ASCO’s First Optometry Virtual Fair Was a Great Success!

November 5, 2013

On Oct. 30, more than 900 prospective applicants and representatives from optometry institutions participated in ASCO’s first optometry virtual fair.

The fair was an opportunity for students to ask questions from the comfort of their own computers as they consider if optometry is the right profession for them. For those who are currently involved in the OptomCAS application process, it allowed them to ask specific questions about their applications to the schools and colleges they are considering.

Comments from the participants as well as schools and colleges representatives were overwhelmingly positive.

A sampling of comments is below:

“I LOVE IT!” Potential student

“I like how you have multiple representatives from each school. It has allowed for a variety of questions to be answered.” Potential student

“I particularly enjoyed talking to current students.” Potential student

“It was also helpful to see what questions others were asking, as some have asked questions I didn’t think of myself.” Potential student

“[I liked] the quick feedback to my specific questions.” Potential student

“Representatives were very welcoming and informative.” Potential student

“… it has been nice to connect at once with all the schools I’ve been researching for so long!” Potential student

“I’ve been impressed with the depth of the answers given to me by some of the representatives.” Potential student

“It [is] a fantastic way to get better understanding of the schools and programs.” Potential student

“Going well. Busy in the chat room. I like it a lot. It allows us to reach more students in a cost effective way.” School or College of Optometry representative

“It’s great – love being able to connect with so many students from across country all at once.” School or College of Optometry representative

“Going great – we are having a blast. Well organized and has been constant.” School or College of Optometry representative

“On average we had about 47 students per school and college of optometry participating during the fair,” according to Paige Pence, ASCO’s Director, Student and Residency Affairs. “Our hope is to offer future fairs and build on this momentum and continue educating students about the wonderful profession of optometry.”

If you’re interested in ASCO’s schools and colleges of optometry or wish to be notified of future fairs, please email ppence@opted.org.

Download ASCO’s True Stories brochure here.