Optometry Alumni Making a Difference: Jay Henry (OD/MS'98)
As we continue our focus on alumni contributing to The Ohio State University and the Optometry Alumni Society, I am pleased to spotlight Jay Henry (OD/MS’98), the society’s treasurer.
Dr. Henry obtained his OD and MS degrees from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 1998 and practices in Pickerington, Ohio at Hermann and Henry Eyecare, having become a full partner in 2001. Dr. Henry has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor as well as a Primary Care Extern Preceptor for The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Dr. Henry has a true passion for educating others, speaks nationally, and has published numerous articles on topics related to Electronic Health Records, paperless practices, technology, e-prescribing, Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), and ocular disease. Dr. Henry was the first optometrist in the nation to use optometric software for e-prescribing. He is very proud to have co-written three national lecture series and lectured to many optometrists and optometric staff members over the years. He is recognized for both his expertise and his enthusiasm for helping professionals optimize their practices.
- Question Yours is a very busy practice with three ODs, but what do you do outside of the office?
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Answer
When not seeing patients or managing my office, I have many things that keep me busy. I really enjoy spending time with my family. My wife Julie Henry (OD’99) and I have two children both of whom are currently undergrads at The Ohio State University. So, you will often find me on campus visiting with my children and watching them enjoy everything that Ohio State has to offer. It brings back great memories when I spend time with them on campus. It’s a pleasure to watch their journeys and hear their stories of everything they are involved in and how they have become passionate Buckeyes ready to carry on the great Ohio State traditions.
I have always had a passion for soccer. I have played soccer my entire life, and if I am not playing the game (which I still regularly do) you will find me either coaching a club soccer team, watching the Columbus Crew, or most recently officiating high school soccer games. I find myself always relaxed and excited to enjoy the fitness, companionship and competitiveness that soccer brings to me.
I also love the outdoors and traveling. You may find me just working outside on our property or more likely taking a trip that involves the outdoors or hiking.
Our family just recently returned from a great trip to England, Amsterdam and Ireland, where we did a lot of sightseeing and some incredible hiking.
I am someone who, once I start a project, commitment or anything, will give 100% and be all in. This attitude can sometimes lead to difficulty balancing work at the office, home life, volunteering and optometry life in general, but I have found that over the years it has become easier and more important to make time for yourself and your family. I find that I try to plan my next trip before the last one is over. Sometimes it might seem like a bad time to leave, but I never regret it in the end. This gives me something to look forward to and a reason to work hard at all my commitments. It is always a balancing act that I continue to work on, and I am always looking to find ways to give back and enjoy everything life has to offer.
- Question What advice do you have for other alumni interested in giving back to the college?
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Answer
When it comes to alumni interested in giving back, I give the same advice I give to current optometry students. Say YES to getting involved; you will never regret these opportunities to be part of something bigger. There are so many ways you can give back to the College of Optometry. Your support may be as simple as allowing a student to shadow you at your office and discussing with them all the great advantages Ohio State Optometry has to offer. It may be in the form of supporting the college in a fundraising program. The support of our alumni in helping us build the greatest facilities, attract the top optometry students and provide scholarships is another reason we continue to be the best optometry school in the nation. Our alumni are so important to the continuing traditions and excellence. If you have any desire to get involved, please do it. If you are unsure how to get involved, please reach out to me or the optometry alumni society and we will be happy to talk to you. Your time and dedication will be greatly appreciated by not only the current students, the College of Optometry, but also your alumni family. Becoming an advocate for the College of Optometry and Ohio State has been incredibly rewarding.
- Question What inspired you to be part of Ohio State’s Optometry Alumni Society, as well as its board?
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Answer
I have always been involved in organized optometry and leadership. As an optometry student at Ohio State I was an AOSA trustee, I organized the annual optometry ski trip, I was president of EΨE and a member of many other student run organizations. As an optometrist I have been involved with the OOA, the AOA and numerous other organizations at every level. But when asked to serve on the alumni society board, I jumped at the chance to serve and give back to Ohio State and more importantly the College of Optometry, both of which have given so much to me. I loved the idea of being more involved with the College of Optometry as well as helping current students, future students and reconnecting with other alumni by serving Ohio State. It’s always a pleasure and never seems like work to give my time to Ohio State.
- Question What do you like best about Ohio State?
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Answer
Ohio State is an incredible university with so many impressive qualities. Obviously, I am proud to be a graduate of a university that has such strong academics. But what I really love are the many time-honored traditions, its diversity, vibrant campus life, and most impressive to me is the buckeye spirit and community shared by current students, faculty and alumni alike. I wear my Buckeye gear proudly and am always impressed no matter what state or country I am in that I will undoubtedly be greeted with an O-H. It’s an awesome feeling to know that buckeye pride and community are strong worldwide. How firm the friendship O-HI-O. I would be remiss not to mention that I also love Buckeye sports and I am an avid supporter.
- Question And the College of Optometry specifically...
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Answer
When I think about the College of Optometry, I am reminded and thankful for the outstanding education I received, the outstanding relationships I made with faculty and staff as well as friendships that last a lifetime. I love letting everyone know that Ohio State Optometry is the best in the country, and I am proud to be a Buckeye. I am excited to see our profession continue to change and advance, and it is amazing to witness the college continue to lead in this advancement as well. We have always had the best leadership, faculty, staff, students and alumni, but now we have the best facilities to complete the picture. How awesome it is to see a new state-of-the-art clinic building completed, and most recently new classroom and lab spaces as well as student life space in Hamilton Hall. I love to see that our newest graduates are getting the best possible education, training and experiences in the best facilities. I am happy to contribute anything I can to help our college and profession continue to grow and succeed.
