Our next Ambassador of the Month is Amanda Eilerman! Enjoy hearing her unique story about returning to school two years after completion of her undergraduate degree.

Hometown, Undergrad Institution, Undergrad degree

• Hometown: Minster, Ohio
• Undergrad: Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
• Major: Zoology, Minor: Neuroscience

What piece of advice would you give to an undergraduate looking at going to optometry school?

• There is so much more to optometry than I ever thought when I started this journey. Be willing to explore all aspects of optometry, get involved, and learn as much as you can while you are in school!

What led you to the field of optometry?

• I have always had a fascination with eyes. I began wearing glasses in fifth grade and experienced the classic moment of many nearsighted people. When I left my optometrist’s office with my new glasses for the first time, I could see the leaves on the trees and appreciate detail. Ever since that day, I knew that’s what I wanted to do!

What piece of advice would you have for anyone looking to apply to optometry school?

• Look beyond a school’s appearance. There are many new schools and schools with outstanding looking clinics and classrooms, but new and shiny isn’t everything. You have to look at the success of the school and strength of their academic program.

You’re pursuing a combined OD/MS degree. What is your project about?

• My project focuses on normal changes in foveal pit curvature that occur with age. It is important to understand the changes that normally occur with age so that we can someday better differentiate normal and abnormal.

What did you do professionally before returning to school?

• After graduating from Miami University, I was accepted into Teach For America. I moved to Connecticut where I was a seventh grade science teacher in Bridgeport, Connecticut for two years.

Did you find it difficult to transition back into life as a student?

• Transitioning back to life as a student wasn’t too difficult. I have always been a bit of a nerd and loved learning. I think I actually became a better student when I returned to school because I had to re-develop my study habits, which were more effective.

What organizations are you involved with? What do you do for the organization?

• While at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, I have been involved in the following organizations:
  • Student Chapter of the American Academy of Optometry (SAAO): Member and President
  • The Ohio State University College of Optometry Student Council: Secretary and Vice President
  • Class of 2016 Secretary
  • American Optometric Student Assocation (AOSA) Member
  • Optometry Student Ambassadors Member
  • T-35 Summer Research Program
  • Pelotonia Rider and Team Captain of The Rolling Eyes

As students we are all busy and loaded down with schoolwork, but I believe it is important to get involved in activities outside of the classroom. I have learned a lot about optometry through my involvement!