Setting the Mark for Service
The pathway to service can start from unexpected origins. It turns out the two longest serving zone governors in the history of the Ohio Optometric Association (OOA) both started from the same place: They were “voluntold.”
Rachel LeFebvre (OD’11) served as Governor for Zone 6 from 2017 to 2025. Her neighboring southeast Ohio colleague, Michael Miller (OD’14), started his tenure as Governor for Zone 7 in 2016. He continues to serve in that role. “It all started when I was a recent graduate. I quickly discovered that I genuinely enjoyed the role. Being involved in organized optometry gave me valuable insight into how we can keep our profession strong, well-represented, and continuously improving. Serving this long has been an honor and a rewarding experience,” he says.
The experience of service as zone governor has been a growth experience in several ways, according to Dr. LeFebvre. “In addition to finding new ways of keeping people informed and involved, I’ve improved on skills like being comfortable fundraising and speaking to professional groups and legislators.”
The COVID-19 Challenge
Both Drs. LeFebvre and Miller cite leading their zones during the COVID-19 pandemic as being the most memorable event during their respective tenures. Dr. LeFebvre shared, “I had to pivot to find new ways of keeping people informed and involved.” According to Dr. Miller, “It was a time of uncertainty — not only as healthcare providers, but also as business owners and employers. My role became that of a conduit of information, helping to relay updates and guidance from the state association to members of our zone, ensuring that everyone stayed informed and supported.”
The Role of the OOA
Both doctors indicated that the primary responsibility of a Zone Governor is to serve as a liaison between their local members and the OOA Board. “The OOA is really the lifeline for our profession in Ohio,” Dr. LeFebvre states. “Without it, I wouldn’t be able to practice the way I do, and, hopefully soon, I’ll be able to do even more for my patients because of what people have fought for.” Dr. Miller agrees. “The OOA is constantly working to modernize our scope of practice and ensure we can continue providing exceptional care to our patients. It’s great to know that there’s a dedicated group of like-minded optometrists advocating for both our profession and the people we serve. The collaborative relationship between the OOA and the OSU College of Optometry is invaluable in this effort.”
Buckeye Heritage
Both Drs. LeFebvre and Miller are proud graduates of Ohio State Optometry and remember their time as students fondly. “OSU is and has been at the forefront of optometric education, and I was fortunate to learn from some of the best educators in the field,” states Dr. Miller. “Two professors who stand out in my memory are Don Mutti, OD, PhD, and Mike Earley (OD/MS’88, PhD’92); both had a lasting impact on my education. I still occasionally reference notes from their classes to this day.”
He continued, “My time at OSU was filled with incredible experiences and lifelong friendships. The classmates I shared those years with are some of the best people I’ve ever met, and many of us still stay in touch. The students and faculty at OSU truly made a lasting impact on me, both personally and professionally.”
On a lighter note, Dr. LeFebvre shared “Living in the ΕΨΕ house was fun. That house had its moments (so many squirrels literally running around inside the house!), but I really enjoyed living with and commiserating with people going through the exact same things.”
Practicing Full-Scope Care
Since graduating in 2014, Dr. Miller has practiced at Portsmouth Vision Center in Portsmouth, Ohio, with Julie Douthat (OD’93) and the husband-and-wife team of Michael (OD’89) and Kelly (OD’88) Raies. “We are a full-scope optometry clinic with a particular focus on medical optometry and pediatrics. We provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages.”
Dr. LeFebvre followed her time at Ohio State by completing an ocular disease residency at the Columbus and Chillicothe Veteran’s Administration (V.A.) “Residencies aren’t for everyone, and students shouldn’t feel pressured to do one, but if a student has any interest, I’d recommend it. I haven’t met an optometrist that regrets doing one. I feel as though mine built my confidence in managing more diseases.”
In 2016 Dr. LeFebvre moved to Athens, Ohio where she continues to practice at Athens Eye Care - Shane Foster (OD’08) and Associates. “It’s a great place to practice to our full scope. We’re hopeful that SB36 will pass so we can provide even more to patients without burdening them with travel over 45 minutes or a six-month wait.” She also gives a tip of the hat to Dr. Foster. “Shane is really making a name for himself as former OOA President, now candidate for AOA Trustee.” She jokes, “Honestly, if I see his name in one more email, I might lose it! You can feel free to make that sound nicer. Haha.”
Family Re-Fuel
Both Drs. LeFebvre and Miller are married with two children. For Dr. LeFebvre, it all began in a whirlwind. “I’ve been married to my husband Ryan for nine years. We got married, went on our honeymoon, and moved down to Athens about four days after we got back. 2016 was a great year!”
Both doctors find joy in spending time with family. Dr. Miller shared, “I truly love my work, but when I need to recharge or gain a fresh perspective, traveling somewhere new with them is the perfect reset. It helps me refocus and return to work with renewed energy and purpose.”
Visionary Advice
When asked if they had any words of wisdom to share, Dr. LeFebvre responded, “I love my job. I love that, for the most part, people leave the exam room better than when they came in or will get better soon. I’ve also always been thankful that it’s something that I can leave at the office most days. I do love to tell people I meet how much I love my profession. I jokingly say maybe I’ll work part time into my 80s if I’m mentally and physically able to. But I can pivot and leave work at the office. Lately, if I have a hard day, I try to remember what my mom told me millions of times both growing up and as an adult, ‘This too shall pass.’ I’m not always good at taking that advice, but I do come back to it more as I age.”
For optometry students, she shares what her dad always told her when she was a student. “Study hard but have some fun!” Dr. Miller adds, “It might not feel like it at the moment, but all those long hours of studying and time spent in the classroom are absolutely worth it. Everything you’re learning now will prepare you to care for your patients with confidence and skill.”
Dr. Miller closed his comments with “The students and faculty at OSU truly made a lasting impact on me, both personally and professionally.” Dr. LeFebvre chimed in, “I love being a lifetime Buckeye. I love going anywhere and knowing there’s a good chance a fellow Buckeye will also be there. And I love being part of something bigger.”
