Jaycee Smith

Doctor of Optometry candidate with clinical experience in primary care optometry, ocular disease, contact lenses, and collaborative OD/MD care. Experienced in comprehensive eye exams, patient education, and diagnostic imaging. Passionate about providing patient‑centered care within private practice and multidisciplinary settings.

American Heart Association BLS Training

August 2022, September 2024

Paragon CRT Prescribing Student Certification

June 2024

Arizona College of Optometry

Preceptor: Dr. Sarah Huff OD, MS, FAAO

March 2025 – May 2025

Glendale, AZ

• Experience in various fields of Optometry including low vision rehabilitation, ocular disease, co-management with ophthalmology, specialty contacts, vision therapy, traumatic brain injury, and pediatrics.

Tayani Eye Institute

Preceptor: Dr. Kevin Guck, OD

December 2025 – February 2026

Laguna Hills, CA

• Exposure to anterior and posterior segment pathology through clinical collaboration in an ophthalmology setting, with experience in ocular disease assessment and surgical co-management.

Cool Springs Eye Care

Preceptor: Dr. David Nelson, OD, MBA

September 2025 – November 2025

Franklin, TN

• Experience with comprehensive optometric care within a private practice setting, including primary care, contact lenses, dry eye management, pediatrics, and practice operations.

Lexington VA Health Care System

Preceptor: Dr. Breyne Middleton, OD, FAAO

June 2025 – August 2025

Lexington, KY

• Exposure to a wide range of ocular conditions within an interdisciplinary healthcare setting, with experience in primary eye care, ocular disease management, and coordination of care for veteran patients.

Arizona College of Optometry – Teaching Assistant

August 2023 – Present

Glendale, AZ

• Facilitated instructional support in Clinical Services Theory & Methods I-III
• Guided students in hands-on lab demonstrations to enhance practical understanding
• Coordinated after-hours lab sessions to strengthen clinical skill development

Arizona College of Optometry – Tutor

August 2023 – Present

Glendale, AZ

• Clinical Services, Theory & Methods I-IV
• Ocular Anatomy & Physiology II
• Visual Science: Monocular Sensory Processing
• General Pharmacology I
• Contact Lenses I
• Treatment and Management of Strabismus and Amblyopia

Arizona College of Optometry – 3rd Year Student Intern

June 2024 – May 2025

Glendale, AZ

• Conducted primary care exams for diverse age groups, performed contact lens fittings, and managed ocular emergencies

Midwestern University Eye Institute

January 2023 – September 2023

Glendale, AZ

Optical Assistant

• Assisted in selection and ordering of prescription glasses
• Verified orders to ensure they met optometric standards prior to dispensing.

Specialty Testing Assistant

• Enhanced optometry skill base through training in ocular tests including OCT, Fundus Photos, Visual Field, IOL Master, Solix, GDX, and Corneal Topography to improve diagnostic capabilities

Electronic Medical Records

• Sent medical letters with report of findings to referring optometrists and medical doctors to ensure timely follow-up and patient care

East Highland Family Optometry

May 2021 – August 2021

Highland, CA

Optometric Technician

• Took patient history during appointments.
• Expanded optometry skill base with training in performing ocular tests such as Visual Field, autorefractor, and fundus photos
• Assisted in front and back-office tasks to improve workflow efficiency.
• Cross-trained in front and back-office operations

Capstone Research Project

Arizona College of Optometry

August 2023 – April 2025

Advisors: Dr. Christina Esposito OD, FAAO, FOVDR, FNAP, Dr. Matthew Roe OD, FAAO, FOVDR

• Keep Your Eye on the Ball: Quiet Eye During a Full Golf Swing
• During 2nd and 3rd year of optometry, school students must develop, complete, and analyze data on their own research project and present their findings

Services and Activities

Gold Key – Midwestern University

Secretary

February 2025-Present

Class Council – Midwestern University

Activities Coordinator

August 2022 – Present

American Optometric Student Association

2022-Present

Envision Private Practice Club - Midwestern University

August 2022-Present

Spanish Optometry Club - Midwestern University

August 2022-Present

Sports Vision Club - Midwestern University

May 2022-Present

NOSA - Midwestern University

May 2022-Present

Pediatric School Screening (GESD System of Care)

October 2023

Binocular Vision Screenings (1st Year Dental Students)

April 2023

Pre-Optometry Club- California State University, Fullerton

Student member and Treasurer

2019 - 2022