The Illinois College of Optometry Student Blog

Hi, my name is Joe and I am a Californian. I find myself trying avocado on everything, thinking about the beach way too much, and probably saying “dude” or “radical” way more than the typical Midwesterner. My upbringing included lots of time near the water and watching surf movies. My favorite surf movie is Step Into Liquid. In the opening montage sequence of the movie, famous surfers share some thoughts. There are two quotes that have in been in mind a lot recently and how t

The notion of linear time may be nothing more than our minds’ way of categorizing information into a chronicle.* Theories suggest that “everything that has occurred, is occurring, and will occur is happening simultaneously. We see it happening in linear form simply to perceive it.” One year ago, I had only clinical observations and direct care entrance testing under my belt. Today, I see patients on my own at the Illinois Eye Institute. Whenever someone asks me how far along

Optometry school is quite the rollercoaster. At ICO, first year is the biggest hurdle. After that, anything seems possible. Students always want to know the next step as they continue throughout their journey to become optometrists. Will it ever get easier? Will I ever gain back some of that beloved ‘free’ time? What is it like to be one year closer to graduation? Although every student has their own perspective on the four-year endeavor, here is my take on maneuvering your w

We are half way through the first quarter of our first year of optometry school. This was also the end of the first of many weeks consisting of three exams. I can honestly say I never thought I could see myself getting through a week of three exams let alone the two we had last week and the three (or is it four?) that we have next week. Have you had your breakdown yet? I’m not talking about the quick little panic you had on your way to an exam or even the night you thought yo