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Life of an Optometry Student

Optometry students have volunteered to give us a sneak peek of their lives in optometry school by answering APOA's survey questions on:

 

  1. A typical day in optometry school

  2. Favorite course in optometry school

  3. Academic support their school provides

  4. The most meaningful extracurricular activities/conferences

  5. Balancing optometry school with social life

  6. Top reasons for choosing to attend their optometry school

  7. What has surprised them the most about being in optometry school

  8. Advice for incoming optometry students to maximize their success

 

Disclaimer: The following responses represent a sample of opinions from individual students, and should not be viewed as advertisements for individual optometry schools by any means. Pre-optometry students are advised to consult additional resources to form their own opinions and obtain the most up-to-date information for each optometry school respectively. 

 

We aim to represent students from all optometry schools. If you are a current optometry student, please consider emailing us at americanpreop@gmail.com to contribute to our survey

Marshall B. Ketchum University's Southern California College of Optometry

Tiffany

2nd year, Class of 2016

 

Learn more by emailing Tiffany at tchen.2016@ketchum.edu

March 12, 2014 

1) Describe your typical day in optometry school. 


Go to school around 8am. Usually classes are about 2-4 hours a day. Then about 2-3 days a week you have labs so after class, we get an hour for lunch then we might have to go to lab. Let's say we're done by 4pm. That's when we head home, rest/relax a bit, go online, go on facebook, and start studying around 7-8pm (assuming there is no exam the next day). This is usually light studying until midterms come. Usually the first 2-3 weeks we have more time to hang out with friends, go out, etc.

2) What has been your favorite course in optometry school?

 

This one is really tough to answer. I am really interested in contact lenses and thinking about possibly specializing in that field (since it could involved prosthetic eyes too), so I have to say Cornea and Contact Lens I and II have been my favorite courses. A lot depends on who teaches your class too. It could be the worst topic but with the most entertaining professor, and that could be enough to make you love that class.

3) What type of academic support does your school provide? 

There are plenty of scholarships that students can receive from the school. Most are chosen by the dean, but some other ones are one you write essays or propose some sort of idea for. There's also the health loans (not sure from the school or government). I'm probably not the best to ask about this because our financial adviser takes care of almost everything.

4) What are the most meaningful extracurricular activities/conferences you have attended, and what have you learned from them? 

I am the president pro-tem, aka the class mom, for the entering class. Basically my job is to help the first years transition into optometry school. One of the best things I've done while in school because it's amazing getting to meet everyone, and being the primary go to person for the first years.

5) How do you balance optometry school with a social life?

 

Time management is SUPER crucial in school. I personally just plan my week the weekend before. You have to plan when you want to go in and practice, when you need to study, etc. On top of that you don't want to burn out so you have to let loose every once in awhile. I have a loose rule that I try to do something fun once or twice a week to keep me motivated to continue. Sometimes it gets really tough but it's so great to have a great support system at school to get you through it. I usually set aside a few hours on friday or thursday night (or both) to just relax. It's all about how you time manage. Some of my classmates go out 3-4 times a week...others never go out. It's really up to the person but as long as you are focused on what you want to achieve that week, go ahead and have fun on the weekends! 
 

6) What were the top reasons for choosing to attend your optometry school?

I want to practice in SoCal, and very interested in private practice. SCCO is very private practice geared and also it's great to be able to stay in the area and network with doctors that could potentially offer me a job or help me find a job. Also I am really interested in possibly specializing in prosthetic eyes, and I believe SCCO is one of the only programs to have this in clinic. Some factors I considered were where were my friends and family. I currently commute from home so I save a ton of money just by doing that. Plus I have the optometry school support system, but then I also have my friends nearby so they're there for me too.

7) What has surprised you the most about being in optometry school?

 

All the tests optometrists actually need to know how to do! I've gone to the optometrists since I was in 3rd grade and I want to say I've always had standard exams but I definitely entered school surprised at all the extra tests done in a basic exam that I never got. You'll come to understand why optometry school is 4 years when you enter because there are so many procedures, diseases, drugs, etc. to learn.

 

8)  What advice would you give to incoming optometry students in order to maximize their success?

Plan ahead. Really start thinking about what you want to do. Do you want to specialize? Where do you want to practice? These things matter because if you want to specialize in something your school is really strong in, you want to start talking to the professors who specialize in that field and get a better understanding of everything. Also GET INVOLVED! Super important that you are well rounded, and I've always been the type to be involved so it's just such a better experience in school. And lastly, and probably most importantly....enjoy school! Yes, grades matter, but only to a certain extent. That classmate of yours who gets straight C's and pass all 3 parts of boards will still have the same degree as you. Ok yeah it matters for residencies, so I'm not telling you to be a straight C student but if you get a B here and there, it's not the end of the world. Sometimes you have to sacrifice that A for your own mental sake. Don't burn yourself out...it's really not worth it and you shouldn't have to. I am doing really well in school but I don't study nearly as much as many of my classmates who do just as well. Learn to relax!

 

9)  Additional Comments:

 

GOOD LUCK! Be yourself during interviews, and really go with your gut instinct when choosing schools. One school isn't perfect for everyone so make your own decisions, and don't let others influence you.

 

 

Marie

1st year, Class of 2017

 

Learn more by emailing Marie at claraforeyes@gmail.com

March 07, 2014 

1) Describe your typical day in optometry school. 


Classes start in the morning and end after lunch, with an hour off for lunch. We are on the quarter system, and have around four labs a week.

2) What has been your favorite course in optometry school?

 

I have really enjoyed Ocular Anatomy. 

3) What type of academic support does your school provide? 

Students who have excelled in specific courses are paid by the school to tutor other students. We can get tutored as much as we would like, and it is very helpful. Teachers also make themselves available for office hours frequently. 

4) What are the most meaningful extracurricular activities/conferences you have attended, and what have you learned from them? 

I enjoy attending the private practice club meetings, the SVOSH meetings, and the OEP club meeting. The private practice club helpes us learn how to better manage and run our own office one day through lectures by successful optometrists, the SVOSH club informs us of opportunities in which we can travel to help out people in need using our optometry skills, and the OEP club teaches us about behavioral optometry and vision therapy through guest lectures.  

5) How do you balance optometry school with a social life?

 

I am part of the fraternity, Omega Delta, and they organize many social outings during periods of time that are not as busy. I feel like all my classmates are good at balancing their school work with their social lives, and this makes it easy for me to do the same.
 

6) What were the top reasons for choosing to attend your optometry school?

I hope to practice in California and having warm weather all the time while attending school is definitely a plus.  

7) What has surprised you the most about being in optometry school?

 

How much I love my classmates. We are not graded against each other, and this is conducive to a more friendly learning environment.

 

8)  What advice would you give to incoming optometry students in order to maximize their success?
 

Find people that you like to study with or at least that you can connect with to ask questions. Get a tutor immediately if you feel like you possibly could use one, and don't be afraid to ask the professors questions during their office hours.

 

9)  Additional Comments:

 

Feel free to email me! ;)

 

Angie

Learn more by emailing Angie at atrieu.2017@ketchum.edu

March 23, 2014 

1) Describe your typical day in optometry school. 


I feel like there's two types of day in optometry school. The first type is during the beginning of the quarter when the studying load is less intensive. On such occasional days, students would attend class for 3 to 6 hours, and then go home and study for a few hours.
The second type starts around mid-quarter and lasts until the end of the quarter. During this time, the amount of studying required to do well in our curriculum can be overwhelming and stressful. In fact, it may feel like it is never-ending. There are one–hour exams in the morning before class and are administered at least once or twice a week. Along with these written exams, there are also proficiencies - exams where students physically demonstrate their ability to perform optometric tasks. These proficiencies are administered sporadically throughout the quarter.

2) What has been your favorite course in optometry school?

 

My favorite course thus far is Clinical Methods. The course taught me how to refract patients using the phoropter and how to perform some basic visual tests. Clinical Methods was also my favorite class because it was very hands-on learning and less classroom-style learning.

5) How do you balance optometry school with a social life?

 

I tend to socialize more during the beginning of the quarter since the workload is not too overwhelming. When classes start to pick up, I try to go out on Friday nights and dedicate the weekends for studying.

 

6) What were the top reasons for choosing to attend your optometry school?

1. High passing rates for National Boards Exam of Optometry (NBEO)
2. Location: SCCO is close enough for me to commute from home. I also plan to practice in SoCal upon graduating so it helps that I pick a school in SoCal.
3. My optometrist mentor is an alumna and she said she really enjoyed her time at SCCO.

7) What has surprised you the most about being in optometry school?

 

How often we have exams and proficiencies! But it can be fun when you study/ practice in groups because you bond and develop friendships.

 

8)  What advice would you give to incoming optometry students in order to maximize their success?
 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it and be diligent. It is important to get good grades but it is even more important to develop the advanced skills necessary for you to be good optometrist. You really need to put in the effort to practice how to properly use your optometric tools. The more you practice, the more it becomes second nature.

 

Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry

Larezia - Former Historian of APOA

Extended Program, Class of 2018

 

Learn more by emailing Larezia at lw971@nova.edu

March 16, 2014 

2) What has been your favorite course in optometry school?

 

My favorite course has been Ocular Motility. I really enjoy learning how and why we make certain eye movements.

3) What type of academic support does your school provide? 

We have a Big/Little program where a 2nd year student is matched with a 1st year student. The "Big" shares information about classes, housing, and answers questions for the "Little". You keep the same "Big" throughout your time at Nova. Various honor societies offer review sessions for anatomy lab exams. Some upper level students provide tutoring and review sessions.

4) What are the most meaningful extracurricular activities/conferences you have attended, and what have you learned from them? 

I am interested in vision therapy, so my most meaningful extracurricular activies have been attending COVD meetings. They have given me more insight into how to start and maintain a career in vision development.

 

6) What were the top reasons for choosing to attend your optometry school?

I chose to attend Nova because of the positive learning environment, diverse patient population, and my intention to practice in Florida upon graduation. For me, the people at Nova and the South Florida location were a perfect fit.

7) What has surprised you the most about being in optometry school?

 

I was very surprised to see how well my classmates work together. Everyone shares notes and flashcards freely. We are all trying to help each other any way we can.

 

8)  What advice would you give to incoming optometry students in order to maximize their success?

Undergraduate courses that include immunology, mycology, or parisitology would be very helpful for basic science courses during the first year. Definitely, enjoy the summer before starting school because there will be less time for family and friends during school. Once you start school, be sure to make time to relax between studying in order to keep your life balanced.

 

9)  Additional Comments:

 

Feel free to email me.

 

 

Southern College of Optometry

Chris Harlan - Former President of the APOA 

2nd year, Class of 2016

 

Learn more by emailing Chris at charlan@student.sco.edu

April 19, 2014 

1) Describe your typical day in optometry school. 


A typical day consists of both labs and classes. First-years have class scheduled in the morning and lab(s) in the afternoon. Second-years go to lab(s) in the morning and class in the afternoon. There are between 2-4 classes depending on the day (most lasting 1-1.5 hours) and either one or two labs (2 or 3 hours each). Most of my days start around 8:30 and end around 3:30-4:00. There is always plenty of time for lunch!

2) What has been your favorite course in optometry school?

 

My favorite course is Posterior Segment Disease, which I am taking now as a second-year in the spring. This class helps us to learn about various disease processes which affect the retina and the structures "inside" the eye. It is really cool to learn about how systemic disease processes can play a role in vision. Another thing that fascinates me about this class is how technology has influenced the management of these diseases.

3) What type of academic support does your school provide? 

There are countless resources available to students here at school to aid in academic success. The faculty and staff at SCO are truly invested in the students, and everyone here wants to see us succeed. Some of the resources that SCO provides include: class notetakers, tutors, recorded lectures, an incredible library, teacher office-hours, journal subscriptions, extended lab hours, study spaces, and many media resources.

4) What are the most meaningful extracurricular activities/conferences you have attended, and what have you learned from them? 

I had the opportunity to attend the Southeastern Congress of Optometry conference in Atlanta, GA this past year. SCO plans spring break each year during the conference in order to allow students to attend. It was an incredible experience, and I believe every student should attend conferences like this while in school! I've also been involved in state associations, SGA, and a private practice club while attending school. I've learned a lot about how optometry has grown and about new advances in technology. It has also been great to learn how to work with others in order to continue serving our profession.

5) How do you balance optometry school with a social life?

 

It is a constant struggle, but it is definitely manageable. The key is to be disciplined about your social life. Sometimes there are weeks when it is appropriate to buckle down and study every chance that presents itself, but other weeks are much more relaxed. I've found that having a calendar and goals for each week helps me stay on top of my studies not only during big test weeks, but during more relaxed weeks as well. The worst mistake an optometry student can make is to let the easier weeks go by without doing much school work. That is the time to stay caught up! All of that said, I try my best to have at least one night per week (most of the time a weekend night), when I do something that can take my mind off of school.

 

6) What were the top reasons for choosing to attend your optometry school?

I wanted to make sure that I was getting the best optometric education that I possibly could, but I also wanted to be comfortable in the environment where I go to school. Southern College of Optometry's faculty and staff could not have been more welcoming and helpful, and SCO's reputation speaks for itself. The clinic is unparalleled; in fact, it is one of the largest primary care facilities of its kind in the nation. I wanted to know that I had the best chance to succeed on boards as well, and SCO is certainly at the top when it comes to passage rates. I feel like I am part of a family, and that is a special feeling in graduate school!

7) What has surprised you the most about being in optometry school?

 

It is refreshing to be around students who know exactly what you are going through. In college, many of my friends took different classes than I did, but in optometry school all of the students go through the same things. We are there to help each other, study together, have fun together, and even vent together sometimes. It is like having one huge support system, and it has been a great experience. That has been something that has made optometry school a nice change of pace from college.

 

8)  What advice would you give to incoming optometry students in order to maximize their success?
 

Learn as much as you can about optometry before you come to school. Work in a clinic, get involved in pre-optometry organizations, talk to students, etc. The more you know about optometry before school, the better off you will be!

University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry

Jessica - Former Executive Secretary

2nd year, Class of 2016

 

Learn more by emailing Jessica at jessica.chin@berkeley.edu

January 21, 2014 

1) Describe your typical day in optometry school. 


I will start classes as early as 8:10am and end as late as 5:00pm, but this is manageable, because I have 3 to 5 hours of lab and/or lecture classes a day, with breaks in between. 

2) What has been your favorite course in optometry school?

 

I loved taking my Problem-Based Learning course, because it was so different than any of my lecture classes. I was able to analyze sample cases and discuss the pathology underlying a patient's symptoms and various treatment options. It was helpful to have back-and-forth dialogue with a small group of classmates, who would also ask questions that would push me to analyze the case even deeper. A professor would also contribute relevant anecdotes from seeing actual patients, which helped me realize the practical applications of all the science I've been learning in the rest of my classes. 

3) What type of academic support does your school provide? 

Every incoming Berkeley Optometry student is paired with a student one grade higher than them, so they can have instant support from the beginning of their academic year. The honor's society at my school also provides free tutoring every week for anyone interested. Some optometry upperclassmen and vision science graduate students serve as teaching assistants, and faculty are easily accessible via email, during office hours, and/or before and after class. So wherever I go, I feel like there is always someone around for academic support. 

4) What are the most meaningful extracurricular activities/conferences you have attended, and what have you learned from them? 

I am currently a member of the Private Practice Club at my school, which has given me new insight into the business side of optometry. I've been reminded to consider profiting based on reimbursements from insurance companies and associating with optical companies to build the eyeglass dispensary side of a practice, and other details I never even considered when shadowing private practices as a pre-optometry student. I also attended the 2013 American Academy of Optometry meeting in Seattle. I was inspired by the passion attendees had for learning more about the most recent breakthrough research in optometry. I was also reminded how the profession of optometry truly provides you with lifelong learning. 

5) How do you balance optometry school with a social life?

 

I study every single weekday. I try to make my studying as efficient as possible, by breaking up my studying time. This means I will try to study for at least 30 minutes in the morning, before going to class, and then I will use class times as "breaks" and study in between all of my classes. I will try to save more time by multitasking (e.g. eating lunch during lectures instead of during breaks). By the time I end my school day, I can then feel like I've achieved a satisfactory amount of studying, and can take at least an hour break when I get home. I will continue to break up my study time by doing chores, eating dinner, etc. so all my "breaks" during weekdays consist of doing essential tasks. During more rigorous weeks of studying, I will take longer breaks midweek (on Wednesdays). By the weekend, I will be sure to spend the majority of my Friday night or Saturday having some school-free fun, which really helps me clear my mind and relax before going back to studying by Sunday night and preparing for another rigorous school week. 
 

6) What were the top reasons for choosing to attend your optometry school?

I chose Berkeley Optometry, because I value the warm and supportive atmosphere at the school, where someone always seems to be around to help you, from attending doctors and Admissions staff to fellow classmates. We also have a strong student government that is constantly seeking opinions from current students. The administrative staff is receptive to student opinions in return, so suggestions, such as curriculum changes, are considered to potentially be put into action. I value how much student opinions are respected, and I appreciate how there is always a strive for a change for the better.  

7) What has surprised you the most about being in optometry school?

There is a lot of math! I didn't realize so many numbers would be involved for both optical and clinical work. I've had to brush up on mental math, because I find myself using math every day, from checking angles between eye alignments to making adjustments to eyeglasses prescriptions, but I like how it keeps me thinking quickly and logically.

 

8)  What advice would you give to incoming optometry students in order to maximize their success?

Challenge yourself to learn the fundamentals of your optometry classes well in your first year, so you can better analyze harder concepts in the future. Remember that your knowledge is going to continue to build on top of these fundamentals, and your optometry school experience is going to be what you make of it. Although the idea of optometry school being a "graduate school" makes it seem like everything is going to be more serious, you can still get away with all sorts of things like skipping class, cramming for tests, etc. However, it will come to a point when you must realize that you're not just studying for tests anymore; you're studying for your own good, to better yourself and your skills that will soon be applied to impact your patients' lives.

University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry

Nick Marso

2nd year, Class of 2016

March 06, 2014 

1) Describe your typical day in optometry school. 


At UMSL, our days typically start at 8am with lectures until about 12pm. Most afternoons will consist of 1 or 2, 2 hour lab sessions. Some labs include geometric optics, neuroanatomy, as well as our clinical labs. Most days we are at school from 8am - 5pm. As a 2nd and 3rd year student, some afternoons are spent in the University Eye Center working directly with patients.

3) What type of academic support does your school provide? 


Many of the courses include teaching assistants who took the course the previous year. Along with the TAs, tutors from the class above you are available at no charge. Many of my classmates have tutors to help grasp on the concepts. With our small class size, faculty are very approachable and know you by name. Most of them give you their phone number so you can contact them anytime with questions!! 

5) How do you balance optometry school with a social life?

 

Again, our class size is small (46 students). This creates a family type environment with our classmates, as everyone knows everyone. I make sure to do something fun on the weekends after a big testing week. It is important to find your strengths and weaknesses within optometry school so you know when you are capable of taking a night off from studying and have fun.
 

6) What were the top reasons for choosing to attend your optometry school?

The two biggest factors for me were the small class size and the family atmosphere at UMSL. At my interview day I felt welcomed by everyone and seemed to "fit in" here more than other schools I interviewed. It is awesome having a good relationship with all of your classmates as well as having great access to the faculty. Another great thing about UMSL is that we will be getting a brand new clinic coming in 2016!! This will allow us to better serve the school and the communities around the school. 

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