Student Focus on Kayla Bartram
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Name: Kayla Bartram
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: West Long Branch, New Jersey
High School: Shore Regional Highschool
Undergraduate Institution: Rutgers University
Undergraduate Degree: Biological Sciences/Psychology
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 was in my freshman year of high school when my Spanish teacher noticed I had been squinting to see the board. All it took was a quick trip to my mother’s optometrist, Dr. McAleese, that left us discussing optometry as a possible career route for me on the car ride home.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in optometry?
While I had a previous interest in health care due to my mother’s role as a primary care physician, it was both my experience and my father’s that made me pursue optometry specifically. Around the same time as my first eye exam, my father began experiencing increased difficulty with his own vision. He was the last in his line of siblings to become blind due to a genetic, recessive retinal disease. I was fascinated both by the physiology of the condition as well as the varied adaptations my family members responded with. I remember taking my father to see a low vision optometrist who enlisted me as his assistant during the exam. After improving my father’s acuity somewhat through a trial frame refraction, he then instructed my father to look at me instead of the Snellen chart. When the improvement in acuity seemingly vanished, here is where I learned about the frustration of contrast sensitivity deficits, in which only expensive, digital aids could be of use to my father. While not the outcome we had hoped for, I was only further motivated to understand ocular disease and help patients like my father.
Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?
The competitive tuition, NBEO passage rates, OD/MS program, and small class size were all things that drew me to the program.
Did you attend an admissions visit day with us? If so, why would you recommend that others attend?
While I did not have the opportunity to attend an admissions visit day while being out-of-state, my virtual interview was all I needed to know I belonged at OSUCO.
What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?
I was really pleasantly surprised by the virtual interview process, in which Dr. Lai, Dr. Fogt, and Jen Bennett showed that they truly cared about me as a person, not just my GPA or test scores. They also demonstrated important core values of the program that I aligned with. I knew then that this would be an environment in which I could thrive and would promote me to be the best clinician I can be.
What surprised you most about Ohio State and/or Columbus?
The diversity and inclusivity of Columbus! There are so many communities and cultures to experience when you branch out of the campus area. Some notable examples include Columbus Pride and Asian Festival each year!
Which clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?
I am the current president of the Low Vision Rehabilitation Club, vice president of The Prismatic Effect, and house manager for our fraternity Epsilon Psi Epsilon. While I certainly did not expect to be this involved, I chose to dedicate my time to personally meaningful organizations here. In particular, I was surprised when I ended up moving into and subsequently helping take care of the “EYE home” but it’s been such a fun experience (despite the broken boiler, bee infestation, etc.). I’ve met and become friends with people I never would have had the opportunity to otherwise. It’s also been extremely rewarding to welcome new optometry students into the house.
Who has most positively affected you during your time as an optometry student so far?
My professors and clinical instructors have made a huge impact on my time here. I was worried I would struggle to make connections like I had previously at my large undergraduate institution. From day one, that was never the case. There are class composites everywhere so faculty members can remember our names and get to know us. Their office doors remain open and welcome visitors, even if it’s been years since we’ve taken their class or worked with them in clinic. Everyone around me has consistently supported and pushed me to become a better student, researcher, and clinician. There are also some other unlikely perks, like sharing baking recipes with Dr. Mutti!
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 presenting my research at the American Academy of Optometry Annual meeting in Boston this past year. It was super nerve-wracking but something I wanted to prove to myself that I could do. It was so meaningful to be supported by my advisor, friends, and other faculty members in the audience as well. Outside of academics, my other favorite memories are always when my class gets together to celebrate another milestone or holiday. I loved when we all crammed together and celebrated Thanksgiving at the EYE house. We had no heat at the time but a lot of love and space heaters! In my fourth year, I look forward to seeing a ton of patients on my rotations as well as defending my thesis on contrast sensitivity training through perceptual learning.
What advice do you have for future optometry students?
Get involved, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! I’ve had so many great experiences because I refused to stay in my comfort zone. Just say yes (you’ll find time to study, I promise). Also, live at the EYE house!!!