Optometry Summer Programs
The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
SHPEP is a free summer program for students to explore their interests in medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and more. The program takes place at many partner institutions and offers students a chance to develop healthcare skills, plan academic journeys, get clinical exposure, and network.
Arizona College of Optometry, Midwestern University
Arizona College of Optometry’s Pre-Optometry program (AZ-POP) is a three day in-person program designed for undergraduate students interested in the health sciences to learn more about pursuing a career in optometry. Through interactive activities, students will gain insight into the optometric profession, including the application process, life as an optometry student, and the diverse career options that optometry has to offer.
Chicago College of Optometry, Midwestern University
Open to all, the Summer Eye Experience at the Chicago College of Optometry (SEE at CCO) is a three-day program that will expose students to the Doctor of Optometry degree. Students will attend workshops designed for those interested in pursuing a career in optometry, as well as those who are still unsure and would like to see if optometry is for them. Sessions will be offered to help prepare the student’s application portfolio for admission, and classes will provide a glimpse into the day of an optometry student. Students will also attend hands-on laboratories where they will learn basic optometric skills.
Illinois College of Optometry
The Focus on your Future Summer Program (FoYF) is a week-long summer program that introduces ICO and the profession of optometry to underrepresented minority undergraduates. Participants meet ICO staff, faculty, students and alumni, see our facilities, and get to know Chicago.
The Ohio State University College of Optometry
The Ohio State University Impacting Disparities in Optometric Care (I-DOC) program is a summer program designed to prepare the next generation of optometrists to address critical gaps in healthcare access. I-DOC plays an integral role in fostering innovation at the Ohio State University College of Optometry by recruiting and mentoring students who are passionate about health equity and serving their communities. This program is open to all students who are interested in the profession of optometry. We especially encourage applications from individuals committed to decreasing health disparities and ensuring the delivery of high-quality vision care. Selected participants will join us for an intensive, four-day residential program at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, receive travel, lodging, and a 90-day OAT Booster package. Application deadline is March 23, 2026, at end-of-day.
Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus
The Optometry Learning Experience (OLE) program is designed to offer participants the opportunity to investigate the academic study associated with the Doctor of Optometry degree program, as well as the profession of optometry and the many career opportunities available. This experience typically takes place in June or July each year and consists of two and a half days of on-campus activities that include classroom and clinic observations, lab demonstrations, a tour of our clinical facilities, The Eye Institute, opportunities to engage with faculty and current students, and admissions guidance. The OLE program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates who are considering applying to PCO in a future cycle. OLE is also open to students who may still be exploring the field of optometry or who may be undecided about their career direction.
Southern College of Optometry
Eye On Success is a three-day program that exposes college students to a career in optometry. Participants interact with current optometry students and practicing optometrists through clinic and classroom shadowing, interactive laboratory procedures, and Q&A sessions. Admissions and financial aid information is also included. This program is open to students from economically disadvantaged zip codes, veteran students, first-gen college students, and/or disabled students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program. Students who are enrolled in a post-baccalaureate or graduate program are also accepted, gap years included.
State University of New York, College of Optometry
Eye-CARE is a three-day summer camp. Eye-CARE prepares prospective applicants for the rigors of the optometry school application process and health professions programs broadly. Eye-CARE simultaneously exposes participants to the dynamic future of the profession. A selective group of eligible participants will be sponsored for an OAT Resource Bundle, including a 90-day subscription to the OAT Booster platform and partial coverage of the OAT exam fees proceeding the 3-day camp.
As its primary objective, the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) project at SUNY College of Optometry exists to increase the number of economically disadvantaged students in STEM and health professions, particularly in the growing and dynamic profession of optometry. New York State residents who qualify for the CSTEP program and are full-time college or graduate students are eligible to apply for our Winter or Spring internship and/or Summer Academic Program.
University of California, Berkeley, Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science
If you are looking to learn more about the field of optometry, consider joining us for Opto-Camp, a FREE virtual program hosted every year in June by the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science. The program is a five day online experience where prospective applicants can connect with current students and faculty to learn more about the field of optometry, and gain insight into the application process for optometry school.
This program is specifically designed for individuals who have completed high school education or its equivalent, and have at least one year of undergraduate experience. We will also consider applications from those who have already completed undergraduate studies. Applicants who are underrepresented in the field of optometry or who are the first in their family to pursue post-high school education are especially encouraged to apply!
The Vision Science Undergraduate Research Program (ViSUR) is an intensive 8-week summer program, students will hone their capacity to discover, innovate, and collaborate by immersing themselves in some of the exciting research currently happening at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science. Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to work in a lab with a faculty advisor on a research project. In addition to working on a project, the students will attend regular seminars with other summer undergrad students across campus and with our T35 students. Each student will receive a stipend of $5,000. In addition, housing and travel expenses will be coordinated and provided by UC Berkeley.
University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry
The Eyes on Community program is brought to you by the College of Optometry and Precollegiate Services (Bridge) through generous sponsorship by VSP Vision. Within this program, high school students have the opportunity to learn more about becoming an optometrist, a primary eye health care provider. Our program will provide hands-on activities and presentations about pursuing a Doctor of Optometry degree. Students will also engage in professional and personal development workshops.
University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry
Aimed at pre-health and pre-optometry students, the KYCO Summer Optometry Camp is a three day experience held on campus at the University of Pikeville in Pikeville, KY. The camp’s goal is to introduce an optometry school experience, help students understand the application process and to map out an individualized pre-optometry preparation plan, all at no cast to the student.
Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry
The Summer Preparedness and Readiness Course (SPaRC) is a multi-week program designed to prepare incoming students for the rigors of their chosen program. SPaRC provides students with an introduction to applicable courses, skills, and competencies in an interprofessional healthcare setting while easing their transition to a professional graduate program. SPaRC also helps students evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in the areas of academics, and inter- and intra-personal development. By the time school starts officially, SPaRC participants have been introduced to deans and faculty, know how to access crucial resources on campus, have experienced and dealt with information overload, and, best of all, have already connected with fellow students in and outside of their programs.
