The Illinois College of Optometry Student Blog

It’s my turn. Boards are just around the corner. In optometry school, the NBEO exams come in three parts. The first part, a test of your knowledge on classes taken while in school, is supposed to be the hardest.  In order to prepare, I’ve chosen to purchase a study tool called KMK. Part of the package is that live instructors come to the school for two weekends for a crash course in boards studying. Those weekends were some of the busiest and most stressful weekends I’ve had

With the dust of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) part I settling, and after taking a few weeks to recuperate, I can reflect on what I’ve learned- that is, both academically and also about where to caffeinate and concentrate in Chicago, IL. I’ve assembled a top 10 list of places I HIGHLY recommend to boost your energy, morale, and productivity. These are not listed in any particular order. Happy studying! Dollop Coffee Company – When you find yourself in ne

Some weeks ago, the fateful Part II boards score release day arrived. Anxiety took over. Then, relief set in. Viewing my results for Part II was just like it had been for I and III. I nervously clicked from the login page to the scores page, then peeked between my fingers to glimpse my marks in tiny print on a large grid. NBEO Part II reminded me of that little OAT exam we all took before entering ICO. In small groups on our own chosen day, we sat for the test at one of multi

Two done, one to go! Several weeks ago, I traveled with a handful of my classmates to North Carolina to take Part 3 of our board exams. Unlike Part 1, which we took in March, and Part 2, which we will take in a a couple of days in December (yikes!), Part 3 can be taken on a multitude of dates throughout the academic year. Finishing up Part 3 was exciting- just one more exam and then we’re all done with exams and even closer to that glorious end-point. Part 3 is akin to practi

The National Board Examiners In Optometry and the Canadian Assessment of Competence in Optometry exams were always a mystery to me. Until perhaps two months ago, all I knew was that I had to write some sort of exam that’s going to determine whether I get to practice my passion for the rest of my life. Although I’m Canadian, I chose to take the American boards to give myself more options when I graduate. Those of us taking the NBEOs begin the exam on March 19. The most influen