Dr. Jennifer Steckenrider is originally from Peru, Indiana, and received her undergraduate degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine from Taylor University in 2015. While an undergraduate she spent a semester abroad, completing a medical practicum in Cuenca, Ecuador. It was there that she first discovered her love for optometry after seeing the vast need for vision care worldwide and the difference an eye exam can make in a person’s life. She returned for her next semester with a new sense of direction, and soon after also met the love of her life, her husband Josiah.
After finishing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Steckenrider went on to complete her Doctorate in Optometry at Indiana University School of Optometry, where she received numerous awards for academic excellence, service, and leadership. These include: the EF Wildermuth Foundation Harriet Slaughter Fellowship, the Charles R. Shick Scholarship, the Alcon Award, the Jane Hofstetter Fellowship, the Paul Piesch Scholarship, and the Ron Wuensch Scholarship. Dr. Steckenrider was also involved in the school’s community. She worked as an assistant instructor and tutor for a variety of optometry classes, and was a member of multiple organizations, including the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society, the Indiana University Optometric Student Association, and the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists. Dr. Steckenrider graduated number one in her class with highest honors in May 2019.
Dr. Steckenrider’s externships included a six-month rotation in ocular disease at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, where she was exposed to a high patient volume and extensive range of pathology. At her IU externship site in Indiana, she worked exclusively in specialty services, including pediatrics and binocular vision, low vision, advanced contact lenses, and advanced ocular care services. She then spent her final rotation working at a private practice in Burke, VA, where she saw a high volume of contact lens patients. After a year of these clinical externships, Dr. Steckenrider realized her passion lay in two areas where there is great need and potential to help – both ocular disease and contact lenses.
In addition to optometry, Dr. Steckenrider enjoys painting, golfing, going on bike rides, and spending time with family. She and her husband volunteer in the community and attend Harvest Baptist Church in Blacksburg.
Dr. Steckenrider is driven by the belief that the learning process is never over in the field of medicine. It is therefore her lifelong goal to always keep a humble attitude, while also striving to learn and stay current in order to provide the best possible patient care.
