Student Focus on Nathan Stefan and Joshua Stefan

Nathan Stefan (left) and Joshua Srefan (right)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Nathan Stefan
Hometown: Brunswick, Ohio
High School: Home Educated
Undergraduate Institution: University of Akron
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Science
Anticipated #OSUopt Graduation Year: 2025

Q&A

How old were you when you received your first eye exam? What was the experience like for you?

I was around six when I got my first eye exam (and yearly thereafter), and I don’t remember too much about them except that I dreaded the dilating drops; they kicked like a horse. Now I’m in school getting dilated frequently, so I guess that traumatic early experience didn’t scare me off.

When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in optometry?

Early in my teens, we switched optometrists to a gentleman who'd been practicing for some time. He had a really relaxed attitude and a hilarious personality, which made the exam fun; I genuinely looked forward to exams every year because of it. He also took the time to sit me down and explain the good and the bad about his field; funnily enough, he actually tried to convince me not to pursue optometry, which just made me more convinced that I should do it. I'd say I made the correct choice!

Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?

I'm from Ohio, so Ohio State has always held a special place for me growing up. When I found out there was an optometry school here, we came down to tour the facilities and meet the faculty and staff. I was blown away by how engaged everyone was with answering my questions and the commitment the college was making to improving facilities for our education. It's the reason I only applied to Ohio State; there was no plan B.

What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?

My first impression of Ohio State Optometry was the competence of the class and staff as a whole. Walking into the classroom the first week and knowing immediately that everyone was smarter than me was intimidating, but being part of something where everyone is committed to achieving the same goal has helped keep me motivated to learn and grow in the profession.

What surprised you most about Ohio State and/or Columbus?

I hadn't spent much time in Columbus before coming here for school. I've been impressed with the amount of activities to explore. Sporting events, restaurants, parks, rec centers … you name it, you can find it. Any time I bring friends down to explore the city they always leave impressed.

Which clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?

I've joined the Ocular Disease Club Board and also participate in multiple other clubs here at Ohio State. There are so many unique speakers and workshops offered throughout the year that I've tried to dabble a little in each one. I highly recommend exploring to see if anything catches your eye; you never know, it may help you decide what specialty you want to practice in after school!

Who has most positively affected you during your time as an optometry student so far?

My classmates are my most positive influence. Coming from an undergrad experience where it was every man for himself, it's been a breath of fresh air to work with people who genuinely want each other to succeed and perform at their best. Some of my happiest memories have been the off-the-rails study sessions and intramural volleyball matches that I've had with classmates; it's those interactions that keep me going when school starts to wear me down every semester.

What was your favorite part of optometry school so far and what are you looking forward to in future years of the program?

I've really enjoyed every class I've taken specific to the eye, whether it's optics, ocular anatomy, or anterior segment disease. Being able to get a deeper understanding of the eye and apply that knowledge to clinical practice has been fascinating. I'm excited to get to clinic next year to get a taste of typical exam flow, diagnosing and treating ocular disease, and learning from the awesome attendings we have here.

What advice do you have for the Class of 2027 as they start their optometric journey?

My advice is to not take yourself too seriously, especially your first year. Whatever your experience was in undergrad, professional school is a different beast. Reset your expectations/goals from focusing on getting good grades and building a resume to understanding the core foundational material that's going to guide your optometric career. Lastly, make sure you take the summer off before second year begins. Contrary to popular belief, it does not get easier after your first year; it's just a different type of pain. You will need that recharge time to mentally prepare yourself for the rest of your optometric schooling.

What is it like to go through the optometry school experience with your brother?

Having my twin here at Ohio State is such an advantage. I had a built-in bestie, roommate, and study-buddy before I even stepped foot on campus. Plus, since he's family, we get to constantly bicker about everything with absolutely zero consequences; it's an amazing way to blow off steam, and I suspect our classmates get a kick out of it. However, I'd say my favorite part is observing the confusion on the faces of instructors and patients when they start seeing double. I famously had an EWG patient confide that she doubted her state of mind after watching Josh troop past her while I was helping her select frames. Gotta say, I'm looking forward to two more years of mix-ups.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Name: Joshua Stefan
Hometown: Brunswick, Ohio
High School: Home Educated
Undergraduate Institution: University of Akron
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Science with minor in Chemistry
Anticipated #OSUopt Graduation Year: 2025

Q&A

How old were you when you received your first eye exam? What was the experience like for you?

I think I was around eight years old. I remember the office (they had great toys in the waiting area and an awesome fish tank) but very little of the exam itself. I also remember being told to go to bed early the day prior to my exam so that my eyes wouldn't be tired, only to stay up until midnight reading a book using a small nightlight. It was a habit I continued until I was prescribed glasses the following year at which point, I promptly quit the late-night reading sessions.

When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in optometry?

Sophomore year of high school I began considering going into optometry. I was getting ready to enter a two-year Optical Technology program at the Medina County Career Center and my family decided to stop by the spring open house at Ohio State on a whim to see what it was all about. It was the tour and Dr. Earley's spiel at that open house that planted the seed.

Why did you choose Ohio State Optometry?

I wanted to be one of the best and every year, Ohio State turns out the most accomplished class of optometrists in the country. The low student-to-instructor ratio, smaller class size and amount of clinic experience prior to graduation all convinced me that Ohio State was the place to go.

What was your first impression of Ohio State Optometry?

"That Dr. Earley sure can talk!" Honestly, I was impressed by the effort the college put into ensuring that their students have the best opportunity to succeed, from the top-notch faculty to the investment in a new state-of-the-art clinic.

What surprised you most about Ohio State and/or Columbus?

I've been surprised by the number of activities available in Columbus if you're just looking to hang out with friends and not think about pathophysiology, retinal disease or anterior seg notes. Although I go home most weekends, when I stay on campus I'm never bored with the professional sports, restaurants, parks and events that Cbus has to offer.

Which clubs/organizations have you joined at Ohio State?

Beta Sigma Kappa, Private Practice Club, Ocular Disease Club

Who has most positively affected you during your time as an optometry student so far?

The family atmosphere encouraged at Ohio State has had the most positive impact during my time as a student in the program. I feel like I've gotten to know a lot of my classmates really well and the way we support and push each other every day keeps me motivated to finish strong even on the worst of days.

What was your favorite part of optometry school so far and what are you looking forward to in future years of the program?

Favorite part of optometry school so far had to be performing my very first official eye exams on my family. I'm blessed to have a family that supports my dreams and ambitions, so it was awesome being able to give back a little. Going forward, I'm excited get more experience with ocular disease and contact lenses as that's where my current practice interests lie.

What advice do you have for the Class of 2027 as they start their optometric journey?

Pace yourself and make sure to take time to enjoy your family, friends and hobbies. Nothing will make school feel more like a job than grinding through notes every weekend.

What is it like to go through the optometry school experience with your brother?

It has been both a blessing and a curse. While I get to go to school every day with my best friend since birth, the instant fame and recognition that comes with being one half of "The Twins" has really been the best part. Of course, with that reputation comes the countless instances of being mistaken for my other half since people assume we're identical (we're not) which I hope never stops happening because in a sadistic way, I love hearing the embarrassed first-hand admissions about all the different ways in which professors and peers have mixed us up!