The Illinois College of Optometry Student Blog

Fall quarter is stressful. Why? Maybe it is just me, but this quarter has been busy. My exam schedule goes as follows: September 26: NBEO Part 3 November 2: Canadian Boards Part 1 December 7: NBEO Part 2. Much to my surprise, I started studying for Canadian Part 1/NBEO part 2 the second week of Fall quarter. I have already finished KMK and am now concentrating on topics more specific to Canadian boards (check for a future blog on the differences and how to prepare!) However

Warning: Some of the images below are graphic and viewer discretion is advised. Images consist of ocular injections and laser procedures. What do third years do in lab now that we are all pros at clinical exams? We practice all types of injections on each other and try out different lasers (not on each other). Lets just say, labs during the last quarter of third year are not for the faint of heart, especially for those afraid of needles. Optometrists being able to perform las

In third year at ICO, you see a variety of exam types. Some people prefer one type over the other, but why? What are the benefits and disadvantages of both? Do you learn more from one or the other? First, I’ll explain the two main types of exams. Comprehensive exams are the typical exams you think of when you go to an eye doctor. It is usually an annual eye exam that includes basic screening tests, figuring out a prescription, and dilating the eyes to make sure everything is

It’s the word that still makes your heart skip a beat and your hands slightly tremble. The one that makes the palm of your hands sweat, and your anxiety kick into high gear. Every ICO student, from first year to third, knows that the pressure never goes away when you hear the word ‘practical.’ It always starts off overwhelming for me. I have to create a mental speech, or even physical script, to ensure that I hit all the objectives. Next, I have to make sure I actually know h

Joffrey Nutcracker For my birthday, my boyfriend surprised me with tickets to the Nutcracker. Unfortunately, it was probably a bigger surprise to him; he didn’t realize it was a ballet! As the first act started, I watched the little mice dance around the house. I was amazed at how such little children can be so talented, and how they can remember all the dance moves they have to do. Of course, getting in front of five people for a presentation makes me feel sick, so I was nev