear vision. I love the idea of being a primary eyecare provider and being the first point of contact for my patient’s eyecare needs! Throughout my schooling I’ve been fascinated with the complexity of the human body, and optometry allows me the ability to assess the health of nearly the entire body with each exam.

Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?

I wanted to attend a program that would push me not only academically but also help me to grow into a confident optometrist who can provide the best care for my future patients. Ohio State fulfills both requirements by continually showing unmatched academic excellence by its students and providing a curriculum that teaches leadership and character development. I love that despite the large university surrounding us, the college feels like a family, and I know exactly who to talk to if I ever need guidance.

What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?

I was impressed that despite being so far away from home, the faculty and staff at OSU make Fry Hall feel like home. In every facet of my OSU experience, the people I’ve met have been nothing but friendly and welcoming to me (good old “Midwest nice”!). During admissions and throughout my education, I’m always met with friendly faces and people who are willing to do everything in their power to help me succeed. Having that kind of support system at the college is priceless for a student!

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

I was shocked at the level of devotion and fandom that OSU (and Columbus) has for Buckeye football! The city practically shuts down on game day, which is fascinating to see for someone who didn’t grow up in the Midwest.

Which clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?

I’m an OD/MS student, so I’ve enjoyed working on research and presenting findings at conferences this past year. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed going to activities sponsored by the contact lens club and the ocular disease club. Learning and networking with professionals in the field helps the monotony of school to feel worth it because I can start to envision myself as an optometrist.

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

I would be remiss to not thank my amazing wife Jilaina for all the encouragement and patience she’s shown me these past three years. She’s my biggest support and knows how to help me see my potential and believe it’s achievable. Within the college I’ve been blessed to interact with many people who have contributed to my education, including many professors, attendings and my MS advisor, Dr. Melissa Bailey. One person in particular who has helped me is Dr. Carissa Janczak who has become my clinical mentor. She has been my attending for three semesters in a row starting in second year, meaning she has seen my entire clinical progression thus far! She’s helped me to overcome my initial struggles with seeing patients and has challenged me to continue to improve with each patient encounter.

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 so far was second year. Between the classes and the clinical skills learned, I started to feel like I was really becoming an optometrist. It was also a time when I really got to know the people in my class because we spent much more time together outside of class in the pre-clinic. There’s a special kind of bond that is created between classmates when you can look at someone and know all their interesting ocular findings because you’ve performed so many exams on them! I’m looking forward to my fourth-year extern rotations where I can focus on caring for patients full time and continuing to grow my clinical skillset.

What advice do you have for future optometry students?

I would say to just embrace the experience and keep moving forward! Go into it knowing that it will be difficult and while you may excel in some areas of the program, expect there will be other areas that will certainly humble you. Despite the struggles and stress of the near constant stream of exams and proficiencies, you’ll be shocked at the person you become by staying the course and not just completing the program, but letting the program go through you.