Alumni Focus on Araba Otoo (MPH, OD'22)

DR. OTOO'S STORY

Hometown

I grew up in Sakumono, a coastal town in the Tema Metropolitan District of the Greater Accra Region in Ghana.

Which institution did you attend for your undergraduate degree? What was your major?

I obtained a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). I then pursued a master's degree in public health at the same university, specializing in epidemiology and biostatistics, with a focus on global health.

Which degree(s), related to optometry, did you earn at Ohio State?

OD’22

Who were your mentors at the College of Optometry? Who had a positive effect on your education?

During my time at Ohio State and beyond optometry school, Dr. Jackie Davis has been an invaluable resource for me. Dr. VanNasdale also played a crucial role in my professional development and advancement. I would like to acknowledge Dr. Philip Yuhas, Dr. Nicholas Fogt, and Dr. Bradley Daugherty for their dedication to my academic success whenever I sought it. Additionally, my colleague mentors — Drs. Tacastacas, Hutchinson, Antonio, Nguyen, Cmar, Restuccio, and Lenhoff — were instrumental in my educational development. I am incredibly grateful for the support of these individuals.

DR. OTOO'S CAREER IN OPTOMETRY

Name of your employer(s) and title, including location.

I am an optometrist at Williams Eye Institute in Merrillville and Hammond, Indiana.

Give us a glimpse of your typical day as an optometrist.

Clinic hours begin at 8 a.m. at both locations, typically concluding at 4 p.m. but 3 p.m. on Fridays. I provide post-operative care, closely monitoring patients for any complications following cataract surgery. Additionally, I conduct medical eye examinations to diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of ocular diseases, and offer contact lens services.

Which optometric issues concern you the most?

I have found myself thinking about policies to address vision health, access to services, and prevention of eye diseases. Disparities in visual outcomes are particularly concerning, especially when avoidable blindness stems from a lack of awareness. The repercussions are many, and I am committed to improving literacy levels where eye health is concerned.

Why did you choose a career in optometry?

From a very young age, I have been passionate about eye health, and engaging in discussions about vision and eye care has always excited me. I saw firsthand the positive impact of eye care on individuals in my Ghanaian community, starting with my parents. As a child, I even pretended to have vision problems and wore glasses to show my interest in eye health. Initially, I was determined to pursue ophthalmology, despite facing hurdles that made me feel stagnant. However, after gaining exposure to optometry and its diverse modalities, I made a pivotal shift. Interactions with various individuals provided me with clarity and reinforced my decision to pursue optometry. The insightful words by my mentors, Dr. Joslin and Dr. Ulanski — “You can achieve all your career goals in public health and global health through optometry” — have proven to be true. I am excited about the endless opportunities that exist at the intersection of population health and optometry.

Where do you hope to see your optometric career in five years?

My vision for the next five years is still evolving. I envision myself deeply committed to public, global, and international eye health in some capacity. While I am not yet certain of the exact path, my journey began with Cherish Eyesight & Vision Inc. during my time in optometry school. This nonprofit has already opened doors for collaborations and international work. As my optometric career unfolds, I see myself balancing clinical practice, academia, and speaking engagements, contributing to the advancement of eye health on a broader scale.

What is one piece of advice you can give OPT-IV students as they prepare to graduate and begin their optometric careers?

My advice would be to embrace lifelong learning and adaptability. The field of optometry, like much of healthcare, is continuously evolving with new technologies, treatments, and diagnostic techniques. Staying up to date with advancements, and engaging in continuing education can help you provide the best care to your patients.

Build strong communication and patient care skills. Being able to explain complex eye health issues clearly and fostering a compassionate connection with patients can set you apart in practice.

What do eye health and eye care mean for you?

Our eyes are engaged every second of our waking hours and they play a vital role in our overall well-being.

For the simple reason that I recently diagnosed an individual with an artery occlusion and got notified of an ischemic stroke with 100% and 60% blockage of the right and left carotid artery, eye health is simply health. This experience underscores the critical connection between eye health and overall health.

On the other hand, eye care is ensuring that individuals have access to resources that maintain vision and prevent avoidable blindness. It involves education and advocacy for equitable access to eye care services. Accessing eye care allows for eye health.

DR. OTOO'S OHIO STATE EXPERIENCE

What were your most memorable moments at Ohio State?

My final years at the College of Optometry were especially fulfilling and marked by significant accomplishments. As my education neared its conclusion, I celebrated several milestones: passing my boards, securing a residency, and earning both national and international recognitions. The challenges I faced became distant memories, and I was left with a profound gratitude for my convoluted journey to becoming an optometrist. Among my most cherished experiences was traveling to Jamaica for mission work and engaging with fellow members of the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists.

What do Ohio State and the College of Optometry mean to you and your family?

Ohio State's College of Optometry was instrumental in realizing my dream of becoming an eye care professional. It was there that my career took shape and became a reality. The college provided a foundation for making invaluable friendships and, like for many, it was where my future began.

How do you stay connected with the College of Optometry?

I stay connected through social media and attending conferences such as the National Optometric Association Convention and the American Academy of Optometry.

DR. OTOO'S FUN FACTS

What are your current hobbies, volunteer work and interests?

In the past year, I’ve enjoyed traveling overseas to Germany, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, and embracing adventurous activities that involve heights. I also continue my work with Cherish Eyesight & Vision Inc., creating content to educate the public about vision and eye health.

What is a fun, random fact about you?

My name, Araba, signifies that I am a girl born on a Tuesday in the Fante tribe.

What’s the best eye pun you’ve ever heard?

“Ah! It was a pleasure meeting you! Thank you for the insight and eyesight."

If not an optometrist, I would be ...

I would be a chef.