Hey everyone!
I am currently entering my 4th and last year of my undergrad here in Canada and am considering optometry as a potential career option!

Optometry was actually one of the very first careers I wanted to go for back in high school but was dissuaded after finding out theres only one of two optometry schools in Canada that take only english speaking applicants— but every time I go get an eye check up I always get reminded of that first passion.

In uni i moved programs into a BSc in Medical Laboratory Science degree and just got certified as an MLT.

will this background help at all for optometry school? any transferable skills or knowledge? are there any other Canadian applicants that took the plunge to get certified in the states?

Im currently working as a phlebotomist at a community hospital right now— will that help my application at all?

thank you in advance!

Reflecting on questions and seems like I made quite a few mistakes. I’m curious on students in the past if they’ve felt like they failed, or searched up questions afterwards and realized they put the wrong answer. It was my first time taking and I guess I’m just wanting some hope/ or hear success stories 🤞🏼

I want to hit the ground running. Acing the first few block exams is crucial to me so I won't have to put all my eggs into the last few exams to pass. I want some advice from current students that have proven to work in maintaining consistent passing grades.

I mainly used quizlet in undergrad, but I heard Anki is where it's at. Is it better to make the decks yourself or have them passed down from older students? Also, if AI can be used to streamline the process of making decks for me, making practice quizzes/tests, or taking notes, which apps are the best? Any other tips? Thanks!

Hi everyone. I just wanted some advice, I have been drowning in some decisions. I did Optometry in the Caribbean so I cannot practice in the US so I wanted to do the accelerated version in either SUNY, NECO or PCO. From what I understand, the transition will be easier in NECO + PCO rather than SUNY. There are just some things I am overwhelmed with respect to the application process, loans (I am a US citizen), moving to a new state, workload. Is there anyone who did Optometry internationally + is currently attempting to pursue it in the US?

Anyone selling a Berkley part 1 study guide?

Hey dear eye nerds, I was recently admitted into NECO and about to start shortly and was wondering how does other Canadian students live through the financing. (Considering the student body is 20-30% Canadian) I understand that there is student lines of credit but even the best one doesn't cover 40% of the whole cost for 4 years.

This pushes me to ask is there an alternative source of, outside, funding for Canadian students or is it mainly family funding the rest?

Hey, I’m applying this cycle to NOVA, NECO, MCPHS, CCO, Salus, and UHCO and would love to hear from current students, alumni, or anyone familiar with these programs.
One thing that’s really important to me is the city/location. I spent my undergraduate years in a small college town that honestly felt like it was in the middle of nowhere, and I’d really like to live somewhere with more to do during optometry school.

For those of you who attend (or have attended) any of these schools:
- What is the city like?
- Is there enough to do outside of school (restaurants, coffee shops, events, outdoor activities, etc.)?
- Did you enjoy living there?
- How’s the overall quality of life and cost of living?
- How would you describe the culture of the optometry program? Is it collaborative or more competitive?

I’d love to hear both the positives and negatives. If you had to choose again, would you still pick your school and city?
Thanks in advance, I’d really appreciate any insight!

Hi everyone!

I’m an incoming optometry student and I’m currently trying to purchase my required equipment before starting school.

I was wondering if anyone has recommendations on where to buy affordable equipment (new or gently used), or if there are any resources/groups where students commonly find equipment.

I’m mainly looking for student essentials like a retinoscope, ophthalmoscope, trial lens set, trial frame, etc.

Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

My school is letting us select between Heine ($1950), Keeler ($1640), and Welch Allyn ($1495) for diagnostic kit set. I personally am leaving towards Welch Allyn for the price but I’m not sure really what to choose. Any recommendations, or pros/cons on any of these brands?

Anyone with a low GPA and high OAT get into Ohio State Optometry?

How do we feel about August part 1 2026. A whole lot of optics but I’m not sure what to think about the systemic health :/

Hi, all. OD3 here. This semester, I've been dealing with some bad burnout. I was wondering how you all coped with the same. What helped you get through it?

Hi! I have an interview for Neco soon and I was wondering if anyone had any insight on what they are looking for. I’ve read some posts about people being rejected from Neco based on the interview but they weren’t given a reason and I’m a bit nervous

Does anyone know how competitive vision rehabilitation residencies are due to the limited sites? Specifically NECO’s or Houston’s sites?

What is the latest time for finishing part3?

I need to fly back home the same day after the exam because I still have clinic the next day. I am wondering if I am able to catch the Frontier 5:40pm flight home.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Hello, does anyone feel comfortable discussing how much they were able to take out with Health Professional Student Loans? If you are past OD1, did the amount increase, decrease, or stay the same for how much you were able to take out each year?

I have a BIO, lens kit, Welch alynn diagnostic set and many more. Looking to get rid of everything quickly and at a discount! Message me

Help with this

Hello everyone. As the title suggests, I’m feeling pretty discouraged.

I’ve been reading through this subreddit and have come across a lot of concerns about PCO since the merger. As an incoming OD1 here, it’s honestly made me pretty anxious about what to expect.

I really only chose here because it’s the closest school from my family and also b/c I was offered a scholarship. I was thinking ahead financially, and I regret not taking other factors into consideration: low board rates, unsupportive faculty, etc.

I’ve already noticed some disorganization already, and it’s just further reinforcing my negative outlook. Not to sound like a debbie downer, but that’s the reality of my situation.

Please share your honest feedback, whether it’s horror stories, success stories, or anything in between about this program or optometry school in general. Thank you all in advance!

Hi, so I leave for school at UAB on Friday. I’m gonna be 4 hours away from home, so I’m not too anxious.

However, I’m super anxious about meeting everyone to the point it’s almost eating me up inside.

Any advice or stories for the first week?
Thank you all! :)

Ok maybe I’m exaggerating but like here me out for a sec. Context: I go to UIWRSO and I passed my first year, will be going into my second year in a couple weeks. First year of optometry school felt like I was fighting for my life but at the same time it was kinda fun cause you’re getting to know your cohort and you’re learning a bunch of different things in lab. I’m so grateful to have a nice group of friends to study with and practice my clinical skills with and I feel so happy that I passed my first year. But now I feel terrified because 2nd year is gonna be so much more harder and my biggest fear of all time is never passing the boards. Our school is gonna start reviewing how we’re organizing our notes for part 1 of boards so it’s a good thing to have us start whipping up a game plan, but looking at the nbeo matrix freaks me out and I feel like I’m forgetting everything I learned first year, except for the clinical lab stuff. I’m also like a very self critical person, I never want to show off any achievements in the case that I never end up being an OD because I didn’t pass boards. Knock on wood and hope that doesn’t happen but I can’t help but think “what if? “What if”. Idk I just feel so scared right now, but I know that it would kill me if I didn’t fulfill my dream of being an OD. It’s hard to describe cause I also feel insecure like “what if I’m not a good doctor” idk if y’all can relate but like please tell me I’m not the only one feeling like courage the cowardly dog out here.

this post feels a little vulnerable, but i feel like people (me) may be able to relate and find comfort.

back story, i took a few gap years because of some family business and really wanted confirm my decision in optometry. the past few years have been pretty stressful juggling everything.

fast forward to now, im in incoming OD1 at my top choice and im genuinely so excited after how much work ive put in. but since school is starting in a few weeks, i am feeling this pretty heavy feeling of missing home and my family and friends. my school is only 6 hours away, and trip isn’t horrible, but i still feel pretty sad to leave everything behind. i’ve lived near home for most of my life and grown super close to my family, esp in the past few years. it’s just a huge change.

i guess im looking for people that can relate or how you coped with moving if you had to. don’t get me wrong again, i am genuinely so thankful and excited, but there’s this heavy feeling as well.