The Illinois College of Optometry Student Blog

Every applicant is asked this question at some point on their optometric journey: “What made you want to go to optometry school?” After a while, the response becomes beautifully rehearsed, without any stumbling or “umm”s. As the application process continues, every applicant hopes that their reason is good enough for the interviewers. Over a recent weekend, I was asked by some prospective students why I wanted to go to optometry school and be an optometrist. I gave them the r

When I was first accepted to ICO, many of my professors and people I worked with told me how challenging it would be. The words went in one ear and out the other. I figured, “Well, everyone is different, and just because they say it will be hard doesn’t mean it’s something to stress over.” I still agree that it is important not to get too stressed. Now, though, having begun my second year, I also agree that it is definitely not easy. Something that has made my time at ICO a l

When I first chose Illinois College of optometry I pictured my future with my nose in the books and an extreme amount of debt. Studying to be the best student I could be, I had a one-track mind and saw no deviation from my plan. I focused on becoming the only type of optometrist I knew of: a primary care optometrist. What I did not know then, were the many opportunities I would be given to expand my interests and involvement to move beyond just a student. Since completion of

“What did you study and how did you prepare to apply?” Across the roundtable from me sat a second year college student–wide-eyed, curious and ambitious. She was considering applying to healthcare professional schools and was seeking my advice. In response to her question, I told her and everyone listening in that I majored in biological sciences and took classes to fulfill my prerequisites that included biology, chemistry, calculus and so on. In addition to the required cours

Drs. Roy and Associates is where my love for optometry started and grew. Back in 2009, I found their job posting on Craigslist for a technician, and I applied for the job to gain some patient exposure while making some extra income. I worked with six amazing optometrists, all ICO alums, who gave me wonderful insight and unique perspectives on the profession. After working as an optometric technician for over a year, I applied to ICO and follow in their optometric footsteps. T