Meeting Minutes
Autumn Quarter 2011
Meet and Greet: September 20th, 2011
1. Members were introduced to each of the club officers:
* Advisor: Sally Haltom
Shaltom@optometry.osu.edu
(Sally will be introduced and present at First General Meeting)
* President: Elizabeth Brubaker
Brubaker.83@osu.edu
* Vice President: Michelle Miller
Miller.4587@osu.edu
*Corresponding Secretary: Jenny Conn
Conn.76@osu.edu
Kohler.115@osu.edu
* Treasurer: Andy Reed
Reed.824@osu.edu
*Historian: Sarah Chinchic
Chinchic.1@osu.edu
*Publicity Chair: Kartina Frey
Frey.177@osu.edu
*Social Chair: Taylor McGann
McGann.24@osu.edu
*Community Service Chair: Chelsea Devitt
Devitt.9@osu.edu
*Fundraising Chair: Kelsey Krempasky
Krempasky.5@osu.edu
*Clinical Chair: Jon Giacalone
Giacalone.4@osu.edu
2. Members took part in ice breakers and other get-to-know-you activities
3. Club dues are $25- please give to Andy REED ASAP. The checks can be made out to "OSU Pre- Optometry Club"
4. Selling OAT material provided by past Kaplan OAT Students.
1st General Meeting: October 4th, 2011
1. Introduction to Club, by Club Advisor Sally Haltom and Club President Elizabeth Brubaker. 2. General Announcements * Club T-Shirts are $8. Pay Elizabeth and give her your size ASAP. Shirts should be arriving within the next two meetings. *Pre-Optometry Club Intramural Volleyball Team-?The Eyeballers?-plays Monday nights at 8:30pm at the Arc. Please email Taylor McGann if interested. * Club dues for the year are $25. Please pay Andy Reed. * East/West Eye Conference is October 21-22. You must register online and student cost is $40. Please register ad let Elizabeth know you have registered by Friday October 7. * Eyes on Health is a club on campus that gives students the opportunity to receive clinical experience while working with patients. Contact Jenny Conn or Kaity Kohler if you have questions or want to join. * Sunnie Ewing from Southern College of Optometry will be coming to Ohio State on Monday October 10 at 5:30pm. Location is Student Alumni Council Room in the Ohio Union. Sunnie will be giving information on SCO. *Jon Burt is selling his OAT materials. If interested please contact him at burt,1830@osu.edu.
2. Members filled out information sheets about themselves and what they are looking for with the Pre-Optometry Club. If you forgot to turn it in please give to Elizabeth at the next meeting.
3. Students were given a tour of the Optometry School by the Optometry Ambassadors. Ambassadors shared information with students about the school, applying, OAT, and answered any other questions students had.
2nd General Meeting: October 18th, 2011
1. Dr. Micheal Earley, Chief of Pediatrics and Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs at the Ohio State Optometry School spoke to members. * Teaches Anatomy courses to first year optometry students. * At the end of their first year of optometry school, OSU students take part in a program entitled Keystone. It is a 5 day course that encompasses 40 hours of working with patient data. Students work in groups and are given different patient cases and then have to present on them. It teaches students to not only learn but how to utilize what they have learned. * Dr. Earley teaches spatial vision courses to 2nd year optometry students. * Spoke on differences between Optometry and Ophthalmology. - Optometry deals with the functional aspects of vision - Ophthalmology deals with pathology aspects of vision * Spoke on how optometrists work with dyslexia patients and Vision Disorders. -Dyslexia is defined as someone who reads at a level 2 standard deviations lower than their IQ. -People are born with a preference for faces but not a word unit in brain. -Originally people thought that if you suffered from Dyslexia it is because you were born without a Posterior Language Center. It is now known that no one is born with a Posterior Language Center. - Optometrists are experts in eye movements who work with patients to help patients that struggle with vision disorders. -5-10% of students have properly diagnosed ADD. -34% of people with a vision disorder are diagnosed with ADD instead of diagnosing their vision disorder. *Low Vision Clinic -Age Related Macular Degeneration -Major complaints of patients is they can't read or drive -Low vision clinic works with patients to help them find ways to improve their quality of life. *OSU is a research institute. -90% of students at OSU Optometry School don't participate in research. -Those who don't participate in research are still able to benefit from those at the College who are doing research because they are learning all current material. * How do you handle children who are difficult or not respectful? -Have fun with it! -You have a limited window of time that you will have the child's attention. Don't make small talk with parents, get right to the exam. -Bond with kids and talk to kids about things they are interested in. -Must use objective tests over subjective tests. -Turn the tests into games. -Be careful to find a balance between having fun and maintaining the situation. *East West -In Ohio there is a mandatory requirement for continuing education of 25 hours each year. -Ohio Optometric Association holds a regional conference. -700-800 doctors; Opticians are present as well. -Takes place at Cleveland Convention Center. -Follows many different tracts; such as low vision, contacts, and pediatrics. -Friday night party at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bad Habits is a band of Optometrists who play at the party. -Great opportunity for networking!!! * There are currently around 2500 active optometrists in Ohio. * Dr. Earley's advice was to find something that you love to be successful.
2. Club T-shirts are $8. Give money to Elizabeth or Andy and mark down your size. People going to East/West will receive their shirts on Friday. Those who play in the intramural will receive their shirts on Monday. All others will receive their shirts at the 3rd General Meeting.
3. The Pre-Optometry Club Intramural Volleyball Team- ?The Eyeballers?- plays on Monday nights at 8:30pm in the Arc on West Campus. It takes about 45 minutes and is a lot of fun! We need more guys to play! In order to play we need at least 3 guys and 3 girls and this week we had to find random guys at the gym to play. PLEASE COME!!! Remember to bring your buck-id! If you have any questions please email Taylor McGann at mcgann.24@osu.edu.
4. Pay Club dues to Andy Reed. They are $25.00.
5. East/West Eye Conference is October 21-22. We have 9 students going and representing the Pre-Optometry Club at OSU.
6. We will be having a social event with the Pre-Pharmacy club on Tuesday October 25 at 8pm at BW3's on High and Lane. It will be a great chance to get to know each other better as well as get to know some other Pre-Health people who are likely in many of our classes. Ask for the Pre-Optometry, Pre-Pharmacy club social when you get there and the hostess will show you where our table is. 7. The Select Optical Trip with be taking place on November 9. The time will be approximately 10:30-12:00 with a possible lunch to follow. You will be receiving an email with the exact times. 8. Our Third General Meeting will take place on Tuesday November 1 at 6:30pm. Dr. Joan Nerderman will be teaching some basic anatomy of the eye as we are dissecting cow eyeballs!!! We will be in the Optometry School but you will be getting an email telling you the exact room.
9. If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to email Elizabeth at brubaker.83@buckeyemail.osu.edu or any of the other officers.
1. Representative of buckeyethon, an organization that helps to raise money for children with cancer, came to speak about an opportunity for members to participate in an all night dance-a-thon. If you are interested visit buckeyethon.osu.edu
2. Dr. Joan Nerderman led members in the dissection of a cow eyeball. Terminology Discussed: * Cornea: the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. * Aqueous Humour: a thick watery substance filling the space between the lens and the cornea. * Pupil: a hole located in the center of the iris of the eye that allows light to enter the retina. * Iris: a thin, circular structure in the eye, responsible for controlling the diameter and size of the pupils and thus the amount of light reaching the retina. * Lens: transparent, biconvex structure in the eye that, along with the cornea, helps to refract light to be focused on the retina. * Vitreous Humour: clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina of the eyeball of humans and other vertebrates. * Retina: a light-sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye. * Optic Nerve: transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.
3. You can pick up your club T-shirt from Elizabeth. Cost is $8 if you didn?t pre-pay. 4. The Eyeballers? is the Pre-Optometry Club Intramural Volleyball Team. We meet Monday nights at 8:30pm in the ARC on West Campus. Games take about 45 minutes. We are undefeated and only one game away from the playoffs. If you want to play or just want to come cheer on the team contact Taylor McGann at McGann.24@osu.edu. 5. Club Dues are $25. Pay to Andy Reed as soon as possible 6. Select Optical Trip is Wednesday, November 9. We will be meeting at 9:30am and will be returning between 12:30 and 1pm. If you are interested contact Michelle Miller at miller.4587@osu.edu 7. Sara Kenny is selling a set of Kaplan OAT study materials. Contact her at Kenny.39@buckeyemail.osu.edu if you are interested. 8. Our next general meeting will be Tuesday November, 15. Members will be going to visit Dr. Jackie Davis at the South High Clinic. Meet at the College of Optometry lobby and we will car-pool from there. Hope to see you there! 9. Winter Meeting Dates: January 10, January 24, Februrary 7, February 21, and March 6. All meetings will take place at 6:30pm. Mark your calendar!!Feel free to email Elizabeth at brubaker.83@osu.edu if you have any questions or ideas for the club.
4th General Meeting November 29, 2011
1. Pre-optometry club heard from the College of Admissions and Student Affairs from the Ohio State University Optometry School
*The largest piece of advice they can give is ask questions! Everyone in the optometry school is happy to help you in any way they can. Don't hesitate to send and email to anyone on admissions!
*Sally Haltom spoke to students
~Works in recruitment, application, admission, orientation, and works mainly with first year students
~Works with students in optometry school who are struggling academically
~Works with student leaders
~Works for various committees including curriculum, clinic, and National Optomcas Committee
* Rebecca Roby spoke to students
~Rebecca joined the OSU Optometry School in August
~Works with data and manages student records
~Helps students in obtaining license in other states
~Works with scheduling
~Gave overview of what students four years in OSU's Optometry School will look like
> Year 1: Basic Science Courses--Build foundation, train to be an opt tech, 2nd semester you work as an opt tech and have opportunity to observe exams
> Year 2: Learn an exam and perform on "friendly people"
> Year 3: Rotations in Clinic
> Year 4: Externships (Still will be four rotations on semesters
~At OSU you also learn about practice management
>Money for debt
>Advice for opening your own practice
> Put together business plan
*Justin Griest spoke to students
~Helps to manage financial aid
~On various college committees including working in diversity enhancement and is on the National Student Affairs Committee
~Travels and recruits
~Can reach him on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-5pm
> 614-292-8825
>griest.6@osu.edu
*General Advice
~Major does not matter!
>Look at per-requisite course work, not at major
>Take classes you like
>In terms of AP and transfer credit--if OSU accepts it so does the Optometry School
~Rolling admissions
>July 1-March 31
>Approximately 600 applications received and 64 are accepted
>There is no GPA or OAT score that will guarantee your acceptance, but generally a 300 on your OAT and a 3.0 GPA allows you to be a competitive applicant
>Clinical experience also important
>Apply early! But applying in November is still considered early
~Interviews
>Typically are held on Mondays and Fridays
>You arrive at 11:00am, Interview around 1:30pm, and are done around 4:00pm
>Know what you are getting in to!
> Open File--Committee has seen your file
>3 people on interview committee
~Application Essay
>4500 character
>Why optometry?
-Get into it!
-Give Examples
-Don't just give generalities--"I want to help people"
~Letters or recommendation
>1 from a professor--does not have to be a science based professor but its recommended; choose someone who knows you well
> 1 from an Optometrist
>1 from anyone you choose
~OAT
>You can take it every 90 days, be sure to allow enough time to retake if you think it will be necessary
~Application
>optomcas.org
>4-6weeks to arrive
>10 days to receive supplemental
>Could be told you are not admitted or could also be told you are on hold until you improve OAT, complete per-requisites, etc
~Don't worry about finances! They help you to take out loans and make it able for you to pay
*Announcements
~Pick up club T-Shirts from Elizabeth--$8
~The Eyeballers-Pre-Optometry Club Intramural Volleyball Team went the entire season undefeated! Unfortunately they lost the first game in the tournament. Look for details on an intramural team in the winter!
~Pay optometry club dues to Andy Reed--$25
~Next official meeting is January 10 at 6:30pm in Fry Hall. We will be hearing form Dr. Aaron Zimmerman who specializes in pediatric vision care and research in the College of Optometry.
~Winter Meeting Dates Jan 10, Jan 24, Feb 7, Feb 21, March 6...All meetings will take place at 6:30pm
~OSU Optometry School Open House is April 14 from 1-4:30pm
~Please email Elizabeth if you have any questions or ideas for the club! brubaker.83@osu.edu
1st General Meeting: January 10th, 20121. The Pre-Optometry Club heard from Dr. Aaron Zimmerman. Dr. Zimmerman did one year of undergrad at the University of Dayton and then completed his undergraduate degree at Ohio State. He attended optometry school The Ohio State University. Dr. Zimmerman also took part in an Advanced Practice Fellowship where he received his Masters in Vision Science and did his residency in Binocular Vision and Pediatrics. He has also done research in eye in head movement in baseball, impact resistance, contact lens complications, and binocular vision complications. Dr. Zimmerman also gives lectures for optometrist's continuing education in TBI, amblyopia, complications, and InfantSEE. He also works in a corporate setting, at Wal-Mart, a couple times a month.
2. Dr. Zimmerman taught students that Optometry isn't just glasses! Optometrists are primary care health providers.
3. You can pick up your club T-shirt from Elizabeth. Cost is $8 if you didn?t pre-pay. 4. Dr. Zimmerman showed students pictures of various eye diseases and complications that he has dealt with. Students saw a pictures of a corneal transplant. Stitches could be seen on the eye. After this surgery vision is poor and patients need special contact lenses. We also saw an eyelid infection that could be treated with an antibiotic. Students then saw an ulcer in the eye from a patient who didn't take their contacts out for an extended period of time. This caused poor vision (20/200) and great pain. This was treated with a topical medication. We then saw a picture of a fungal infection that was also caused by contact abuse. 5. Dr. Zimmerman taught students that if your head turns 10 degrees to the the right your eyes will turn 10 degrees to the left. He then taught us a fun way to remember the branches of the facial nerve: Ten Zebras Bit My Canary (Temporal, Zygomatic, Buccal, Mandibular, and Cervical). 6. Dr. Zimmerman also works with InfantSEE. InfantSEE gives thorough and objective exams to infants. Babies don't reach a stage where they have normal vision until they are 1 year of age. But at as young as 6 months problems can be discovered. Acuity in infants is measured by seeing which levels of gradings on gray cards babies are able to see. 7. Dr. Zimmerman also worked in sports vision. He explained how different colored contacts can help to enhance performance in athletes. For example: Grey-Green contacts are used in golf and running. Amber contacts are used in soccer, tennis, baseball, and football. 8. Some opportunities in optometry that Dr. Zimmerman discussed are OD(private practice, group practice, OMD/OD, and working in Veterans hospitals), Research, Instructor, and Corporate. 9. If you have any questions don't hesitate to email Dr. Zimmerman at azimmerman@optometry.osu.edu. 10. Announcements: ~Pick up your Club T-Shirts from Elizabeth--$8 ~Intramural in the spring will be sand volleyball. ~Pay club dues to Andy Reed-$25.00 ~Select Optical Trip will occur again this quarter. Email Michelle Miller if you are interested in going. ~Our next meeting will be Tuesday January 24 at 6:30pm in Fry Hall. We will be hearing form Dr. Andrew Hartwick and is research in Vision Science. ~Winter Meeting Dates: January 24, January 31 (meeting will be at 5:30 instead of 6:30pm), February 7, February 21, and March 6. ~Delta Omega Kappa is OSU's only Pre-Health Sorority. If you are interested in rushing this quarter email Elizabeth for details! ~If you have any questions or ideas for the club please don't hesitate to email Elizabeth at any time!
2nd General Meeting: January 24th, 2012
1. The Pre-Optometry Club heard from Dr. Andrew Hartwick. Dr. Hartwick started his undergraduate degree as a Biology major and he worked in entomology, which is the study of insects. During his undergraduate he realized that the study of insects wouldn't make his a lot of money and he found, after taking a physics course, that he really loved optics. He switched his interest to optometry after simply seeing a poster about optometry. He encourages students that no matter where you come from or what interests you have, it's never too late to get involved in optometry.
2. Dr. Hartwick graduated from optometry school from the University of Waterloo in Ontario. One piece of advice he gave students is to find a good mentor that you can learn from, it will greatly contribute to your success. While in optometry school he had a mentor who was examining vision in different species of penguins so that he could see how they had both water and land vision.
3. After working with penguin vision Dr. Hartwick worked testing toxicity of contact lens solution and prescription drugs. Instead of using live rabits though, Dr. Hartwick worked to remove the lens from cow eyeballs and place it in a solution to "keep it alive" so it could be tested on. When placing the solutions and prescription drugs on on the cow eyeball he was able to see if it was injured by testing its ability to focus to a point. 4. Dr. Hartwick then taught students about Glaucoma, which is an increase in pressure of the eye and can cause severe loss of vision. Glaucoma is the 2nd leading cause of blindness the United States. 5. Dr. Hartwick then got his PhD in Nova Scotia. While getting his PhD he stilled worked in private practice on evenings and Saturdays. He explained how you are able to combine clinical optometry and laboratory research. 6. Dr. Hartwick then explained how eyes are important for ways other than just vision. Including: sleep regulation, circadian rhythms, and papillary light reflex (when the pupil shrinks in bright light). Because your eyes play a role in circadian rhythms this is why we experience jet leg. There is disconnect between what your eyes are telling your brain and what your body is telling your brain. 7. He then explained some research he took part in where he tested how changing light patterns with mice would affect their sleep patterns. He learned that over a few days (about 1 day for each hour of change) the mice would adjust. 8. He also taught us that even if we were in constant dark a 24 hour circadian rhythm would still persist. 9. Dr. Hartwick is currently studying how and if Glaucoma affects nonvisual aspects of the eyes. 10. Announcements: ~Club T-Shirts are $8-Give Elizabeth your money and pick up your shirts! ~Pay Club Dues to Andy Reed-$25 ~Pay club dues to Andy Reed-$25.00 ~Special Event: Dr. Chris Cordero from New England College of Optometry (NECO) will be visiting on Tuesday, January 31 at 5:30pm in the Digital Lab in the Ohio Union (**This is a different time and place than our normal meetings) ~Spring Meetings: Tuesdays at 6:30pm 03/27, 04/10, 04/24, 05/08, 05/22 ~We will have a visit form the Illinois College of Optometry on 04/11 at 6:30pm ~Elections are tentatively planned for 04/24. Clear your schedule for that night if you are interested in running. ~If you are selling your OAT materials please let Elizabeth know, she has people who are looking to buy. ~OSU Gymnastics Meet is January 10. Let Elizabeth know if you are interested in helping! ~If you have any concerns or ideas about the club don't hesitate to email Elizabeth!
3rd General Meeting: February 7th, 2012
1. The Pre-Optometry Club heard from Dr. Gil Pierce. Dr. Pierce is the Chair of Admissions at the Ohio State Optometry School. He is originally from Lexington, Ohio. He did his undergrad at Miami University where he got his degree in Chemistry. He then came to the Ohio State Optometry School to get his O.D. He then did his Advanced Practice Fellowship, a two year program, in Family Practice. He then continued and got hi P.H.D. At the College of Optometry Dr. Pierce teaches basic clinical procedures including the how to perform a general eye exam. He also teaches ocular neurology.
2. Dr. Pierce also spent 8 years on the Ohio Optometric Association. He was also president in 2010. The Ohio Optometric Association highly values student communication. They hold a student night and January. They help and encourage students to learn all modes of practice. It also a great way for students to make connections. Another way Optometry (and Pre-Optometry) students can get involved is at East West, it's great for networking and Dr. Pierce encourages students to introduce themselves to all of those there representing the Ohio Optometric Association. Also through the Ohio Optometric Association takes 8-12 students go to Washington D.C.in spring to talk to legislators about topics important to Optometry. Lately the area of focus has been in regards to the National Health Service Care bill. Through this all medical professionals can have some of their student loans forgiven if they practice in an under-served area, but Optometry is not included. It is hopeful that it will pass in a few years.
3. After working with penguin vision Dr. Hartwick worked testing toxicity of contact lens solution and prescription drugs. Instead of using live rabits though, Dr. Hartwick worked to remove the lens from cow eyeballs and place it in a solution to "keep it alive" so it could be tested on. When placing the solutions and prescription drugs on on the cow eyeball he was able to see if it was injured by testing its ability to focus to a point. 4. Dr. Pierce also works in admissions at the Ohio State College of Optometry. Currently the optometry school has received 462 applications. 120-130 students get interviews. Next year's class is only 2/3 full. Both Dr. Pierce and Sally Haltom along with a 3rd member look at each application. The average GPA is a 3.6 but there is a large range surrounding that. The average oat is typically around a 330-340. They also look at your exposure to the profession, your extracuricular activities, and your leadership roles. Admission is open till March 31. Class size is 64, but typically they offer 80-90 admissions in order to fill the 64 slots. 5. The Ohio State Optometry School gives no preference to any undergraduate college, and no preference to in or out of state. Dr. Pierce stated that even though no preference is given, OSU students always seem to be very prepared for the work loan in Optometry School and, therefore, very successful. 6. Dr. Pierce also gave insight to the interview process. The interview starts in the late morning. You are given a brief introduction by Justin Griest and are then given a tour of the college. There will likely be 2 other applicants there with you. You then have lunch at the Ohio Union, likely at Sloopy's. You will then have a mini tour of the campus. Following this you will have your interview. During the interview you will have the actually interview, financial aid counseling, and will watch a video on the Optometry School's business program. Your admission is typically decided that day. The decision will either be yes or a no decision status. It rarely occurs that you will be rejected at your interview. 7. The Ohio State Optometry School also has a duel masters of vision science and O.D. program. You cannot enter the college enrolled in the program. The program requires some extra classes, although some of the classes do count for duel credit. The program also requires a research project. Students typically defend their thesis in their fourth year, but occasionally in their 3rd. Typically 5-10 students participate. It's a great program because you are able to get your masters degree for no extra cost. 8. There is also a duel degree offered which includes a masters in Public Health and an O.D. It has not yet been done. It is a 5 year program, with one full year (likely your first year) taken in the College of Public Health. When applying you must be admitted into both programs. There is a required field practicum, but your externship may count. Some of your opportunities with your masters in public health include opportunities in education or consulting for the state health department. If you have questions about public health you can contact Dr. Jacquelin Davis at Jdavis@optometry.osu.edu. Dr. Davis works at a community health center. You can also contact Dean Shipp, at mshipp@optometry.osu.edu. Dean Shipp is the president of the American Public Health Association. 9. When the College of Optometry switches to semesters the per-requisite courses will be very similar to what they are now. The Optometry Website is currently being revised and should be updated in about two weeks. Interviews will likely start slightly earlier on semesters. Curriculum at the optometry school will have some small beneficial changes. 10. Dr. Pierce also spoke about the Optometry Fraternity, E.Y.E. It is the Beta chapter and it began in the 1920s. They have a frat house on east 15th. The house has 12-13 rooms and typically it is first year students who live in, however, some students say all four years. The house is also relatively inexpensive. It is both social and professional. The organization also does numerous philanthropies, particularly with piolet dogs and the vision care fund, which helps to provide exams and glasses to those who cant afford it. The E.Y.E house also has a host room where applicants can stay before their interview. 11. If you have any questions please contact Dr. Pierce at gpierce@optometry@osu.edu. 12. Announcements: ~Pick up your club T-Shirts from Elizabeth. The cost is $8 and if you didn't order already, it's not too late! ~Pay Club Dues to Andy Reed-$25 ~The next official meeting is Tuesday February 21 at 6:30pm. in 33 Fry Hall. We will be hearing from a current student panel form the OSU College of Optometry. ~Special Event: Dr. Chris Cordero from New England College of Optometry (NECO) will be visiting on Tuesday, January 31 at 5:30pm in the Digital Lab in the Ohio Union (**This is a different time and place than our normal meetings) ~Spring meetings are changed to Wednesdays at 6:30p.m. Be looking for details on the room. ~If you have Kaplan Study Materials you are willing to sell please contact Elizabeth. ~If you are interested in participating in a community service event please contact Chelsea Devitt at devitt.9@osu.edu with your availability. She is planning an event at either the Ronald McDonald House or a Food Pantry, but contact her if you have other ideas. ~If you are interested in attending a RAM event, a trip to Kentucky where you will pre-test patients, use the tonopen, lensometer, help with frame selection, and other tasks, please contact Jenny Conn at conn.76@osu.edu or Kaity Kohler at kohler.115@osu.edu. ~As always please contact Elizabeth if you have questions or ideas for the club.
SPECIAL EVENT- NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY (NECO) ~January 31, 2012~
1. The pre-optometry club heard from Dr. Chris Cordero a 2011 alumni of the New England College of Optometry.
2. The New England College of Optometry is located in the Back Bay of Boston. The college is "dedicated to making you a successful and cutting edge optometrist in any setting you choose." The school has more than 50 clinical sites. Students of NECO start in the clinic within the first few weeks of school. Their clinic is the New England Eye. The school is only 5 minutes from Fenway Park and is also surround by many other professional schools such as pharmacy, dentistry, and physical therapy. Surrounding is also China Town, Little Italy, Harlem, and "Mini New York."
3. NECO also has innovative clinical programs including homeless service, onsight mobile van, low vision and geriatrics, individuals with special needs, pediatric school-based programs, international programs including Chine Spain, and Germany, and the largest student based VOSH program. 4. During students four years at NECO students have many opportunities. In the first year students do screenings and observations. In their second year students do clerkships. In their third year students do primary care and contact lens rotations. And in their fourth year students are doing full-time patient care. 5. NECO and combined masters and O.D. programs as well as combined P.H.D and O.D programs. Approximately 5 students per class participate. 6. NECO admits admits approximately 115-120 students per year. The average GPA is a 3.40 and the average OAT is a 329. The school receives approximately 930 applications each year. The school heavily weighs interviews and your personal statement when deciding who to admit. Although NECO is the 2nd most expensive out of state school it has a 100% job placement. 7. If you have any questions you can email the Director of Admissions, Dr. Taline Farra, at admissions@neco.edu.
4th General Meeting: February 21st, 2012
1. Pre-Optometry club members heard from a panel of current OSU Optometry School students.
2. Julie is a first year student in the Optometry school. She is involved in, E.Y.E, Ambassadors Club, and Private Practice Club. 3. Scott is also a first year student in the Optometry School. He is involved in Sports Vision Club, E.Y.E. Student Council, and the Private Practice Club. 4. Rachel is a second year student in the Optometry School. She is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists and also takes part in many of the other clubs and opportunities. 5. Stephanie is also a second year student in the Optometry School. She is involved in Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, the Ambassadors Club, and the Private Practice Club. Question: What has been your highlight of Optometry School so far? Justin: Travel! Through SVOSH. He enjoys all of the opportunities that takes place outside of school. Rachel: Learning how to do an actual exam. Question: What is Keystone? Keystone takes place at the end of your first and second year. It is a week of looking at patient cases and trying to determine what is wrong. Forces students to think clinically. Question: As undergrads what should we be doing to prepare for Optometry School? Pre-Optometry Club! Try to build relations with faculty. It's beneficial to get a job in an optometry practice and to get involved in some research. Be involved. Question: Who wrote your letters of recommendation? Science Professors (Physio, Chemistry, Physics) Optometrists they worked for Optometrists from home Director of Campus Organizations they were involved in Questions: Where else did you apply? Chicago Indiana-No in-state tuition SCO Arizona Question: How long after interview did you hear you were accepted? Many of the student panel heard on the day of their interview. Some heard a few days later. Don't give up hope if you don't hear at your interview. Question: Do you work during Optometry School? Varies depending on student. Some quarters it is easier to work than others. Some students just work on weekends or only once a week. Question: Do you have any advice for applicants? Apply early Take your OAT early Have relationships with faculty Enjoy Undergrad Question: Do you have any advice for Students who are already admitted? Enjoy senior year Take a histology or anatomy course if you have time. Optometry School is hard! Talk to your professors in optometry school, they want to know you! Enjoy your first year even though it's difficult. Have fun the summer after your first year, you'll be ready for a break! Announcements -Pick up your club T-shirts from Elizabeth-$8 -Pay clu dues to Andy Reed- $25. -Spring Meeting Dates 3/27, 4/11, 5/8, and 5/22. All meetings will take place in 33 Fry Hall at 6:30pm. -Special Event: 4/10 visit from SUNY College of Optometry. - There will also be two private practice visits during Spring Quarter. -If you have any ideas or concerns feel free to contact Elizabeth!
5th General Meeting: March 6th, 2012
1. The Pre-Optometry Club heard from Dr. Nicole Ross who works in Low Vision at the OSU Optometry School. Dr. Ross received her Undergrad Degree at Queens University in Canada. She received her degree in Life Science. Dr. Ross then attended Optometry School at the New England College of Optometry. She is currently doing her residency at OSU in low vision.
2. Dr. Ross became interested in optometry when her Grandma suffered from Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopothy. Her philosophy after seeing her Grandma suffer became "You can't give back vision lost, but you can do something." Her goal is to keep people with low vision active and independent.
3. Low vision means partial sight or visual impairment. In other words, low vision is vision loss that can't be corrected with contacts, glasses, or surgery. The vision loss can be mild or severe. 4. Legal Blindness is defined as seeing 20/200 or worse in better seeing eye and having of visual field of 20 degrees or less. 5. There are two types of Low Vision: 1. Central Field Loss: Macular Degeneration, Diabetic and Juvenile Retinopothy. 2. Peripheral Field Loss: Glaucoma 6. What can we do to help people with low vision? 1. Updated Spectacle Correction 2. Magnification 3. Counseling (Particularly in Driving) 4. Safe Travel 5. Plans individualized and Multifaceted 7. Dr. Ross's goal is to provide patients with: 1. Independence 2. Social Integration 3. Employment 8. A Low Vision Exam Includes: 1. Unrushed evaluation of functional goals 2. Precise Measure of Visual Function 3. Contrast Sensitivity, Visual Field, Central Blind Spots, Fixation, Color Vision, Ocular Alignment 4. Device Trialing and Training 9. Contrast Sensitivity Solutions Include: 1. House-Hold Manipulations 2. Increase Lighting 3. Step Markings 10. Common Issues Low Vision Patients Have: 1. Reading 2. Driving 3. Glare 4. Reduced Contrast Sensitivity 11. Reading Solutions 1. Magnifications -High Powered Reading Glasses -Stand Magnifiers -Hand-Held Magnifiers -Electronic Magnifiers *The larger diameter of the magnifier, the weaker the power 2. Lighting is essential -Use of lamps you can bring close 12. Driving: Ohio Requirements for Acuity: -20/40 or better for unrestricted license -20/70 for daytime driving ->20/80, could consider bioptic driving program Ohio Requirements for Visual Field: -45 degrees to one side and 70 degrees to the other side -accommodates people with one eye Bioptic Telescope and Spectacles -Normal view through lens -Head tilt for magnifications -Magnification fit to one eye Steps to Bioptic Program -Initial Eye Exam at OSU Optometry School -Telescope Fitting/Ordering -Use telescope at home for 30-60 days -Driver's training with bioptic telescope -On-road driving exam with highway patrol 13. Glare: -More impact on visually impaired/scatter -More intraocular scatter -Clip on visors -Tinted lenses -Polarization -Block Peripheral View -Top strip for blocking solar glare -Left strip for blocking headlight glare 14. Glare: -More impact on visually impaired/scatter -More intraocular scatter -Clip on visors -Tinted lenses -Polarization -Block Peripheral View -Top strip for blocking solar glare -Left strip for blocking headlight glare 15. Hemianopia: -Loss of vision to one side -Causes: Stroke, Tumors, Brain Injury -Helped with use of prism glasses If you have questions for Dr. Ross or are interested in shadowing a low vision exam you can contact Dr. Ross at Ross.973@osu.edu If you have questions for Dr. Ross or are interested in shadowing a low vision exam you can contact Dr. Ross at Ross.973@osu.edu Announcements -Pick up club t-shirts from Elizabeth-$8. -Pay club dues to Andy Reed-$25. -Winter Newsletter, made by Jenny Conn, can be picked up at the next meeting. -Email Elizabeth if you have any questions or concerns!
1st General Meeting: March 28th, 2012
1. The Pre-Optometry Club heard from Keith Moore, Columbus Campus Director for Kaplan: Test Prep and Admissions.
2. When looking at your application optometry schools evaluate your: -OAT -Transcript -Application -Experience -Personal Statement -Letters of Recommendation -Essays -Interview Of this criteria your OAT accounts for approximately 90% of your evaluation.
3. At OSU the matriculation rate for the OAT is a score of 334. The OAT is currently a computer-based test. It is administered almost every day of the year except Sundays and federal holidays. You can take the OAT at any prometric center. Registration for OAT can be found at: -Prometric.com -oatexam@ada.com The OAT takes about 5 hours and it?s important that when you are preparing for the OAT you build up the stamina needed to take that long of a test. 4. The OAT contains: -Survey of Natural Sciences (100 questions in 90 minutes) -40 Biology Questions -30 General Chemistry Questions -30 Organic Chemistry Questions -Reading Comprehension (40 questions in 50 minutes) -3 passages (themes from science of humanities) -Physics (40 questions in 50 minutes) -Units and Kinematics -Forces and Rotational Motion -Energy and Momentum -Waves and Harmonic Motion -Fluids -Thermodynamics -Electrostatics and Circuits -Optics -Modern Physics -Quantitative Reasoning (40 questions in 45 minutes) -Algebra -Numerical Calculations -Probability and Statistics -Geometry -Trigonometry -Word Problems 5. >Reading Comprehension is the most feared section because people don?t think they can study for it. In reality it?s very important that you practice and study for the Reading Comprehension section. 6. It?s important to review your trigonometry! You will receive a scaled score for Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, and Physics. You receive separate scores for SNS Subtests, plus an overall SNS score. >Academic Average score of all scores except SNS. Score 200-400 with an average of 300. >You can take the OAT every 90 days, but schools can see all scores. If you choose to take it twice schools want to see a huge improvement. It is also very likely schools will ask why you had to take it again. >How do you prepare for the OAT? -On-Site Kaplan -Classes are held in a classroom 2-3 times a week. -OAT Anywhere Kaplan -Classes are held 1-3 times a week. Professor is on live video cam. You are able to talk with your professor and ask questions via an online chat. -On-Demand Kaplan -Pre-recorded lectures. You can watch lectures at anytime that is convenient for you. -Private Tutoring Kaplan -Expensive -Not usually recommended unless you have an extreme circumstance -Choose which option is best for you based on your learning style. 7. >If possible, finish your pre-requisite courses before you take your OAT Kaplan Course. It is recommended that you finish your course 1-2 weeks before you plan on taking the test. In total you should have studied about 2.5 months (about 200-250 hours) for the OAT. 8. >Getting a high score gives you the ability to choose where you want to go to Optometry School because it increases your chances of getting accepted into more schools. It also could lead to opportunities for scholarships and grants. 9. >The instructors for Kaplan are the best in the industry: -They scored in the 90th percentile on every aspect of the OAT -They must be able to communicate clearly -Only 1 in every 10 who apply get accepted -Only 1 in every 6 who attend training graduate 10. >Kaplan has a Guarantee: -At the beginning of your course you will take a diagnostic OAT that will give you a baseline score. If your score does not improve over your baseline score you can study again for free or receive a full refund of your tuition. -If you feel you are not ready to take the test you can study again for free. -If you take the test and are not satisfied with your score, you can study again for free. 11. >More people get into optometry school using Kaplan than every other study program combined. 12. >If you are interested in trying Kaplan for free you can log on to kaptest.com/tryus. The trial class is about a half hour in length. 13. >If you have questions you can contact Keith Moore at keith.moore@kaplan.com or call at (614) 309-4588. 14. >Announcements: ~The ?Eyeballers? will be playing intramural sand volleyball this quarter. Contact Taylor McGann at McGann.24@osu.edu if you are interested in joining! ~Pay Club Dues to Andy Reed-$25 ~Pay club dues to Andy Reed-$25.00 ~If you have Kaplan Study Materials you are willing to sell please contact Elizabeth. ~Next meeting is Wednesday April 11 at 6:30pm in 33 Fry Hall. We will be hearing form ICO-Illinois College of Optometry. ~There will be a special event on Tuesday April 10 at 6:30pm in 33 Fry Hall. We will be hearing from SUNY-State University of New York College of Optometry. ~If you are interested in visiting Select Optical please contact Michelle Miller at Miller.4587@osu.edu. ~Contact Elizabeth if you have any questions or concerns!
Special Event-SUNY State University of New York
1. The Pre-Optometry Club heard from Gui Albieri, Representative of the State University of New York Optometry Program.
2. Why should you choose SUNY Optometry?: It?s important to know about the college you are applying for. SUNY has a great reputation, and is one of the most competitive schools along with Berkley and OSU. SUNY is located in midtown Manhattan. It is an 18-story building across from Bryant Park. Campus is easily accessible by walking or by the efficient subway system. The location is also a safe and thriving neighborhood. The University has a housing committee to help students find proper housing. University Eye Center is also located near by. SUNY has a rigorous, hands on curriculum and you will get the opportunity to go to the clinic in your first week. The University has an 88% passing rate on the national licensing exam (national average is a 73%). SUNY offers a variety of externships in places such as Canada (must be Canadian), China, Australia, and India. The University Eye Center has excellent diversity and you have the opportunity to rotate between all specialties. SUNY really likes to see students who have research experience. You have the option of getting your OD/PhD at no additional cost.
3. Admissions: Admissions at SUNY is very competitive. Over 800 people apply. You are able to apply without your undergraduate degree (as long as pre-req courses are complete) but the committee will be much tougher on you. GPA is extremely important. We have a tendency to predict our grades to be higher in the future, but this is not typically the case. The admissions board wants to see that your grades have improved over the course of your undergraduate studies. A grade of C or C- will not end your opportunity for acceptance, but be prepared to explain why you received those grades. OAT is also important. It is best if you only have to take your OAT once, but if you have to take it twice you should show significant improvement. The average OAT score of accepted students at SUNY is a 350. In order to ensure your best possible score on your OAT be sure you give yourself enough time to study. It is recommended that you study for 3 months prior to the test, 3 hours a day. Also, time train, know how long the test is and be mentally prepared for that long of a test. Take at least 4 full length practice tests. Your extra-curricular activities are also very important. And you need to have at least 3 separate shadowing experiences. Overall: you need to make it clear to the admissions board that your really want this! 4. Interviews: When you first arrive at the interview you will have to write an essay answering a question such as ?Where do you see yourself in 15 years?? ?Who was influential in your life?? Be sure to include a lot of personal expression in your essay. Your interview is an open-file interview. There will be 3 faculty interviewers present at your interview. Be able to answer the question: ?Why did you choose Optometry?? What else have done to explore the profession? For example: Have you worked in a private practice? Do you have any experience with refractions? Let the panel know what YOU KNOW about Optometry. Also, be able to discuss ocular disease at a conversational level. SUNY has a strong program in vision therapy (convergence deficiency), Low Vision, and sports vision?do your research! Be able to talk about these areas of optometry and others in your interview. Also, the interviewers are looking for maturity and warmth, these are number one predictors of how you will perform in a clinic setting. The interview is your opportunity to show your passion for optometry!
2nd General Meeting April 11, 2012
1. The Pre-Optometry Club heard form Teisha Johnson, Represenatative from the Illinois College of Optometry.
2. Johnson started her presentation with some fun facts about Chicago and the Optometry School. She informed students that the cost of living in Chicago is very affordable compared to similarly sized cities. ICO is the oldest and largest optometry school. 20% of practicing OD?s in the U.S. are ICO alumni. ICO sees approximately 90,000 patients per year, and it is the number eye and vision care center in Illinois.
3. During their first year students at ICO focus mainly in the Basic Sciences and also receive a little exposure to clinical experience. Each year the curriculum focuses less on Basic Science and more on Clinical Experience. Students summer between their 1st and 2nd year is the only summer off. During year 3 students work in primary care and also in a specialty clinic. Year 4 involves 4 clinical rotations. Of these four rotations students have a mandatory VA and Illinois Eye Institute Specialty rotation. Elective classes are also offered and students usually take advantage of these during their third year. By graduation, students have seen approximately 1600 patients. 4. At the beginning of each year ICO holds the ICO Olympics, where different class levels compete in various sports and activities. It?s a fun way for students to get to know each other and jump into another year of Optometry School. 5. Application Tips: The application for this cycle opens on June 29 and the deadline is March 1. Don?t wait until the last minute, ICO had rolling admissions so the earlier you apply the better. Also, there is more scholarship money available at the beginning of the application process. Be sure to send Transcripts from all the institutions you attended. After application is processed you may be invited to complete a supplemental application, and this typically leads to an interview. 6. Interview: The interview contains a file review, writing sample, financial aid presentation, one-on-one interview (open file), and a tour/lunch with current students (guests welcome). Decisions are made approximately two weeks after the interview, you will receive your decision by mail. 7. ICO believes ?every student we accept can complete program and become a great optometrist.? 8. If you have questions you can contact tjohnson@ico.edu, admissions@ico.edu, or www.ico.edu. 9. ICO believes ?every student we accept can complete program and become a great optometrist.? 10. Announcements: -The Eyeballers play sand volleyball on Thursday nights at 9:15pm at Fred Beekman Park. Contact Taylor McGann if you would like to sign up. -Pay Club Dues to Andy Reed-$25.00 -Next Official Meeting is April 25 at 6:30pm. We will be holding elections. If you are interested in running but can?t attend, email Michelle Miller at Miller.4587@osu.edu with the position you wish to run for and a small paragraph about yourself and why you are qualified for the position. -Private Practice Visit is scheduled for Monday May 14th. We will be visiting Dr. Mary Ellen Leubbers at Eyedesigns in Grandview. We will be meeting at the College of Optometry at 5pm. -If you are interested in competing in the OSU College of Optometry annual golf tournament on April 29 contact Mdo@optometry.osu.edu. -April 19-21 there will be a VSP bus at Faith Mission. We are in need of volunteers on these days to help with the event, you will be trained on the spot. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Elizabeth. -If you have any other questions or ideas for the club please contact Elizabeth at brubaker.83@buckeyemail.osu.edu.
3rd General Meeting April 25, 2012
1. The Pre-Optometry Club held elections for next years officers. Before elections began the current officers gave an overview of what is expected of their position. -President: Plan all meetings and speakers. Preside over the executive board. Email all members about upcoming meetings and events. Responds to emails from members. Set up and maintain a list-serve of current members. -Vice President: Plan and provide food and refreshments for all meetings. Preside over any meetings that the President cannot attend. Help the president to plan speakers and events. -Corresponding Secretary: Send thank you notes to all speakers. Prepare a quarterly newsletter detailing everything that the club participated in that quarter. -Recording Secretary: Record the minutes at each meeting and email them to the Historian to post on the website. If unable to attend the meeting, find a replacement to record the minutes. Keep attendance. -Treasurer: Announce and collect membership dues. Inform Recording Secretary of who has paid dues. Pay all bills. Provide refunds to the proper people. Maintain all records of the treasury of the club. -Historian: Take photographs at all club events, post them on the club?s website, and provide for the quarterly newsletter. Maintain the club website. -Publicity Chair: Maintain the clubs Facebook page. Sign up and prepare for the Involvement Fair. -Social Chair: Set up social events each quarter and have the costs approved by the President. Sign the club up for intramurals. Write an article about the social events for the quarterly newsletter. -Fundraising Chair: Plan fundraising events as needed and encourage participation. Write an article about fundraising events for quarterly newsletter. -Community Service Chair: Plan and organize community service events and write an article for quarterly newsletter about events. -Clinical Chair: Plan clinical outings for club. Organize trip to visit other optometry schools. Write an article about the planned events for quarterly newsletter. Nominees for each position gave short speeches about why they should be elected for the position and current members voted on each officer position. Congrats to all the newly elected officers! -President: Elizabeth Brubaker -Vice President: Taylor McGann -Corresponding Secretary: Jenny Conn -Recording Secretary: Kaity Kohler -Treasurer: Kelsey Krempasky -Historian: Cindy Heng -Publicity Chair: Jenni Richard -Social Chair: Katrina Frey -Fundraising Chair: Melissa Eckes -Community Service Chair: Emily Raush -Clinical Chair: Emma Saint-Amand
2. Announcements: -Our next official Meeting will be on Wednesday May 9th at 6:30p.m. in 33 Fry as we will be hearing from some current V.A. Hospital Resident Optometrists. -**SPECIAL EVENT** We will be visiting a Private Practice on Monday May 21ST. We will be meeting at 5p.m. in front of Fry Hall and driving over from there. Please check your schedule and if you're able to attend this event there will be a sign up sheet at the next meeting. I set this event on a Monday evening to give those of you that aren't available to come on Wednesdays, another opportunity. We will be traveling to Eye Designs in Grandview which will be about a 5 minute drive. We will be hearing from Dr. Mary Ellen Luebbers who is a co-owner in the 2 office and 4 doctor practice. She will be telling us about her experience as working in an Optometric Practice as an undergrad and then buying into the Practice after she graduated Optometry School. Eye Designs also specializes in one-of-a kind eyewear, so Dr. Luebbers will be speaking about your role as an Optometrist from the Eyewear side of Optometry.