Dr. Ortman graduated from Indiana University with Bachelor of Science in Biology. After a gap year spent working for his childhood eye doctor, he enrolled at The Ohio State University College of Optometry and received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 2000. In school, he was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa Honorary Fraternity and was also honored with the Corning Low Vision Award. After graduating, he completed a residency in ocular disease and hospital-based optometry at the New Mexico Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque.