Our Ambassador of the Month is Tyler Hamby! Tyler is a member of the Class of 2019 and we hope you enjoy reading about his experience so far!
Hometown, Undergrad Institution, Undergrad degree
Birmingham, AL University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Biology
What led you to the field of optometry?
I was drawn to optometry for several reasons. My grandfather was an optometrist who practiced for over 50 years and as a young kid, I was around his office a lot. I always thought what he did seemed neat, but never really gave much thought to being an Optometrist until I entered college. I played baseball at UAB and during my freshman year realized that I was having trouble seeing the ball during practice and games. I went to the optometrist, was prescribed contacts, and my performance improved. It was then that I decided that optometry was what I wanted to do.
What made you choose Ohio State over any other schools you looked at?
I chose Ohio State because of the wonderful academic reputation that it carries. Having such a long history of optometric educational excellence definitely drew me to the school. In addition, after visiting Columbus for the first time, I fell in love with the city and felt like it would be a great place to live while I was in optometry school.
What is something you’ve learned so far this year that really surprised you or you didn’t realize about optometry?
As someone who has never had any major problems with my eyes, I did not realize just how much an optometrist does to treat a patient’s overall health. It has truly amazed me to see how much of an individual’s overall physical condition can be seen through an eye exam.
You are part of the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program. What does that provide you and what obligations do you have after school?
The Navy provides financial support for me during school and upon graduation, I will serve a minimum of 4 years as an optometrist in the US Navy treating sailors, pilots, and their families. I have always wanted to serve my country and those who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. My older brother is in the Navy, so I have gotten to see first-hand how much sacrifice goes into serving. When I found out that I could combine my two passions of serving my country and optometry, I was immediately attracted to the opportunity.
If an applying student is interested in an Armed Forces Scholarship Program, where should they go to get more information about the programs?
There are opportunities to serve as an optometrist in the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Doing research online is a great way to get preliminary information about the program. After you decide that you want to apply, contacting a medical recruiter will put you on the correct path.
What piece of advice would you give a prospective student looking to go to optometry school?
I would tell prospective students looking at optometry to spend a lot of time researching different schools, different cities, and different career opportunities within optometry. All of these factors might affect where you apply and ultimately attend optometry school.
We just ran a post earlier this month about moving to Columbus. As an out of state student, how did you find housing here? Do you like living close to campus? What suggestions would you give to someone out of state looking for housing in Columbus?
Moving to Columbus from out of state was definitely a big move for me. I found a place to live by simply looking up apartments online and visiting them on my interview day at Ohio State. I enjoy living close to campus. Being able to walk to and from school every day is very convenient.
When you’re not studying, what do you like to do to unwind and relax? Do you have any favorite Columbus hot spots?
When I am not studying, I like to run. I have found Columbus to be a great city if you are interested in outdoor activities. I have not been able to completely explore all Columbus has to offer yet, but I really like the arena district with its good food and hockey.
If not for Ohio State…
I would be attending an Optometry school in another city, more than likely in the South. It has been quite a transition for someone who has lived in the south their entire life to move to Ohio, but I am so thankful that I have. I am enjoying my experience at Ohio State and have grown to love the city of Columbus.