Alumni Focus on Jason Ro (OD'20)

DR. RO'S STORY

Hometown

Marietta, GA

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

I attended the University of Georgia and earned my Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology.

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

OD'20, followed by an Ocular Disease Residency in 2021 at the Erdey Searcy Eye Group.

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

Several faculty members were instrumental in my development. Dr. Michael Earley helped me bridge the gap between academic theory and clinical application. He truly invested the time to sharpen my skills during challenging moments in my binocular vision rotation. Dr. Gregory Hopkins taught me to approach optometry with an intuitive, practical mindset regarding clinic flow and efficiency. I also deeply admire Dr. Jackie Davis, who modeled how to treat every patient with great empathy and respect.

DR. RO'S CAREER IN OPTOMETRY

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

Milan Eye Center - staff optometrist in Marietta, GA.

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

I practice in a dynamic MD/OD setting as a medical optometrist, focusing primarily on ocular disease management and surgical co-management. My day ranges from diagnosing complex pathologies to providing essential perioperative care. This collaborative environment ensures a seamless continuity of care between medical and surgical interventions.

Which optometric issues concern you the most?

The evolution of our medical scope of practice is a major focus for me. I believe patient education regarding our qualifications is vital. There is a common public perception that we only handle glasses and contacts, when in reality, we are adept at managing nearly any ocular disease up to the point where surgical intervention is required.

Why did you choose a career in optometry?

I wanted people to see the beautiful world exactly as God intended. The concept of vision and how we physically and neurologically process light into sight has always fascinated me. It is a privilege to work at the intersection of complex biological science and the very human experience of "seeing."

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

I aim to have further solidified my role in medical optometry within the MD/OD collaborative space. Having completed an ocular disease residency, I want to continue expanding my clinical footprint in surgical co-management and complex disease cases, ensuring our practice remains a benchmark for patient outcomes in Georgia. Beyond the exam room, I hope to be more involved in mentoring externs and residents that come through Milan Eye Center, passing on the same practical, efficiency-focused guidance I received from my own mentors at Ohio State.

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

DR. RO'S OHIO STATE EXPERIENCE

Be open-minded about your career path. Until graduation, I envisioned myself only in private practice, but through my externships, I discovered an unanticipated passion for ocular disease. Take full advantage of your preceptors and clinical directors - ask questions and stay curious, as they can influence your trajectory in ways you don't expect.

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

They say "The eye is the lamp of the body," and that is true both spiritually and physically. The eye is a direct extension of the brain and the only organ where you can view living neural and vascular tissue non-invasively. Education is vital here. When I see something wrong in the eye, it is often a window into an underlying systemic association. By managing eye health, I’m helping to manage the health of the entire person.

What were your most memorable moments at Ohio State?

My favorite memories involve playing sports with my classmates. Whether it was basketball, tennis, volleyball, or disc golf, being able to compete and have fun with my classmates was the perfect balance to the rigors of our studies.

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

It means everything. I met my wife, Stephanie Ro (OD’22), through the college. This degree also provides our livelihood, so I am eternally grateful to Ohio State for laying the foundation for the rest of my life.

How do you stay connected with the College of Optometry?

I’m part of an optometric group called SportyTM, where we discuss optometry, sports, and life. We also try to meet a few times a year to gather and hang out. I also attend regional and national conferences to catch up with classmates and friends who live in different states.

DR. RO'S FUN FACTS

What are your current hobbies, volunteer work and interests?

I like to play any sport to stay active. I also play the bass guitar and serve as a music director at my local church.

What is your nickname?

A lot of people call me "jRo."

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

I don't know if I have a favorite - the more eye jokes I hear, the cornea they get.

If not an optometrist, I would be …

A park ranger or a realtor.