Alumni Focus on Eriq Hall (OD'22)

DR. HALL'S STORY

Hometown

Lorain, Ohio

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

I attended Capital University, where I majored in Biology and played four years of collegiate football.

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 The Ohio State University, Dr. Shane Foster (OD‘08) became a mentor to me during my externship in Athens, Ohio. He played a pivotal role in guiding my transition from student to doctor and helped shape my confidence as a clinician. His kindness, knowledge, and leadership is something I will always be grateful for.

DR. HALL'S CAREER IN OPTOMETRY

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

I currently practice at Grove City Vision Center in Grove City, Ohio.

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

I strive to practice to the fullest scope of optometry in Ohio. A typical day may include performing comprehensive eye exams, managing ocular diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, fitting specialty contact lenses, treating dry eye, and educating patients about their overall eye health. The variety each day brings keeps the profession both challenging and rewarding, which is one of the aspects I enjoy most about being an optometrist. On Fridays, I also have the pleasure of working side by side with my wife, which makes the end of each week especially meaningful and rewarding.

Which optometric issues concern you the most?

I am particularly concerned about the rising prevalence of myopia in children, as well as undiagnosed glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. Early detection and patient education are critical in preventing long-term vision loss.

Why did you choose a career in optometry?

Ultimately, I chose optometry because I wanted to help people. As a myope myself, I frequently visited my childhood optometrist, Dr. Eric Stocker (OD’82). He was always welcoming to me and my family and made us feel at home in his office. His kindness and professionalism left a lasting impression on me, and I knew I wanted to have that same positive impact on others.

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

In five years, I hope to continue expanding my clinical expertise, further develop specialty services such as myopia management and dry eye care, and deepen my involvement in organized optometry and community outreach with RealEyes and iSee events.

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

Practice to your full scope. The Ohio State University College of Optometry prepares you thoroughly for every aspect of the profession—trust your training and use the knowledge you’ve gained.

I would also encourage students to always remember their “why.” There will inevitably be challenging moments in both life and career, but staying grounded in the reason you chose this profession will help carry you through those times.

What do eye health, and eye care, mean for you?

Eye health represents quality of life. Vision impacts how we learn, work, connect with others, and experience the world. Providing comprehensive eye care means protecting not just sight, but overall well-being.

DR. HALL'S OHIO STATE EXPERIENCE

What were your most memorable moments at Ohio State?

Some of my most memorable moments were the camaraderie and unforgettable experiences at OSU football tailgates at the EYE House. The friendships I built and the strong sense of community made my time at Ohio State incredibly meaningful and truly unforgettable. It was also at the EYE House where I met my wife, making those memories even more special. What started as a shared experience among classmates turned into a lifelong partnership, and I will always be grateful that Ohio State brought us together.

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

Since my freshman year of high school, attending The Ohio State University College of Optometry was a goal of mine. I vividly remember receiving the call that I had been accepted and running downstairs to celebrate with my family.

The level of education, lifelong friendships, and proximity to home have meant so much to me. Ohio State provided me with not only exceptional clinical training but also invaluable personal and professional connections.

How do you stay connected with the College of Optometry?

I attend alumni functions and yearly conferences such as East West and Academy. I also serve as a board member for the Epsilon Psi Epsilon Alumni Association.

DR. HALL'S FUN FACTS

What are your current hobbies, volunteer work and interests?

Hobbies: Watching football (Pittsburgh Steelers fan), hiking in national parks, and staying active.

Volunteer Work: Participating in iSee clinics, RealEyes events, and supporting Better Vision Better Hope.

What is your nickname? (Or another fun, random fact about you)

My college nickname was “Q,” inspired by the unique spelling of my name.

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

Why do you have to wear glasses during math class? To help with Di-Vision!

If not an optometrist, I would be …

A marine biologist