NICHOLAS ERNST
Chicago
Summary
Dynamic optometry professional eager to leverage strong creative problem-solving abilities in a challenging position. Committed to fostering long-term relationships with patients while delivering exceptional eye care services. Proven track record of enhancing patient experiences through personalized care and innovative solutions. Passionate about contributing to a collaborative team environment that prioritizes patient health and satisfaction.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
STUDENT EXTERN
VA Tallahassee
12.2025 - Current
- Performed comprehensive eye examinations within the VA system, managing patients from initial work-up through check-out.
- Gained experience in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertensive retinopathy.
- Developed proficiency in the use and interpretation of advanced diagnostic testing, including OCT imaging, Humphrey visual field analysis, and corneal topography.
STUDENT EXTERN
Cool Springs Eye Care
09.2025 - 11.2025
- Performed comprehensive eye examinations in a high-volume primary care corporate optometry setting, managing a diverse patient population.
- Gained experience in pediatric care, ocular disease management, and specialty contact lenses, including patient education on contact lens insertion and removal.
- Developed insight into efficient high-volume practice operations through streamlined patient flow, effective delegation, and participation in multidisciplinary continuing education.
- Participated in continuing education meetings with optometrists across multiple specialty areas, including nutritional optometry, behavioral optometry, ocular disease, dry eye, and specialty contact lenses.
STUDENT INTERN
Midwestern University Eye Institute
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Performed eye examinations across multiple specialty clinics, including pediatrics, vision therapy, specialty contact lenses, ocular disease, prosthetics, electrodiagnostics, and ophthalmology co-management.
- Gained hands-on experience with a wide range of advanced diagnostic testing, including OCT imaging, visual field testing, corneal topography, B-scan ultrasonography, ERG, VEP, and other ancillary tests.
- Assisted in developing individualized vision therapy treatment plans and guided patients through prescribed vision therapy exercises.
- Fit and managed scleral and gas permeable contact lenses.
OPTOMETRY ASSISTANT
Muirfield Eye Care
01.2019 - 2021
- Greeted patients, prepared exam rooms and documented medical records to keep office running efficiently and effectively.
- Helped patients with optical selections and dispensing to facilitate customer service.
- Explained processes and operated equipment for OCT imaging and visual field testing.
Education
Doctor of Optometry -
ARIZONA COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY AT MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Glendale06-2026
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition Science
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Columbus12.2021
Skills
- Vision therapy
- Binocular vision testing
- Sports vision enhancement
- Contact lens fitting
- Patient education
- Dry eye management
- Ocular disease diagnosis
- Pediatric optometry
- Low-vision rehabilitation
Timeline
STUDENT EXTERN
VA Tallahassee
12.2025 - Current
STUDENT EXTERN
Cool Springs Eye Care
09.2025 - 11.2025
STUDENT INTERN
Midwestern University Eye Institute
06.2025 - 08.2025
OPTOMETRY ASSISTANT
Muirfield Eye Care
01.2019 - 2021
Doctor of Optometry -
ARIZONA COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY AT MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition Science
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
AWARDS
MAXIMUS SCHOLARSHIP | The Ohio State University
VALEDICTORIAN | Dublin Jerome High School
DEAN’S LIST | Arizona College of Optometry