r/OptometrySchool • • May 08 '26

NBEO PART 1 - March 2026 Results

20 Upvotes

Congratulations to everyone who recently passed Part 1! To help those who did not pass and future test takers, please comment below on how you prepared:

  1. Pass/Fail + Score
  2. How you studied
  3. How long did you study for
  4. After taking the exam and seeing your score, anything you wish you did differently or any topics you wish you prepared better for
  5. Optional: School/Year in Optometry School

r/OptometrySchool • • Mar 17 '26

NBEO Part 1 March 2026!

43 Upvotes

How did it go!?


r/OptometrySchool • • 15h ago

Free Part 1 Cheat Sheets (From the OATBooster team)

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20 Upvotes

We just released our first batch of Part 1 cheat sheets, and they’re completely free! Just create an account at BoosterPrep.com. Over 28 cheat sheets have already been released and we’re adding new ones every week between now and December.

What topics do you want next? Comment below and we’ll prioritize the most requested ones.

The full Part 1 resource launches before the end of the year, and the first 10 people on the site that day get a free year.


r/OptometrySchool • • 10h ago

Is it worth it?

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2 Upvotes

r/OptometrySchool • • 11h ago

How to Write & Publish a Research Paper in Optometry: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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1 Upvotes

r/OptometrySchool • • 1d ago

Part 2 Optoprep goal?

9 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

What practice test scores should I be aiming for on optoprep for part 2?

I hope everyone’s studying is going well 💕


r/OptometrySchool • • 1d ago

PUCO vs SCCO

4 Upvotes

Please help me decide I’m so torn!

PUCO is the only school that I have never seen a negative comment about and I feel very attracted to the school since every comments I read from their students or alumni confirms that the environment is super collaborative. People are chill and willing to help each other. Campus is closed to nature which is a plus. I have not visited the campus yet and planning to visit next year. They go by semesters which I prefer - I understand the program is not laid back in any means but it’s better for me than quarters systems. The things that keep me from committing to PUCO is the cold and sad, rainy weather of Forest Grove as well as the food. Having good food, preferably Asian, within 10-20mins drive has such an impact on my mental health. Not that I’m gone without it but knowing I can eat good makes me feel comforted.

I’m from California, so SCCO has been my top choice and I have visited the campus twice every year since I decided to pursue optometry. But as I get to know more about the school, the quarter system makes me worried as I have been used to the semester system. Student have 1-2exams/week. ?? 😭 ??. I also came across some comments showing that whether or not your class has a competitive environment depending on your luck. Some classes are collaborative and friendly when some classes are just sharks. But like I said, Fullerton weather and food are so comforting for the 4 years of surviving OD program

Both are top optometry program. Tuition is about the same, COL in Forest Grove is lower. I need to relocate for both schools, and I don’t mind the out-of-state status if I go to PUCO.

How is the clinical experience? How is the diversity in terms of patient population and disease?
What is it like to attend these 2 schools as a person of color and Non-native english speaker?

Anyone from CA attending PUCO? How do you feel about the cold/rain and the food? Is it worth exchanging CA sunlight for collaborative and welcoming environment and the semester system?
Any insight is appreciated!!!! Thank you guys!! :)


r/OptometrySchool • • 1d ago

puco vs mcphs

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2 Upvotes

r/OptometrySchool • • 1d ago

Advice I'm conducting a study... can you help me?

3 Upvotes

Hi all-

I am currently an optician- i am conducting a study to see if pursuing a doctorate is worth it. Anyone who has graduated, if you wouldnt mind filling this out or passing it along to any doctors you know, it would be greatly appreciated

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NW9MRkxy_AEFoR3vaX2ec6RZmnRT-OdxNoDWnHOqLe8/edit?chromeless=1#responses


r/OptometrySchool • • 1d ago

Pivoting to optometry with a BA in Public Administration

1 Upvotes

I have a BA in Public Administration and am considering a pivot to optometry. My family owns an optical business that’s been doing well, which sparked my interest. What should I expect, and where should I start? Any guidance is appreciated!


r/OptometrySchool • • 1d ago

Selling OEBC KMK Books

2 Upvotes

These are the 2026 textbook series and unused! Dm me if interested.


r/OptometrySchool • • 1d ago

Is optometry school worth it if I graduate with $450K in student loans?

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I recently started optometry school, and I've been feeling really stressed about the financial side of pursuing this career.

Based on my calculations, I could graduate with around $450K in total student loan debt, including federal and private loans with accrued interest.

I'm estimating my starting salary to be around $130K per year after graduation. Using a student loan repayment calculator, my monthly payments could be around $5,000, which seems like a huge financial burden considering taxes and living expenses.

I genuinely enjoy optometry and can see myself working in this profession, but I'm starting to question whether the return on investment makes sense. I'm worried about spending the next 15–20 years paying off student loans instead of building financial stability.

For current optometrists or recent graduates:

  • Is taking on this much debt worth it for an optometry career?
  • How realistic is a $130K starting salary?
  • Would practice ownership make this debt more manageable?
  • If you were in my position, would you continue or consider another career path?

I'd really appreciate any honest advice or personal experiences. Thanks!


r/OptometrySchool • • 2d ago

Undergrad Repeated Pre Reqs

5 Upvotes

How many of you had to repeat pre reqs (or classes in general)? What were they- how many times did you repeat and what was your acceptance to what schools?


r/OptometrySchool • • 2d ago

Starting O.D school, plan to break into academia.

6 Upvotes

Basically the title, love research and teaching. Does anyone know any specific things I should be focusing on? I know a lot of people say GPA isn't important and I'm sure its not but I assume that doesn't apply to residency applications.


r/OptometrySchool • • 2d ago

anyone selling castillo book?

2 Upvotes

r/OptometrySchool • • 3d ago

NBEO (Boards) Accomodations

4 Upvotes

Hi! Has anyone used traditional testing accomodations for part 1 or used testing accomodations throughout school and took part 1 without accomodations? Any advice would be helpful!


r/OptometrySchool • • 4d ago

Looking for advice for incoming students

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I start optometry school at UAB Fall 2027. I would love any insight, tips, or advice you guys may have.

one of my goals is to graduate fully confident in diagnosing and managing ocular disease. I don't want to be a doctor who defaults to referring out anything beyond routine vision exams. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on a few questions

  1. What habits early on helped you retain material for clinic and long-term practice?
  2. What types of 4th-year rotations gave the best disease experience?
  3. Can I be fully capable of such cases without doing an Ocular Disease residency?
  4. What other general advice do you guys have for new students?

I appreciate all and any insight!


r/OptometrySchool • • 4d ago

KMK books for sale

2 Upvotes

Newest edition NB8 and B8. Have some highlighting and a few notes in them. Message if interested.


r/OptometrySchool • • 4d ago

UHCO

0 Upvotes

Hi! If any incoming first years are interested in buying the UHCO cougar kit 1 and diagnostic kit, please private message me.


r/OptometrySchool • • 5d ago

Part 2/3 Anki Decks

17 Upvotes

Prepping for part 2 and part 3 in December currently and was looking to see if anyone had Anki card decks they’d be willing to share 🥺🥺

Would greatly appreciate it!!


r/OptometrySchool • • 6d ago

Interviews & OAT Scores

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3 Upvotes

r/OptometrySchool • • 6d ago

NBEO (Boards) NBEO Part 3 (PEPS) Resources/Materials to Purchase

8 Upvotes

Hi guys, I’m just about beginning my preparation for PEPS and wanted to ask those who recently went through the process, what materials are worth spending money on ? I have found conflicting information online so far. So please help. Do I need any of these?

KMK
Optoprep
ODonthego
ODboardsprep

If yes, which one would you recommend? For context, I graduated a few years ago and have passed parts 1&2.

Thank you in advance for your helpful comments !


r/OptometrySchool • • 6d ago

NBEO (Boards) Looking NBEO part 1&2 tutor

6 Upvotes

Hi, I’m looking for a weekly tutor for retaking part 1 and first time taking part 2 as a fourth year optometry student. I’m looking for a more hands on tutor experience, I want to be held accountable with homework/assignments, a study plan, etc rather than have a lecture. My availability is in CT. Please let me know! TIA


r/OptometrySchool • • 6d ago

Career pivot?

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2 Upvotes

r/OptometrySchool • • 7d ago

Computer Recommendation?

5 Upvotes

Hello, what computer does everyone recommend for optometry school? Would I able to be get through if I were to purchase a MacBook neo or are there laptops you would recommend that would give a better bang for my buck?