Name: Marin Nagelberg 2023 Student Visionary Spotlight

Class Year: 2023

List the award(s) / scholarship(s) you have received
IRA GOLDFARB MEMORIAL AWARD for Excellence in Low Vision GP LENS INSTITUTE CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AWARD Outstanding Clinical Proficiency in Contact Lenses

What does receiving this award or scholarship mean to you?
Receiving these awards is an honor as it represents how hard I worked during optometry school and also the start of my career. It is so great to be recognized for my efforts and can't wait to celebrate with all of the other recipients!

What drew you to the field of optometry?
I worked at Pearle Vision in high school in my hometown and always enjoyed reading over the doctors notes and always asked questions about different findings. I love looking back on that time as it was truly the beginning of my journey!

What are your plans following graduation?
I will be completing a Cornea and Contact Lens/Ocular Disease residency at the Illinois College of Optometry. I will also be working part time at America's Best and Warby Parker!

What was your most transformative experience during optometry school?
Being a part of the cornea and contact lens microcredential was my most transformative experience during optometry school as it made getting involved less intimidating under the mentorship of Dr. Keh. I presented two posters at the global specialty lens symposium and attended many different talks to get more involved in the world of contact lenses! It also allowed me to do the CL externship during the summer which was imperative for my residency interviews. I was able to explore the field I thought I was interested in and get more involved which was so great.

What advice would you give incoming or prospective optometry students?
I would tell incoming students to take it day by day. The transition from college to optometry school was a big one that can be overwhelming at times, but making great friends in your class will get you through! I talk to my friends from our class every second of every day and do not know what I would do without them!