Dr. Lay graduated Summa Cum Laude with an undergraduate degree in biology from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. She then graduated from Ferris State University College of Optometry in 1993 as valedictorian of her class. She finished her training with a strong background in specialty contact lenses and vision therapy after completing externships in these areas. She is a previous faculty member in the specialty clinics at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.
Dr. Lay is a member of the American Optometric Association and a past governor of the Central Ohio Optometric Association. She has served on the Ohio Optometric Association’s Vision Performance Committee and is a past chair of the Public Information Committee. She also has served on the School Vision Forum Planning Committee.
Dr. Lay has lectured on vision therapy and has been on television to promote VisionUSA. She participates in the Realeyes program by going into classrooms to teach children about the importance of a lifetime of comprehensive eye care.
Dr. Lay was the 1998 recipient of the Young Optometrist of the Year Award in the state of Ohio. In 1999, she was selected as the American Optometric Association Young Optometrist of the Year from among over 10,000 optometrists! She and her husband, Dr. William Lay, are the only husband and wife team to ever both win this national award.