Dr. Erik Mothersbaugh: Finding Purpose in Optometric Academia

Some journeys are built on bold pivots. Others, like that of Dr. Erik Mothersbaugh, evolve through quiet conviction, one tested assumption at a time.

I had the privilege of reconnecting with Erik, one of my close friends, a former co-resident, and now the Dean of Student Affairs at the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), on a recent episode of Ryan Reflects. What unfolded was a conversation that reminded me why I love this profession: the people who power it.

From Midwest Roots to a Career in Optometry

Erik didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming an optometrist. There was no “first pair of glasses” moment. Instead, his path unfolded slowly, through shadowing local optometrists, exploring psychology research, and systematically ruling out other options.

He beta-tested his way into the profession. “I wanted to make sure I wasn’t too narrow in focus,” he shared. “But every time I explored an alternative path, I kept finding my way back to optometry. Eventually, I knew I was making the right call.”

Why ICO?

Choosing ICO was more than just about academic rigor, it was about mission and proximity to care.

Located on Chicago’s South Side, ICO is surrounded by communities with high demand for healthcare, especially among underserved populations. For Erik, the clinical exposure to advanced ocular disease and the opportunity to serve those most in need felt like the perfect fit.

“Clinic didn’t feel like an assignment,” he said. “It was something I got to do.”

That sense of purpose eventually led him to pursue residency at ICO, where he and I crossed paths. As a resident, Erik was analytical, passionate, and always drawn to teaching moments. The academic world fit him like a glove.

Taking a Leap Into Academia

By his third year of optometry school, Erik started asking hard questions: What would a career in academia really look like? With the encouragement of mentors, he pursued a residency focused on education, intentionally narrowing in on roles at schools and colleges of optometry.

After completing the program, he didn’t just hope for an opportunity, he created one. When a faculty role unexpectedly opened at ICO, he jumped at the chance.

“I was excited, probably a little naive, but I had already made up my mind. If the opportunity came, I was going to take it.” He canceled a job interview at another school, said yes on the spot, and never looked back.

Rising Through the Ranks

Transitioning from resident to faculty came with its challenges. Some students had just seen Erik as a peer. Others questioned his youth. But Erik leaned in, adapted, and kept showing up.

Then came his biggest leap yet: applying to be Dean of Student Affairs.

“Honestly, I didn’t think I’d get it,” he admitted. “I applied more as a political move, to signal that this was where I saw myself long-term.”

Turns out, he was the right fit. Seven years later, Erik still sits in that chair, shaping the student experience, mentoring future optometrists, and carrying forward the values that shaped his own education.

On Mentorship, Patience, and Knowing When to Speak

One of the most impactful lessons Erik learned from his predecessor and mentor, Dr. Mark Colip (now ICO’s president), was knowing when not to react.

“I’ve learned to slow down, take in all the information, and make decisions with the right level of seriousness,” Erik said. “Sometimes the smartest move is to listen more than you speak.”

It’s advice that’s served him well as ICO navigates today’s changing academic landscape, especially in an era where more schools are opening, but the optometry applicant pool remains relatively flat.

A Challenge for the Profession

With 25 ASCO-accredited schools in the U.S. (and more rumored), the pressure to recruit and retain top talent is intense. Erik acknowledges the concern: “If the applicant pool doesn’t grow, we risk diluting the caliber of incoming students.”

The solution? Not just fewer schools, but more widespread awareness. “We need more people talking about optometry. Host a shadow day. Visit high schools. Speak at career days. Every OD has a story to share and we need to share it.”

What’s Next for Dr. Erik Mothersbaugh?

Erik isn’t entirely sure what the next five to ten years hold, but he’s focused on building a long-term pipeline for ICO’s success.

They’ve expanded their recruitment reach to high school and even elementary school students, hoping to spark curiosity early. “We want ICO to be around for another 150 years,” he said, “and that starts now.”

A Final Reflection

When I asked Erik to share his favorite memory from residency, he smiled.

“There was this viral conjunctivitis presentation I gave,” he said, “and to prepare for it, a few of us, including you, voluntarily beta-dined our own eyes… just to see what it felt like.”

It was a ridiculous, painful, and very “residency” thing to do. But also, very Erik. Always curious. Always testing.

Want to connect with Dr. Erik Mothersbaugh? Email him at emothersbaugh@ico.edu. Whether you’re a student considering ICO, a pre-optometry hopeful, or an OD with a story to share, he’d love to hear from you.