Company Name: Rev360

Courtney Park, U.S. Navy Ensign, Health Professions Scholarship Recipient for Optometry Class of 2021

If this isn’t your first time reading ASCO’s Eye on Optometry blog, you know about the variety and versatility a career in optometry has to offer. The list of potential positions and practice settings is quite long. In just one of the possible settings, academia, which is the focus of this post, a future optometrist has multiple roles to aspire to. For example, faculty members at schools and colleges of optometry include basic science and clinical science professors or instructors. Optometrists teaching in any of these positions may also conduct research or supervise optometry students or residents as they see patients as part of their Doctor of Optometry degree program or residency. Some optometrists work part-time as clinical faculty members while working in another practice setting outside academia. Optometrists may also teach in departments of ophthalmology at medical schools or work with departments of ophthalmology in a hospital setting. In addition, some U.S. Veterans Health Administration hospitals are affiliated with academic institutions, which allows optometrists who are employed there to maintain faculty appointments. Leadership roles, which are often part of a school, college or university administration, are also available to optometrists in academia. Types of positions in this category include Dean of Students, Director of Admissions, Vice President for Student, Alumni and College Development, Vice President for Research, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Director of Internship Programs. 

Pre-Optometry Clubs are an excellent way for prospective optometry students to learn more about the optometry field and develop their interests. Pre-Optometry clubs can help undergraduate students in their application processes as well as help them gain mentors who share their same passions. Often, Pre-Optometry clubs can provide opportunities for students to make lasting impacts on their campus, in their local communities, or in communities around the globe. Senior Jackie Nguyen of University of California San Diego (UCSD) and sophomore Bibi Barase of San Diego State University (SDSU) shared with ASCO how their clubs are making a difference in their communities. 

Each July, ASCO swears in a new President to serve for the year. This year’s President, Dr. David Damari, sat down with ASCO’s Intern, Amanda Howarth, and Director of Communications, Kimberly O’Sullivan to talk about the next twelve months.

Dr. David A. Damari is the Dean at Ferris State University Michigan College of Optometry. Prior to his appointment as Dean, he was a professor at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) and the Chair of the Department of Assessment, responsible for institutional review, measures of academic outcomes, and regional and professional accreditation. He is a Fellow and past president of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Jack L. Schaeffer, OD, FAAO, has such a remarkable passion for optometry as a career that his enthusiasm has proven to be contagious. The success of the 18-location (and still growing!) full-scope eye care practice he founded in Alabama is built upon his love for the profession, an unwavering commitment to his patients, and the core values of "science, style and service." All along the way, Dr. Schaeffer has lectured, written articles, participated in clinical trials, and shared his insights as a member of industry advisory boards. He has inspired many others to become optometrists, and all three of his children ultimately decided to attend optometry school. Dr. Brooke Schaeffer Kaplan, a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, and Dr. Mark Schaeffer, a Southern College of Optometry graduate, are both working in this practice, and David Schaeffer is currently at Illinois College of Optometry and will join it upon completion of a residency. 

Written By:  Amanda Howarth, ASCO Intern

Four months ago I joined the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry as an intern, and I could not be happier with my decision. In my short time here, I cannot believe how many new skills I’ve gained and how much I’ve learned about the field of optometry. Knowing virtually nothing about optometry before I started working here, I am leaving with a greater knowledge and appreciation of just how important the work of an optometrist is. I was surprised to learn how many daily activities and habits can influence eye health and that so many of us, including myself, are unaware of common, eye-damaging behaviors. Even though I am not planning on becoming a medical professional, I feel optometry is an exciting field to enter, with the opportunity to truly make impactful changes on patients’ lives.

Compared to undergraduate school, a health professions education such as a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree program involves a heavier course load, more challenging material and a more serious commitment. Students really invest themselves and work hard to eventually experience the
stability, flexibility, desirable income and personal satisfaction of an optometric career. But that doesn’t mean optometry school is all slit lamps and studying. If you’re about to begin your optometric education, you can also expect to have a fun, gratifying and refreshing social life.

This line from the great British song writer is so descriptive of Optometry’s newest institution. A mountain of stone was taken down inch by inch. As long as it has taken education to be reborn in
central Appalachia, so it seems the time and effort has stretched beyond our original imaginings of a school in an area comprised of both unserved and underserved vision care.

In 2016, when President Obama’s daughter Malia decided to take a “gap year” between high school and college, it was widely reported and drew a lot of attention to the concept. College graduates, too, can consider taking a gap year before moving on to graduate or professional school, including optometry school. This is something optometry school admissions officials say they’re seeing more often.