Military Optometrists Share Perspectives on Service

Today, in observance of Veterans Day, we would like to express appreciation for all of our #OSUopt colleagues who have served as military optometrists. In a recent edition of our BuckEYE Alumni Magazine, several active duty and retired military colleagues shared their perspectives on service. Read more below about two of the alumni featured, veterans Dr. Julie Long Miavez (OD'90) and Dr. John Stehulak (OD/MS'07).

Julie Long Miavez (OD’90) Captain, Medical Service Corps, U.S. Navy (Retired)

"After serving 26 years in the U.S. Navy, I retired as a captain and now raise my two sons. After attending The Ohio State University College of Optometry, being commissioned in the Navy by Dr. Bob Newcomb (OD’71, MPH) along with three classmates, and leaving Columbus, my beloved hometown, I was one proud Buckeye. I was fully prepared to serve my country honorably and become the best optometrist possible. While on active duty, Ohio State Optometry invited me to present my perspective on Navy life, to inspire students at the college. My educational experience at Ohio State gave me confidence to practice “full scope” optometry for warfighter readiness. Through support from my friends, family, faculty and staff, I also obtained non-optometry leadership skills to excel in my Navy jobs. I was selected as officer in charge of Navy Health Clinics in Hawaii, Key West, and while deployed to Djibouti, Africa. I credit my successes to my experience, education, and long-lasting relationships made while at Ohio State."

John Stehulak (OD/MS’07) U.S. Army, Retired

"As a first-year optometry student, I would never have predicted that I would join the military, but I can say that serving as a U.S. Army optometrist was the opportunity of a lifetime! I was able to use what I had learned at The Ohio State University College of Optometry to provide comprehensive eye and vision care in eight different countries, on three continents. The breadth of experiences varied from working in the clinic, to humanitarian aid, to eye care for military working dogs, to providing hospital care during a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I was able to care for prisoners, generals, and everyone in between, which is a true testament to how much everyone, regardless of status, values their eyesight."