Alumni Focus for 2016
Alumni Focus on James Sheedy (OD’74)
December 1, 2016
Dr. James Sheedy landed upon the profession of optometry by luck. It just so happened that he needed an eye exam at the same time that he was deciding on a career path. Now officially retired, Dr. Sheedy looks forward to exploring the connections between vision science and visual art, specifically painting.
Alumni Focus on Vince Driggs (OD’85)
November 1, 2016
Since his graduation in 1985, Dr. Vince Driggs has remained actively involved in the College of Optometry, serving as an Assistant Professor in the Clinic, recording secretary of the Optometry and Friends Alumni Board, and now the newly established President of the Ohio State Optometry Alumni Society. Always saying that Ohio State Optometry has the best academic reputation in the country, Dr. Driggs believes that he learned from the best while in school, while noting that Dr. Bob Newcomb inspired him to be as accurate and precise as possible. Find out more about Dr. Driggs and his experience at Ohio State in this month’s Alumni Focus!
Alumni Focus on Eric Ostrem (OD’94)
October 1, 2016
Eric Ostrem (OD’94) says studying optometry at The Ohio State University perfectly blended his love of science, math, medicine and physics. For the past 22 years, he has enjoyed a distinguished career practicing optometry in the military, in optometry chains, as an associate in a group practice and in a solo private practice. Today, he and his wife Debbie, a registered nurse, own and operate a private practice in Upper Arlington. They are enthusiastic Buckeyes, and are especially proud of their ties to The Ohio State College of Optometry.
Alumni Focus on Joan Nerderman (OD’86)
September 1, 2016
Dr. Nerderman works with senior Ohio State Optometry externs providing eye care to the homeless, third-years in the Primary Vision Care Clinic, and even has time to visit nursing homes with fourth-years to provide visual aid to those confined to homes. As a graduate of the Class of 1986, she is looking forward to seeing her classmates this fall during Alumni Reunion Weekend for their 30th reunion!
Alumni Focus on Sylvia Jones (OD’06)
August 1, 2016
Having experienced Ohio State at an early age via the Young Scholars program, Dr. Sylvia Jones says she is forever grateful to the university for cultivating her academic talents. She believes she found her passion to pursue optometry after learning about light and vision during a physics class. Dr. Jones is the current owner of Divine Family Eyecare, Inc. and will celebrate her 10-year class reunion this fall.
Alumni Focus on Yoongie Min (OD '89)
July 1, 2016
Born in South Korea, Dr. Yoongie Min briefly lived in California, Texas and Philadelphia before settling in Wheelersburg, Ohio when he was in the fifth grade. In his early teen years he became myopic. The memory of getting glasses and contact lenses for the first time stuck with him when it was time to choose a career. He is currently self-employed with one partner in his Columbus office, Northwest Vision Center.
Alumni Focus on Bill Thomas ('66)
June 1, 2016
Aside from learning from renown optometrists like Drs. Fred Hebbard and Richard Hill, Dr. William Thomas (OD'66) credits the "the ability to teach others," as why he believes he received the best education at Ohio State. After graduation, and obtaining his OD licensure at the University of Houston, Dr. Thomas returned to his hometown of Gallipolis to practice with his father until 1992. Just recently, Dr. Thomas and the rest of the Class of 1966 were recognized on stage during the 2016 Ohio State University College of Optometry Convocation ceremony for 50 years of optometric service. Find out more about Dr. Thomas and his experience at Ohio State in this month's Alumni Focus! Read more >>
Alumni Focus on Kara Hampton ('95)
May 1, 2016
When looking back to her experience at Ohio State Optometry, Dr. Hampton says, "I learned how to give an eye exam, how to treat ocular disease, and how to CARE for patients. Yes, we’re examining their eyes, but we need to treat them as individuals with joys and concerns." She is also currently seeking to welcome an associate to her practice to help care for her wonderful patients. Find out more about that position and Dr. Hampton in this month’s Alumni Focus!
Alumni Focus on Alex Nixon ('12)
April 1, 2016
Dr. Alex Nixon earned three degrees from Ohio State over nine years and feels fortunate to continue coming to Ohio State every day for work. He is an attending optometrist for College’s Primary Vision Care and Contact Lens Service where he trains optometry students and provide comprehensive eye examinations, as well as a research optometrist for the Bifocal Lenses in Nearsighted Kids (BLINK) Study. He is a firm believer that every day is an adventure and feels that he is working on a project where the results will shape the way optometrists practice.
Alumni Focus on Brian Mathie ('90)
March 1, 2016
Passionate about anatomy, physiology and physics in school, Dr. Brian Mathie found that optometry combined all three. He graduated from Ohio State with his OD in 1990. Dr. Mathie originated a College of Optometry-affiliated externship program and residency program at Ohio Eye Alliance and then established an extern site affiliation with the college at Roholt Vision Institute in North Canton, Alliance and Canfield, Ohio.
Alumni Focus on Barbara Marcussen-Vaher ('91) and Harald Vaher ('92)
February 1, 2016
In honor of the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday, we have chosen to highlight Drs. Barbara Marcussen-Vaher (’91) and Harald Vaher (’92), who met in school, got married, and have practiced together in North Carolina for 20+ years. They credit OSU Optometry and the EYE fraternity for helping their paths cross and develop a great working relationship. They have two daughters and love all of the many joys that the beautiful weather in NC can provide.
Alumni Focus on John Nametz (OD'78)
January 1, 2016
Dr. Nametz started his career by working for the optometrist whom he had observed for three years in undergrad. After five years, he decided to head out on his own, purchasing a small practice in western Michigan, where he has been ever since. After 30 years, he merged his practice with a large ophthalmologic group in a nearby town, called Shoreline Vision. After working at Shoreline Vision for the past five years, Dr. Nametz decided to retire at the end of December 2015.
