Alumni Focus on Kelsy Steele (OD'16, MS'18, PhD'24)

DR. STEELE'S STORY

Hometown:

Strongsville, Ohio

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

I started at Butler University, but I transferred to The Ohio State University for my senior year. I majored in Psychology.

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

OD’16, MS’18, PhD'24

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

I was lucky to have an embarrassment of riches when it came to mentors. Karla Zadnik was my PhD advisor and her guidance, belief in me, and extensive experience as a vision scientist were instrumental in my success. Aaron Zimmerman was my advisor during my Advanced Practice Fellowship and MS, and he helped me find my footing and confidence both as a researcher and clinician. Nicky Lai was also a key mentor for me as I developed as a clinical educator and specialty contact lens practitioner. Melissa Bailey was an important mentor for me during my research training, and I reference some of the skills she taught me in my current role.

DR. STEELE'S CAREER IN OPTOMETRY

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

I work for Alcon, and I am transitioning from pharmaceutical Medical Science Liaison to Associate Medical Director over the next few months. I am currently remote, based in Columbus, Ohio.

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

No two days are the same, and that is one of the aspects I enjoy about my role. When traveling, I meet with optometrists and ophthalmologists to discuss clinical data, answer medical questions, give presentations, and gather insights related to ocular surface disease. If I am working from home, I might be reviewing a research study proposal, meeting with global colleagues to discuss medical strategy, creating a medical document, or staying up to date with the literature.

Which optometric issues concern you the most?

An optometric issue for which I care deeply is access to quality eyecare. Too many people around the world, but also in our back yards, do not have reliable, affordable access to optometric care. We know the importance of healthcare in supporting people to live independent lives with dignity and unfortunately, so many people go without.

Why did you choose a career in optometry?

I was drawn to optometry in part due to the immediate impact that I could make for my patients. In specialty contact lens care, a tiny piece of plastic can bring a grown man to tears, light up a child who was previously self-conscious, and allow someone to reenter the workforce or renew a driver’s license. I also enjoyed the ability to develop personal relationships with my patients over the years.

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

The piece of advice that I always give to optometry students, regardless of their year in school, is to embrace the power of networking. Networking has brought me decades-long friendships, research collaborations, job opportunities, speaking engagements, and so much more. Networking has also allowed me to connect others in the same ways that someone previously connected me. Networking can turn into a fun game of matching: who do I know that you just have to meet?! Karla is the master at this skill, so I learned from the best.

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

Eye care is not just about the eyeballs. Of course, the health of the eyes is an important aspect of eye care, but optometrists are in the unique position to have the training and the time to assess the entire visual system, potential ophthalmic manifestations of systemic disease, and consider the human being sitting in their chair.

DR. STEELE'S OHIO STATE EXPERIENCE

What were your most memorable moments at Ohio State?

I loved my time at Ohio State and made the most of the extracurriculars that were available to me. Participating in Epsilon Psi Epsilon events with my friends are some of my favorite memories from optometry school. Pledge week, bowling tournaments, football tailgates, and Spring Banquet were always annual highlights.

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

I met my husband, Ryan Millyard, and some of my best friends at the College of Optometry. I talk to at least one friend from the College nearly every day. I will always be grateful for my time at the best d*** optometry school in the land!

How do you stay connected with the College of Optometry?

Although I no longer work there, I still feel very connected to the College. I am a member of the Optometry Alumni Society, which provides a regular connection to the College. I often serve as an attending optometrist for medical services trips with current Ohio State Optometry students. I also attend national and regional optometric meetings, where I always look forward to connecting with friends, colleagues, and former interns.

DR. STEELE'S FUN FACTS

What are your current hobbies, volunteer work and interests?

I like to stay active with Pilates, yoga, running, and Peloton. My husband and I are interested in all things culinary, so baking, cooking, cocktail mixing, and going out to eat are frequent activities. I volunteer with Remote Area Medical, both in and out of Ohio, and serve as an attending optometrist for Ohio State Optometry’s annual SVOSH trip. I am a big soccer fan and enthusiastically cheer for (EPL Champions) Arsenal Football Club, as well as the Columbus Crew and the German national team.

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

Some of my friends call me Avocado Queen and one of my coworkers refers to me as Steele Team 6.

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

Our intramural sports team name in optometry school was The Fighting Iris.

If not an optometrist, I would be …

a dermatologist because I love skincare products and wearing sunscreen!