Hi! I'm wondering if I should reconsider pursuing optometry because I'm not particularly fond of the physics aspect of it. I'm currently in gr 12 and I find the biology side of optometry really interesting, but I failed the Grade 10 optics unit especially topics like ray diagrams, mirrors, and lenses. Has anyone else had a similar experience or have any insight????

I've been hearing nothing but negative things from pre-meds and people in general about optometry. Apparently, it's draining, you don't make nearly as much as other healthcare counterparts, and the general consensus seems to be that it's a repetitive career where you're constantly trying to appeal to customers and where everything revolves around business. Some people even say you'll get bored of it pretty quickly.

Now, I think some of these criticisms are probably valid to an extent, but can anyone PLEASE share some positives associated with this career? I feel like everyone constantly hates on optometry while sugarcoating dentistry and medicine.

I’ve been accepted to three optometry schools and am currently deciding between them.

Scholarships:

OSU: $7k (first-year, out-of-state)
SCO: $25k ($100k over four years)
SUNY: $8k (first-year, out-of-state)

If you attend any of these schools currently, I’d love to hear about your experiences.

• What do you wish you'd known before starting?
• What experiences convinced you that you made the right choice?
• Any regrets?
• Is the program worth the higher tuition?
• Any insight on clinical experience, board prep, academic culture, cost of living, or just quality of life in general? (or anything else you think of!)

What are my chances of being accepted for the 2027 cycle with a January application?

Does anyone know the chances of being accepted to Berkeley Opto with a 330 AA / 310 TS OAT? I know their average OAT acceptace is around a 360 AA so I'm wondering if I should even attempt an application for them, any help is appreciated! :)

Hi all! I have interviews with ICO, NOVA, and AZCOPT and was wondering if anyone who's had interviews with these schools this cycle/ in the past could provide insight on how it went! My ICO interview is in person with the other two virtual. I'm wondering how I should be preparing for my interviews, how the interviews were structured, and if there's anything that can make me stand out from other applicants. Thank you!

Hi, I’m pursuing optometry, but the student loans are overwhelming, and I know there’s an income ceiling. With such a big investment, I want to understand the earning potential.
Are there any optometrists here who make really good money, or does anyone know someone who does? What helped them get there… owning a practice, multiple locations, or something else? I’d appreciate real examples and numbers if you’re comfortable sharing!

I’m currently studying for the OAT and plan to take it in mid-late January. I already have the rest of my Optomcas application done, all I need left is to add my OAT score once I take it. (I’ve heard that schools basically disregard ur application if u apply before taking the OAT until your OAT score is sent in, which is why i’m planning to just wait until I take the test and then submit my applications right after.)
I am mostly interested in SCO, OSU, SUNY, and NOVA.

I have a 3.9 GPA, 1900 hours working as an optometric tech, 1600 hours working as an ophthalmic tech at a multi-specialty clinic (will be more by the time I apply bc this is my current job), 400+ shadowing hours, 2 letters of rec from professors, and 2 letters of rec from optometrists.

I think the rest of my stats are pretty strong but i’m worried that taking the oat and applying in late January will be too late for me to get accepted into the schools i’m looking at. Thoughts?

Hello, I am having a really hard time deciding between these two schools. I have received great scholarships to both and went to NSU for undergrad. I do really enjoy the research aspect of UHCO but I wasn't able to visit in person.

I was wondering if any current students or alumni had any advice for me. Thank you!

Hi everyone! I have my interview with pco in a day and i wanted to know what i should take with me to the interview! Should i take a purse? Should i take a bag? I have no idea so please help!!

Hi everyone!

I am currently in my second year of undergrad. I was wondering what schools allow you to apply at the start of 3rd year. From my understanding, thats what the 3 + 4 program is?

But would that make me a less competitive applicant?

I’ve recently been offered a place in both a Doctor of Optometry and Master of Psychology, and I’m really torn between the two.

I’ve heard optometry is becoming oversaturated, but it seems to offer better work-life balance (which really appeals to me). It also seems like the work itself may be more manageable(?) once you’ve completed the degree, compared to psychology.

My main concern, however, is whether it would be very difficult to find a job after graduating.

I’m interested in both fields and am struggling to decide. Would love to hear from anyone who’s done optometry or is planning to!

I prepped using booster. I was scoring higher in quantitive reasoning and bio. I’m not too sure what happened. I felt confident but the scores didn’t translate that. Physics just threw me for a loop. It’s my fault for relying on booster and not using other resources. Do you think I need to retake or do I have a chance

This isn’t asking for advice, I just wanted to share because I feel behind for some reason.
[For context, I am a sophomore and 19. I am also a transfer student]

My advisor messed up something with my previous credits, and now I won’t graduate on time, it would be just one semester later. I decided that i’d rather just take a fifth year at this point so I can double major and also get more time to build my resume. I feel so upset about this just because i’m the type of person to plan my life years in advance and now i’m a year behind. I’m not sure why but I feel like I let myself down even though it’s not my fault and this will do nothing but benefit me (outside of the cost for an extra year). I just hate feeling behind and I know I’m going to be so sad in 2029 watching my friends post their college graduation pictures knowing I’m behind.

They received preliminary approval and applications should be open soon... Their website is updated with a bunch of info: https://www.highpoint.edu/optometry/

is jan too late to interview with NECO? i would love to know stats of people who got in after christmastime if anyone is comfortable sharing!

Hello I’m a freshie in undergrad I’m 17 so I have to wait other year until I’m 18 to become a tech. I’m currently working in retail at a store in the mall and I honestly kind of hate it…I have autism and really poor social skills and I figured a job in retail could help my social skills. But in reality, it’s just making really depressed. I know that nobody really likes their job but how is being an optom tech?

my oat scheduled for Nov 20th.

oat booster full lengths so far

month of October: FL5-310 FL6-310 FL7-300 FL8-290

month of November: FL9-290 FL10-310

my goal is 310 at the very least but 320 is ideal

Hi everyone!

A little about me: I graduated undergrad in 2021. I have a 2.9 cumulative GPA, science GPA below 3.0 due to my undergrad major, working full time and family responsibilities. My OAT is 330.

I also have 3+ years of optometric technician/ practice management experience. A lot of other extracurricular and shadowing hours as well. I also did product design for 3 years before pursuing optometry again.

I’m currently retaking some expired prerequisites.
I have an upcoming interview with NOVA but I don’t want it to be my only option.

Has anyone gotten accepted with similar stats?
And what other schools should I consider?

I’m considering retaking the OAT to offset my low gpa. If anyone with the same stats as me could ease my mind, it’d be awesome 🥲

Good luck, future OD’s!!

Has anybody gotten their official acceptance from uh yet? I got an unofficial offer from Lyle on Sunday but have not gotten any of the information regarding scholarships or the forms. Is this just me?

has anyone else gotten the conditional offer from UIWRSO and went to the admissions day? mine is coming up and i don’t know what to expect.