01/16/2025
Kicking off the New Year! - OOA Student Night
2025 has arrived and the Ohio Optometric Association started off the year with an energy boost at our annual Student Night! On Wednesday, January 8th, members of the OOA board and other OOA leadership, led round table discussions with all four classes at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. 110 students joined us for dinner and discussions about life after college.
Set up like “speed dating,” the students got a chance to talk with three different practicing ODs from around the state, in different modalities, different work/life balance, and different OD opportunities within industry. Students asked any questions and this year they focused on: The benefits of private practice; The pros and cons of small town versus city practices; and things to be on the lookout for when entering the workforce.
Not only do the students get a lot out of this event, but table leaders learn as well. While they may be hoarse at the end of the night, most table leaders agree that this event is filled with energy that kicks off the new year on the right note. They also get the benefit of meeting the next generation of ODs and learning what they are passionate about.
Thank you to our sponsors for this event, VSP Vision and OMG.
Thank you to our table leaders for providing great insight into life outside of academia:
- Taylor Babcock, OD
- Dave Bejot, OD
- San San Cooley, OD, MS, FAAO
- Abby Glick, OD
- Lindsay Florkey, OD, MS
- Tim Fries, OD, MBA, MPH, FAAO
- Steph George, OD, MS
- Katie Greiner, OD, Ms, MBA, FAAO
- William (Bill) Kegerize, OD
- Zachary Leach, OD
- Beth Muckley, OD, FAAO
- Greg Nixon, OD, FAAO
- Chris Smiley, OD
- Jennifer Vincent, OD
- David Zigler, OD, MS
If you would like to be a table leader at a future Ohio Optometric Association Student Night, please reach out to Jordan Quickel at jquickel@ooa.org