FAST FACTS
School of Optometry Attended: Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Year of Graduation: 2017
Residency Site: Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Residency Specialty: Ocular Disease and Primary Care
Current Place of Practice: Central PA at Stoken Wagner Ophthalmic Associates (OD/MD Practice) and West Eye Associates (Private Practice)
Currently Working On: Completing her fellowship and working with specialty contact lens fitting
GETTING TO KNOW DR. OSZUSTOWICZ
Journey to Optometry
Being a high refractive myope most of her life, Dr. Alexandria Oszustowicz was no stranger to an optometrist’s office growing up. After shadowing her family doctor many times, she ultimately fell in love with the field. “To me it was an incredible thing that this doctor could give me sight and help me see which helped me in sports and school and all that,” she said.
After coming to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) in 2013, her passion for optometry grew as she learned about the depth of the field. The biggest eye-opening experience for her came later during her rotation in low vision, which she completed at PCO. “These people are legally blind and helping them to maintain their independence was the biggest game changer for me,” she said. “These patients can continue to live on their own even if they are having some vision problems, which just brings it all together for you and shows you why this is truly important.”
Completing Her Residency
When reflecting on her residency in Ocular Disease and Primary Care, Oszustowicz considered it to be the most rewarding moment of her optometry career thus far. Meeting some of her best friends through this residency allowed her to grow personally and professionally in ways that benefitted her as a clinician. “It brought me closer to other people and allowed me to ask other people for help,” she said. “The good thing about optometry is that it’s a very inclusive profession where everyone wants to help you.”
This residency was also a special experience for her as she completed it with her fiancé and fellow optometrist Dr. Tyler Crouse. The two met during their second year of optometry school and followed each other during rotations, eventually ending up together for their residencies at PCO.
Transition to Private Practice
After completing her residency at PCO, Oszustowicz was fortunate enough to find a job at the practice that first sparked her interest in optometry. She is now working in her hometown and completing her fellowship at Stoken Wagner Ophthalmic Associates, an OD/MD group practice, and at West Eye Associates, a private practice. Oszustowicz emphasized the importance of shadowing and making connections early on in your optometry career, as these connections could lead to potential job opportunities in the future. “My relationship with these doctors is a lot more deep seated than just applying,” she said. “If you build these relationships before you start, it makes it a lot easier.”
Advice for Optometry Students
Like every other current and former optometry student, Oszustowicz faced many challenges during her time spent in optometry school. The numerous exams and practicals were what she considers to be the most challenging part of her journey in optometry. However, while these assessments were very important, she ultimately felt that the clinical portion of her education is where she needed to shine. “If you have a good personality and you’re able to apply the things you’ve read, even if you’re not a straight A student, a lot of times that puts you ahead of the straight A student,” she said.
When giving advice to current students, Oszustowicz focuses on the importance of work ethic and clinical skills. “Don’t cut corners when it comes to the clinical component, even though it sounds good to get done with that assignment a little early or fake the retinoscopy finding,” she said. “Honestly when it comes down to it I was never the straight A student, but I did well in clinic and that was ultimately more important.”
Looking Ahead
When it comes to the future of optometry and private practice, Oszustowicz is excited to see how medical optometry has become and how this will continue to grow moving forward. “I love that especially in private practice you have to be medical,” she said. “People used to shy away from it but it’s incredible because that’s why we went to school for four years. Refractions and contact lenses are great, but that’s only a part of it.”
QUICK Q&A
What is the wildest diagnosis you've made?
I would say it’s a toss-up between a transient central retinal artery occlusion (with the help of Dr. Labib and Dr. Deglin) and lymphoma (with the help of Dr. Lewis).
What is your favorite optometry pun?
Hard question! But “Eye SEE what you did there” is my go-to.
What is your favorite optometry related social media account/page that you follow?
OD’s on Facebook is a really good account to follow!
What is the best part of a typical day in clinic/practice?
As silly as it sounds really getting to know your patients and being able to help them is my favorite part of my day. That is truly the nice thing about private practice!
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