Celebrating Dr. Hartman During World Optometry Week

Did you know that it’s World Optometry Week? And, at Columbus Ophthalmology Associates, we’re celebrating optometrists for all their incredible work! Today, we’re paying tribute to COA’s Director of Optometry, Dr. Dawn Hartman. A leader and educator for the next generation of optometry students, she is a wonderful doctor who we are proud to have on our COA team.

Ever since she was 12 years old, Dr. Hartman knew she wanted to be an optometrist. “Science and math were my favorite subjects in school. I felt that helping people see better and caring for the health of their eyes would be a great way to spend my days.”

Today, Dr. Hartman is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice for The Ohio State University College of Optometry. She is a clinical instructor for the fourth-year optometry students during their externship and is passionate about preparing her students for an optometric career.

“I really enjoy being able to teach them some of the things I had to learn on my own over the twenty years I have been practicing. COA has amazing doctors and staff (and patients!), and it is an environment that enables them to leave a much more confident clinician than when they arrived.  They also keep me up to date with the latest training and studies at the College of Optometry, so I feel very lucky to work with them, too.”

Dr. Hartman and one of her senior optometry students, Karina Miller, pose for a picture.

During their externships, students gain invaluable experiences. One of Dr. Hartman’s recent senior students is Karina Miller. During Karina’s time at our office, she gained experience in all areas of the practice to enhance her ability to diagnose and manage eye disease. She observed our surgeons performing procedures, took patient history, performed diagnostic tests, and reviewed her findings with Dr. Hartman.

Passionate about education, Dr. Hartman also enjoys lecturing and presenting at various events. She has presented at COA’s annual Hot Topics in Eyecare Continuing Education Event, has spoken at the Optometric Educators, Inc. program, and lectures annually at the East West Destinations Conference. “My favorite topics and cases to discuss are those that require the specialties of both optometrists and ophthalmologists.”

Outside of her clinical duties, Dr. Hartman is a very talented vocalist. “I come from a very musical family and have been singing since age 5 when my mom and brother decided it was time I learn to harmonize. Family time always meant music and those memories are so precious.”

Dr. Hartman, her husband, Jason, and kids, Nick, Andrew, and Caroline, enjoy the big game!

When she was 16, her a cappella group, the Ypsilanti High School Chamber Singers, won the top honor at The International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna, Austria. “The beauty of so much a cappella harmony echoing in so many cathedrals in Europe is hard to match. I still enjoy performing once in a while, but do not pursue it for myself. I enjoy encouraging my kids in music, and we partner every year for the Hartman Thanksgiving Talent Show!”

This World Optometry Week, we thank Dr. Hartman and all optometrists for their hard work and dedication. We are grateful to have such a talented Director of Optometry at our practice.