During a morning in late February, I had one of those inspiring career moments. This one came via an ASCO Eye Opener Session – my first. A few weeks prior, I had scanned the QR code linking me to the ASCO Eye Opener (https://www.eyeopenersession.org/) campaign which is a complement to ASCO’s Optometry Gives Me Life campaign (https://futureeyedoc.org). The Eye Opener Sessions bring together a Doctor of Optometry and a potential optometry student looking for mentorship and/or shadowing opportunities. I filled in a few boxes with my name, email, location – it took less than two minutes total. I ..read more

written by Trey Ketchum, OD LT, MSC, USN Optometry Department Head USNS Mercy I graduated from Southern College of Optometry (SCO) with the class of 2021. While I was riveted by every lecture that graced my eyes and ears, I admit there were brief moments when my mind wandered towards thoughts outside the classroom. In these milliseconds my thoughts often drifted towards how my career and opportunities might differ from my soon-to-be Doctor of Optometry colleagues. Prior to my acceptance to SCO, I was fortunate to apply and be selected for the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program. Thoug ..read more

A Short Conversation with Dr. Elder Dr. Elder chatted with ASCO’s Director of Communications, Kimberly O’Sullivan to talk about her becoming the Editor of ASCO’s Online Journal, Optometric Education (OE). ASCO: Dr. Elder, congratulations on becoming the Editor of our Journal, Optometric Education. Before we talk about the Journal, people may not know that you are the new(ish) Dean of UMSL, and more importantly you are the first Black/African American woman to be appointed Dean of an ASCO institution. Congratulations and what an historic achievement. Dr. Elder: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you ..read more

written by Maddie Arbaugh, former ASCO intern In June of 2017, ASCO produced a video while onsite at Optometry’s Meeting in Washington, D.C. entitled, “Why I Chose the Profession of Optometry”. It shows former students talking about why they chose optometry as their profession. We thought it would be a good time to revisit everyone and see where they are now. First was Dr. Christopher Lopez. Now we catch up with Dr. A. Philip Aitsebaomo. A. Philip Aitsebaomo, OD, PhD graduated from optometry school at Indiana University in 1981. He currently owns a private optometric practice in Houston, whi ..read more

A Short Conversation with Dr. Mark Colip, ASCO President During ASCO’s Annual Business meeting in June, ASCO swears in a new President for the upcoming 12 months. This year, Dr. Mark Colip was sworn in as ASCO’s President. Dr. Mark Colip is currently serving as President of Illinois College of Optometry (ICO). As testament to his values, passion, and vision, ICO’s Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Colip as the right President for ICO in 2018. He had worked closely with three previous presidents of ICO and had been involved in many phases of ICO’s development. Prior to his inaugurati ..read more

written by Maddie Arbaugh, former ASCO intern In June of 2017, ASCO produced a video while onsite at Optometry’s Meeting in Washington, D.C. entitled, “Why I Chose the Profession of Optometry”. It shows former students talking about why they chose optometry as their profession. We thought it would be a good time to revisit everyone and see where they are now. First up is Dr. Christopher Lopez. Learn more about him below. Dr. Lopez graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2018. He is currently working successfully as a Doctor of Optometry, but this career was not always ..read more

written by former ASCO intern, Maddie Arbaugh ASCO launched its Eye on Diversity Speaker Series late last year and I am happy I was able to watch Mr. Ali’s presentation live. Writer and speaker, Wajahat Ali, spoke on his experience growing up Muslim-American and the impact that this has had on his life, focusing particularly on the distrust and discrimination that the Muslim community was faced with during the time of 9/11. This topic was very interesting because it allowed me to see from a different perspective than my own and that of many others that have not had this kind of experience. I ..read more

Our previous blog post, written by our former intern Michelle Vaca (OD1) includes 10 tips for tackling optometry school that she received from upperclassmen optometry students. Michelle focused on sharing tips about academics in Part 1, and Part 2 includes remainders for student’s overall well-being. Take a look below: Stay positive, stay focused During optometry school, you will have days where you fail a test, miss a skill, and overall will feel like a failure; but don’t give up! Always remember your purpose and why you chose optometry school. If you stay motivated, little hiccups won’t hu ..read more

As a new school year is about to begin, thousands of students will be starting their journeys to become optometrists. Through social media and in-person interactions, former ASCO intern Michelle Vaca (an incoming OD1) had the chance to talk to multiple upperclassmen optometry students from across the country. Michelle asked them what is one tip they would give an incoming optometry student and she has compiled a top 10 list of tips they shared for tackling optometry school. Make sure to check back to our blog soon as more tips get revealed! Take advantage of your school’s resources Most opto ..read more

written by Madeleine Arbaugh ASCO Communications Intern Editor’s Note: the below blog post was written about undergraduate students and how they are affected by and coping with the pandemic. Optometry students, or future students, could have similar thoughts and concerns. If you, or someone you know, is feeling suicidal, please dial 988 to reach The Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. When Camille started her first year ..read more