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Student Resources
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Shadowing Opportunities & Tips
ASCO (Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry) Online Conversations/Virtual Shadowing
How it Works:
Step 1: "Answer quick questions about what you love about being an eye doctor, your hobbies, etc."
Step 2: "It's a mentor matchmaking program to connect students interested in a career in optometry with eye doctors to talk with."
Step 3: "We’ll match students with a short list of eye doctors who have similar answers – students select the OD they’d like to be their mentor. Both students and ODs will be given a discussion guide to help get the conversation started. ODs will also receive a Welcome Kit that includes eye-opening materials to place in their practice."
Click here or on graphic for more details.
Optometry Shadowing Tips:
Shadowing is required or strongly encouraged by all optometry schools since it offers students tangible insight and experience to the profession.
Many optometry schools require minimum 30 hours of shadowing (also, shadowing multiple optometrists is preferred).
Do not be intimidated by reaching out to local optometrists via email about potential shadowing (just be professional and polite).
While shadowing, ask as many questions (within reason) as possible.
Be intentional to talk with and thank not just the optometrist but also the rest of the office staff (optometric technicians, opticians, receptionist, etc.).
(Shadowing Cold Email Template Coming Soon...)
Prospective Student Summer Programs
Program: Impacting Disparities in Optometric Care (I-DOC)
Host: Ohio State College of Optometry
2026 Dates: 06/07-11 (Applications due 03/23)
Price: TBD
Click here or above for more details.
Program: AZ-POP
Host: Arizona College of Optometry
2026 Dates: 06/22-24 (Applications due 03/15)
Price: Travel expenses (no registration fees)
Click here or above for more details.
Program: Summer Eye Experience (SEE)
Host: Chicago College of Optometry
2026 Dates: 06/22-24 (Applications due 03/15)
Price: $185 refunded deposit + travel expenses
Click here or above for more details.
Program: Opto-Camp
Host: UC Berkeley School of Optometry
2026 Dates: 06/22-26 (Applications due 03/28)
Price: Free (virtual)
Click here or above for more details.
Program: Eye-CARE Summer Camp
Host: SUNY College of Optometry
2026 Dates: TBD (Applications TBD)
Price: Travel expenses (no registration fees + stipend available)
Click here or above for more details.
Program: Focus On Your Future
Host: Illinois College of Optometry
2026 Dates: 07/13-17 (Applications due 05/01)
Price: Travel expenses (no registration fees)
Click here or above for more details.
OptomCAS Info
OptomCAS (Optometry Centralized Application Service) is the application system used by all U.S. Optometry schools.
OptomCAS handles:
Personal Statement Essay (4,500 character limit)
Transcripts/GPA
OAT Score(s)
Recommendation Letters
OptomCAS Price: $187 charge for first school application submission (+$85 fee for every additional school application submission)
Application Progress Templates
Coming soon...
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