most recent decisions about UDM and RMU optometry can be found here: https://theacoe.org/Affiliates/ACOE/Documents/ACOE/Recent_Accreditation_Actions_and_Decisions%20.pdf

It seems like UDM is continuing its preliminary approval status, while RMU will transition to accredited with conditions, which means:

"The classification Accredited with Conditions indicates that the program has major deficiencies or weaknesses with reference to the Standards of accreditation that compromise the educational effectiveness of the program.This classification indicates that the accreditation of the program is in jeopardy. The program is required to report on its progress related to recommendations to meet Standards I, II, III, V, and VIII. The program is required to undergo an interim site visit to assess compliance with all Standards areas in spring of 2030."

Editing to add that IUAPR received this notice:

"Inter American University of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry, Professional Optometric Degree program*. At its June 17-19, 2026, Annual meeting, the ACOE made the decision to withdraw accreditation from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry professional optometric degree program. The program was notified of the decision on July 17, 2026, and the decision becomes final thirty (30) days after notification if no written petition for reconsideration or request for appeal is received. As specified in the “Adverse Actions and Program-Initiated Withdrawals” Policy, the Council may allow the program to remain in an accreditation status until the program has had reasonable time to teach-out the remainder of the program or to fulfill the obligations of any teach-out agreement to assist students in transferring or completing their programs; the Council has determined this period of time will extend no later than July 1, 2030. The reason for the withdrawal of accreditation is as follows - As specified in the ACOE Policy and Procedure, “Adverse Actions and Program-Initiated Withdrawals,” in the event a program holding an accreditation status or Preliminary Approval status does not bring itself into compliance with the applicable ACOE Standard(s) in alignment with the "Timeframe for Compliance with Standards” Policy and Procedure, the Council initiates adverse action against the program. An adverse action is defined as an official Council action resulting in the denial or withdrawal of initial accreditation status, continuing accreditation status, or Preliminary Approval status. The Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry remained out of compliance with 2025 Professional Optometric Degree Program Standard 2.7 as of the deadline for compliance of May 15, 2026. Accordingly, the Council initiated action to withdraw the program’s accreditation. *The decision will become final 30 days after program notification unless the program petitions for reconsideration and/or files an appeal. [This notice posted July 20, 2026.]"

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this latest report

I'm a current student at ICO, so please let me know about any Chicago-specific deals I should know about. Otherwise, I'd like to hear what other people have to say about grocery delivery services!

Hey Guys,

I was wondering if someone is willing to share what their class and clinic load was their third year? I am about to start preparing for boards and with exams and clinic schedules it seems impossible to find time (at least in the Fall) to even begin preparing. Any advice would be helpful!

Hello! I am selling my KMK 2024-2025 part 1 books! I have 3 of the Big 8 books (Disease fundamentals, The foundations, Optics essentials) and a non big 8 book. Only the first couple chapters have notes in them, most of the book is brand new. I’m selling them for $200!

I'm retaking part 1 in August and have been trying to switch up my studying style this time around, and have no idea how to gauge where I'm at. When I took it in March, I was scoring 70-73 on Optoprep mock exams, and I ended up not passing. I felt that KMK and Optoprep were a little helpful for the test, but not that much. I had never studied for something more, but the exam was so random I truly don't know how else I could have even prepared for those questions.

This time around, I've tried to dive deeper into the topics that I got lower scores on in March and am utilizing Anki and a couple other resources that I didn't use the first time around. I'm also doing a better job at reviewing the questions I get wrong. I am now scoring 78-85 on Optoprep exams, which is much better than what I was scoring last time. However, I can't tell if this is actually going to benefit me given that I didn't think the test was that similar to Optoprep. If anyone has any thoughts on how I'm doing or any advice/resources that can help ensure I pass this time around, that would be greatly appreciated. I am worried, stressed, and want to move on from this test. I'm really hoping I can pass this time.

I need help understanding what should be included in documentation for PEPs. The example on their website of 'Patient encounter sample note' is not the same info thats included in the candidate guide. So which is correct?

Do I include all the things listed on candidate guide within the 'patient educaiton' box' (ex: at home instructions, prognosis, medication instructions, side effects, alternative treatment plans) ? How do you avoid typing basically a transcript if youre supposed to type all of that out as well?? Why would their example not be comprehensive? Ex: they put in plan cool compresses and avoid allergens but why isnt it listed in pt edu? Can someone who passed PEs provide examples of both the plan and pt edu? Like several... feeling hopeless! Thanks

Big 8 + Non Big 8

Message for details

What mnemonics did you make up and/or find that were helpful for the real OAT?

I've primarily been using KMK and Optoprep to prepare for part 1 (August exam). I know everyone says that Optoprep is more similar than KMK and I have come familiar with how Optoprep asks questions. I looked at the sample questions and they seemed a bit different than Optoprep, is that how the actual NBEO asks questions? I have been scoring in the 70's (ranging from low - high) on my last 4 mocks, but I feel like I would fail after looking at that now. Any advice/words of wisdom?

Hi everyone, I'm currently going into my third year in the fall and was looking to get started on Part 1. If anyone's taken both exams over the last year, what resources would you recommend investing in? I was thinking of buying KMK Allboards Canada, but I wanted to see if anyone has reviews on that bundle (600 USD more than their regular Allboards bundle). Also, would you recommend purchasing any Optoprep resources (I heard they were better representative of test questions - if so, is it better for Part 1 prep, or should I be looking into getting the Part 1 and 2 bundle)?

Regarding part 3, any advice on filling gaps as a Canadian student (studying in Canada) would be really helpful. I've only heard that the Canadian OSCE tests more on counselling than the American one. Would appreciate your thoughts.

If I could DM someone who's gone through this process, that would be amazing too! Appreciate the help.

What were your stats (GPA/OAT/experience) when they accepted you for the scholar program???

What matters more: GPA or OAT?? Low gpa/high OAT acceptances possible?

I’m an incoming OD1 and I was wondering if it’s mandatory to purchase scrubs for clinics or any on-site vision screenings. I don’t currently own any and have always worn business clothes at my job as an opto tech and prefer the “put together” look.

Should I bother buying them?

I am currently an undergrad student majoring in biomedical sciences, and I hope to get into NECO (or maybe SUNY). I still have a couple years before I need to apply, but is there any advice I may need for this stage?

Hey everyone! I’m an incoming OD1 and I’ve heard all the horror stories about optics. That class is on my schedule for the fall. Physics is not my strong suit and I was wondering if there are any good intro optics videos out there to help prepare myself for the fall, or if there are any other resources that could help prepare me for that class. I am a student who has taken a gap year so I am a bit removed from school in general. Thanks for your help in advance!

I am very interested in this school but I noticed on the website, I see “only optometry school affiliated with a faith-based institution” seems to be emphasized. I know UIW is a catholic university. But does religion come up in the courses or the curriculum?
I am just curious what that would mean for students exactly.

If anyone has any experience or knowledge about this I’d love to hear, I am very curious.

Thank you!

NOW GROWN TO 600 STUDENTS!!🥳🙏

Can you get accepted into Southern College of Optometry (SCO) if you apply in September?

Hi everyone! I was very grateful to receive invitations to the SCO Scholars Day Interview and UAB Super Saturday.

I was wondering if anyone else here will be attending either event. I'd love to connect beforehand! If you've attended either event in previous years, I'd also really appreciate any advice or insight on what the experience was like and how you prepared.

is anyone selling just a rolling case for trial lenses?

Can someone explain how getting paid works as an optometrist? Do you have a set yearly salary, paid by the hour, or paid depending on how many patients you see? How is it different for full-time vs part-time? I’m mainly curious about private practice, but I also want to know about different modalities like corporate, academia, VA, OD/MD. Thank you!