Help Shape the Next Generation of ODs
Help Shape the Next Generation of ODs!
ASCO launched an exciting public awareness campaign called, Optometry Gives Me Life in 2019 (note the success of the campaign in the application numbers listed below). This campaign is aimed at undergraduate students who are seeking a career in STEM and healthcare. ASCO is also pleased to offer free materials below that will help start the conversation in your office or your community.
2024-2025 OptomCAS Application Cycle
1% increase in size of applicant pool; 1% increase in year six of the campaign of Black and Latino/Hispanic applicants (increased from 514 to 521 applicants); and 86% of applicants had a 3.0 GPA or higher.
2023-2024 OptomCAS Application Cycle
3% increase in size of applicant pool; 4% increase in year five of the campaign of Black and Latino/Hispanic applicants (increased from 495 to 514 applicants); and 85% of applicants had a 3.0 GPA or higher.
2022-2023 OptomCAS Application Cycle
3% increase in size of applicant pool; 3% increase in year four of the campaign of Black and Latino/Hispanic applicants (increased from 479 to 495 applicants); and 85% of applicants had a 3.0 GPA or higher.
2021-2022 OptomCAS Application Cycle
1% increase in size of applicant pool; 4% decrease in year three of the campaign of Black and Latino/Hispanic applicants (decreased from 499 to 479 applicants); and 84% of applicants had a 3.0 GPA or higher.
2020-2021 OptomCAS Application Cycle
5% increase in size of applicant pool; 18% increase in year two of the campaign of Black and Latino/Hispanic applicants (increased from 424 to 499 applicants); and 81% of applicants had a 3.0 GPA or higher.
2019-2020 OptomCAS Application Cycle
4% increase in size of applicant pool; 10% increase in year one of campaign of Black and Latino/Hispanic applicants (increased from 384 to 424 applicants); and 83% of applicants had a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Thank you to all the corporate contributors who has supported the Optometry Gives Me Life campaign.♦
AVAILABLE MATERIALS
Futureeyedoc.org Website
This Optometry Gives Me Life website features videos of five very engaging and successful Doctors of Optometry showcasing the reasons they chose the career of optometry and how they are able to find time to fuel their personal passions too.♦
“Find Your Charge Through a Career in Optometry“ Marketing Card
This informative marketing card from the Optometry Gives Me Life campaign conveys to prospective students how Doctors of Optometry impact the lives of real people while allowing them to live their best life.
It explains the admissions process, different career paths for optometrists and highlights the locations of the schools and colleges of optometry.
A QR code is also included that will take prospective students to the futureeyedoc.org website where they will learn about five very engaging and successful Doctors of Optometry showcasing the reasons they chose the career of optometry.
To request copies of the marketing card for your office or presentation, please contact Paige Pence, Director of Student and Residency Affairs at ppence@opted.org or feel free to download the PDF to print on your own.♦
“Be a Doctor of Optometry” PowerPoint Presentation
This presentation is available to be used to speak about the profession of optometry. It contains everything you need to know about optometry from learning what Doctors of Optometry do, types of practice available, career outlook and educational requirements.♦
Other Resources for the Promotion of Optometry as a Career
Eye on Optometry Blog
The ASCO blog contains information about the profession, including, “Dear Pre-Optometry Students,” “A Day in the Life of an Optometrist,” “A Day in the Life of an Optometry Student,” “What it Takes to be a Competitive Applicant,” “Taking the OAT,” “Why You Should Join, or Start, a Pre-Optometry Club,” and “The Importance of Shadowing in Pursuing an Optometry Career.”♦
ASCO YouTube Channel
Includes videos and podcasts about all the exciting things going on in optometric education.♦
Other Applicants and Advisors Resources
This page of the ASCO website sends you to various additional pages of information that future optometry students would find useful as they explore the profession.♦
We would like to thank you for your commitment to optometric education and your willingness to promote optometry!
