The Ohio State University College of Optometry

Dr. TJ Plageman is a professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry who runs a research lab studying how ocular tissues grow and develop, while also teaching and mentoring students and reviewing scientific work for peers. A Jenera, Ohio native with degrees from Ohio State and the University of Cincinnati, he was drawn to the college out of a desire to build his research career close to home. In his day-to-day work, he especially enjoys helping students succeed and exploring the hidden world through microscopy. When he's not in the lab or classroom, you'll find him spending time with his wife, Kari, and their four children, Matthew, Emily, Timothy, and Ethan enjoying sports, board games, woodworking, hiking, and science fiction.

Employee Focus on TJ Plageman | College of Optometry It is a privilege to facilitate the success of students in the lab and classroom. I also love utilizing microscopy in all its forms; observing the hidden details of our world is always a highlight of a typical day.

Melissa Billings (OD'01) is a partner/owner of Vision Park Family Eye Care in Urbandale and West Des Moines, Iowa, where she focuses on vision therapy, sports vision and concussion rehabilitation, dry eye care, and glaucoma management. She credits Ohio State Optometry mentors like Dr. Joe Barr and Dr. Mike Earley for shaping her career and fondly remembers her time as a student. She is passionate about expanding access to care in Iowa, tackling managed care abuse, and educating patients on how eye exams can reveal broader health issues. Beyond her practice, she's active in the Iowa Optometric Association (currently VP) and stays closely connected to Ohio State's optometry community, which right now includes helping plan the Class of 2001's 25-year reunion. She balances her career with family, fitness, and church involvement.

Alumni Focus on Melissa Billings (OD'01) | College of Optometry I met some of my lifelong best friends when attending Ohio State, and we still remain in contact. I am forever grateful for my education and overall experience at Ohio State.

We celebrated Dr. Mike Earley’s last official day before he achieves emeritus status by dedicating an exam room in his honor!

Nahor Hagos, a Columbus native and University of Virginia cognitive science graduate, chose Ohio State Optometry after attending the college's I-DOC program, drawn by the faculty's blend of professional excellence and genuine community care. Since starting, he's gotten involved in several student organizations, found mentorship through figures like alumnus Dr. Mark Orso, and counts Buckeye Launch as a highlight for the sense of community it fostered among incoming students. Looking back on his experience so far, his advice to future students is to stay present and appreciate each step of the journey rather than rushing toward the destination.

Student Focus on Nahor Hagos | College of Optometry It was indeed one of the best decisions of my life to choose Ohio State

Sign up now for Homecoming Weekend! 🏈

Join fellow Ohio State Optometry alumni for a free continuing education course with Dr. Aaron Zimmerman on Friday, Oct. 9, followed by our alumni Pre-Game Tailgate on Saturday, October 10.

Register for the tailgate and get access to purchase two football tickets each (while supplies last). But don't wait! The football ticket block opens to the general public on August 11.

Register for the Tailgate & CE Course at https://connect1.osu.edu/events/college-of-optometry-homecoming-2026-

Prefer to register by phone? Call Ohio State's Engagement Center at 800-762-5646.

Over the weekend, we marked the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This important civil rights law reshaped how our country ensures equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities.

Low vision and blindness are recognized disabilities under the ADA, and the law has helped drive progress in how we care for patients, including accessible exam rooms and adaptive equipment; low vision rehabilitation services that help patients live independently; patient materials and communication in accessible formats; and assistive technology.

As current and future eye care providers, understanding the ADA isn't just about compliance; it's central to how we practice. It shapes how we communicate with patients, how we design accessible vision screenings and clinical spaces, and how we advocate for policies that expand access to care for people with visual impairments and other disabilities.

There's still time to register for the Summer 2026 Continuing Education Conference, to be held July 25-26 at the Fawcett Center! Learn more and sign up at https://bit.ly/4wq9NCv

Ohio State Optometry was well represented at the 2026 NOA Convention in St. Louis!

Highlights included:

🌟 Third-year student Rohana Chintakindi won the NOSA Executive Board Award and was elected to serve on the National NOSA Executive Board.
💡 Fourth-year student Kelly Echeta won the Luxottica Guiding Light Award.
🏆 Ohio State’s NOSA Chapter won Chapter of the Year.
🎓 Alumna Dr. Araba Otoo won the Dr. Edwin C. Marshall Emerging Leadership Award.
🏃🏾 Alumnus Dr. Jordan Claboine placed second in the NOA 5K Run.
🅾️ Ohio State Optometry NOSA students participated in the VSP "Serve Where You Go" community event.

Congratulations to our award recipients and to everyone who represented Ohio State this weekend!