CURRENT AND FORMER STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN TRAINING PROGRAM
First Year Orthoptic Student 2020-2022
Kendra Ferguson, BA
During my 8 years of service in the United States Navy I became an Optician. While learning optics it became apparent to me I had a passion for the eye field. After being honorably discharged I was hired by the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center Optical Shop. While working in the optical shop I completed my American Board of Opticianry Certification. I became familiar with Orthoptists and the career and I found myself becoming intrigued with how prisms can be used in the treatment of strabismus. I am grateful to be a part of the University of Michigan’s Orthoptics program and I look forward to learning and growing within this incredibly diverse career field
Kendra Ferguson, BA
During my 8 years of service in the United States Navy I became an Optician. While learning optics it became apparent to me I had a passion for the eye field. After being honorably discharged I was hired by the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center Optical Shop. While working in the optical shop I completed my American Board of Opticianry Certification. I became familiar with Orthoptists and the career and I found myself becoming intrigued with how prisms can be used in the treatment of strabismus. I am grateful to be a part of the University of Michigan’s Orthoptics program and I look forward to learning and growing within this incredibly diverse career field
Second Year Orthoptic Student 2019-2021
Morgan Suscinski-Hodge, BS
Upon completion of my Animal and Nutritional Sciences degree at West Virginia University, I knew I wanted to further explore the medical field. I worked as a COA at the WVU Eye Institute where I learned something new and fascinating each day. I worked in all departments within the eye center but was drawn towards pediatric ophthalmology, where I was introduced to the field of Orthoptics. I am honored to be training at the University of Michigan alongside an incredibly knowledgeable and respectable pediatric team. I look forward to many years of a team-based approach to patient care and growth within the field of Orthoptics.
Morgan Suscinski-Hodge, BS
Upon completion of my Animal and Nutritional Sciences degree at West Virginia University, I knew I wanted to further explore the medical field. I worked as a COA at the WVU Eye Institute where I learned something new and fascinating each day. I worked in all departments within the eye center but was drawn towards pediatric ophthalmology, where I was introduced to the field of Orthoptics. I am honored to be training at the University of Michigan alongside an incredibly knowledgeable and respectable pediatric team. I look forward to many years of a team-based approach to patient care and growth within the field of Orthoptics.
Second Year Orthoptic Student 2018-2020
Bevin Bithell, BS
After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology, I began working as a pediatric ophthalmic assistant in Atlanta, Georgia. During my time in Atlanta I had the pleasure of working with multiple pediatric ophthalmologists and discovering the unique profession of orthoptics. I am excited to be pursing my career in orthoptics at Kellogg Eye Center. I look forward to many successful years of professional and compassionate patient care. Go Dawgs!
Bevin Bithell, BS
After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology, I began working as a pediatric ophthalmic assistant in Atlanta, Georgia. During my time in Atlanta I had the pleasure of working with multiple pediatric ophthalmologists and discovering the unique profession of orthoptics. I am excited to be pursing my career in orthoptics at Kellogg Eye Center. I look forward to many successful years of professional and compassionate patient care. Go Dawgs!
Graduate of Orthoptic Program 2017-2019
Rebecca Glenn, BS
As a Biology major from Edgewood College in Madison, WI I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. After college I became the lead optometric technician at a local optometrist’s office. There I was able to hone my skills as a technician and discover my passion for working with patients, especially kids. Thanks to a fellow technician introducing me to the field of orthoptics becoming an Orthoptist became my career goal. I am thrilled to be a part of the University of Michigan Orthoptic Training Program.
Rebecca Glenn, BS
As a Biology major from Edgewood College in Madison, WI I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. After college I became the lead optometric technician at a local optometrist’s office. There I was able to hone my skills as a technician and discover my passion for working with patients, especially kids. Thanks to a fellow technician introducing me to the field of orthoptics becoming an Orthoptist became my career goal. I am thrilled to be a part of the University of Michigan Orthoptic Training Program.
Graduate of Orthoptic Program 2018
Philip Villanueva, BA Integrative Biology, COT
Tagline: Saving the world, one eye at a time
I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field and I had many options to choose from. After working for four years as an ophthalmic technician, I grew attached to ophthalmology and wanted to explore ways of growing in the field. I was introduced to orthoptics while working as a pediatric ophthalmic technician at the University of California, San Francisco, and I realized that this profession combines everything that I am looking for in a career. I am excited to be at the University of Michigan Orthoptic training program and I can't wait to fulfill my tagline as a future Orthoptist!
Philip Villanueva, BA Integrative Biology, COT
Tagline: Saving the world, one eye at a time
I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field and I had many options to choose from. After working for four years as an ophthalmic technician, I grew attached to ophthalmology and wanted to explore ways of growing in the field. I was introduced to orthoptics while working as a pediatric ophthalmic technician at the University of California, San Francisco, and I realized that this profession combines everything that I am looking for in a career. I am excited to be at the University of Michigan Orthoptic training program and I can't wait to fulfill my tagline as a future Orthoptist!
Graduate of Orthoptic Program 2017
Anthony Yamarino, BS, COA
Growing up with an eye disorder (Duane Syndrome) gave me the inspiration to pursue a career that truly meant something to me. My parents instilled the idea to find my passion, whatever it may be, and run with it. It was inevitable that I would end up in Ophthalmology, working with those who I can relate to and give them a better future, as best as I can. Hopefully, I can inspire some of these kids the way it inspired me as well, and Orthoptics gives me that possibility each and every day. I am so fortunate to learn from the best at the University of Michigan, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunities I have been given. It has been such a rewarding experience making me feel like I make a difference to so many. I worked as a COA for 2 years before entering the program, and I learn something new every day. I have found that passion in Orthoptics, and look forward to achieving as much as possible within this career meeting new people, and solidifying that kid dream to help others out with similar disorders.
Anthony Yamarino, BS, COA
Growing up with an eye disorder (Duane Syndrome) gave me the inspiration to pursue a career that truly meant something to me. My parents instilled the idea to find my passion, whatever it may be, and run with it. It was inevitable that I would end up in Ophthalmology, working with those who I can relate to and give them a better future, as best as I can. Hopefully, I can inspire some of these kids the way it inspired me as well, and Orthoptics gives me that possibility each and every day. I am so fortunate to learn from the best at the University of Michigan, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunities I have been given. It has been such a rewarding experience making me feel like I make a difference to so many. I worked as a COA for 2 years before entering the program, and I learn something new every day. I have found that passion in Orthoptics, and look forward to achieving as much as possible within this career meeting new people, and solidifying that kid dream to help others out with similar disorders.
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Graduate of Orthoptic Program 2016
Katie Patterson, BS Ms. Patterson now works at the Helen DeVoss Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. |
Graduate of Orthoptic Program 2015
Angela Dillon, BA in Journalism, MA in Communications
Ms. Dillon now works for The Houston Eye Associates. Houston Eye Associates is one of the largest ophthalmology clinics in the nation, having 28 locations in and around Houston and employing 59 ophthalmologists, and three outstanding Orthoptists.
Graduate of Orthoptic Program 2014 2014 Richard G Scobee Student Award Winner
Kathleen Curtin, BS
After graduating from The Ohio State University, I knew I wanted to go into the medical field but had a lot of options to consider. The Orthoptic program at The University of Michigan offered me everything I was looking for in a career. I am now able to work with a top-notch staff, learn interesting techniques and therapies regularly, and have the chance to help people on a daily basis! I realized that working at the Kellogg Eye Center was going to be a challenging opportunity that would keep me motivated to become the best Orthoptist I could be while helping people from all walks of life.
Ms. Curtin now works at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
After graduating from The Ohio State University, I knew I wanted to go into the medical field but had a lot of options to consider. The Orthoptic program at The University of Michigan offered me everything I was looking for in a career. I am now able to work with a top-notch staff, learn interesting techniques and therapies regularly, and have the chance to help people on a daily basis! I realized that working at the Kellogg Eye Center was going to be a challenging opportunity that would keep me motivated to become the best Orthoptist I could be while helping people from all walks of life.
Ms. Curtin now works at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Graduate of Orthoptic Program 2013
Michael "Nick" Patton, BS 2013 Richard G Scobee Student Award Winner
I’ve always desired a career in medical pediatrics. I approached this desire by obtaining a pre-medical degree, biology major, chemistry minor at Eastern Michigan University. By growing up with a brother with amblyopia and working at the Kellogg Eye Center, I realized orthoptics is the perfect field for me. I’m excited to join and contribute to the orthoptic team, but I am thrilled to help people.
I’ve always desired a career in medical pediatrics. I approached this desire by obtaining a pre-medical degree, biology major, chemistry minor at Eastern Michigan University. By growing up with a brother with amblyopia and working at the Kellogg Eye Center, I realized orthoptics is the perfect field for me. I’m excited to join and contribute to the orthoptic team, but I am thrilled to help people.
Graduate of Orthoptic Training Program 2012
Terra Haller, CO
Orthoptics changed my life! Now I have the opportunity to change lives through Orthoptics. I personally had an eye misalignment and received outstanding treatment as a child. After high school I attended college at the University of South Alabama and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences. Once I discovered the career path of Orthoptics I immediately began preparing for acceptance into a program. After visiting the University of Michigan I instantly knew it was the place for me. Upon acceptance into the program my husband and I moved from Alabama to Michigan and we are enjoying every minute of this new adventure together. I look forward to what the future of Orthoptics holds for me.
Orthoptics changed my life! Now I have the opportunity to change lives through Orthoptics. I personally had an eye misalignment and received outstanding treatment as a child. After high school I attended college at the University of South Alabama and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences. Once I discovered the career path of Orthoptics I immediately began preparing for acceptance into a program. After visiting the University of Michigan I instantly knew it was the place for me. Upon acceptance into the program my husband and I moved from Alabama to Michigan and we are enjoying every minute of this new adventure together. I look forward to what the future of Orthoptics holds for me.
Graduate of Orthoptic Training Program 2011
Miqua Thomas, CO
Orthoptics is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as the treatment of defects of binocular vision by nonsurgical measures. In my opinion the profession incorporates all the above and much more. My name is Miqua Thomas. I am originally from Ohio and I am an orthoptic student at the University of Michigan’s Kellogg Eye Center. Ever since I can remember I knew I wanted a career that was rewarding and that allowed me to positively help others. As a child I developed high myopia. Due to my heavy prescription I told myself that I would go into the healthcare field to help others feel good about themselves. I pursued this vision all throughout life and graduated from Thomas More College with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. In my undergraduate years I was involved in numerous activities and this further motivated me to continue on my journey to choose an occupation in which I could make a difference. I came across orthoptics through the internet and after additional investigation on what the career actually detailed, I knew I had finally found the perfect career choice for me. At the end of the day I am pleased to say that I am in a field that is interesting, challenging, and rewarding. I am accomplishing my childhood goals by giving back to others and the patients teach me lessons as well! I am excited about my future prospects in orthoptics. It is a unique field for special people and I enjoy every minute of it!
Orthoptics is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as the treatment of defects of binocular vision by nonsurgical measures. In my opinion the profession incorporates all the above and much more. My name is Miqua Thomas. I am originally from Ohio and I am an orthoptic student at the University of Michigan’s Kellogg Eye Center. Ever since I can remember I knew I wanted a career that was rewarding and that allowed me to positively help others. As a child I developed high myopia. Due to my heavy prescription I told myself that I would go into the healthcare field to help others feel good about themselves. I pursued this vision all throughout life and graduated from Thomas More College with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. In my undergraduate years I was involved in numerous activities and this further motivated me to continue on my journey to choose an occupation in which I could make a difference. I came across orthoptics through the internet and after additional investigation on what the career actually detailed, I knew I had finally found the perfect career choice for me. At the end of the day I am pleased to say that I am in a field that is interesting, challenging, and rewarding. I am accomplishing my childhood goals by giving back to others and the patients teach me lessons as well! I am excited about my future prospects in orthoptics. It is a unique field for special people and I enjoy every minute of it!
Graduate of Orthoptic Training Program 2009
Elizabeth Gayeski, CO
Elizabeth Gayeski graduated from the University of Michigan training program in 2009 and accepted a staff orthoptist position at the Kellogg Eye Center on the campus of the University of Michigan immediately upon passing her national board examinations. Ms. Gayeski is actively involved in the examination of and treatment of patients with amblyopia and strabismus. She is also active in the American Association of Certified Orthoptists at the national and regional level.
Elizabeth Gayeski graduated from the University of Michigan training program in 2009 and accepted a staff orthoptist position at the Kellogg Eye Center on the campus of the University of Michigan immediately upon passing her national board examinations. Ms. Gayeski is actively involved in the examination of and treatment of patients with amblyopia and strabismus. She is also active in the American Association of Certified Orthoptists at the national and regional level.
Jennifer Burrows Brady 2007
Charlotte Tibi 2004
Ms. Tibi works at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida.
