Eye on Optometry

Guest author Cassidy Webb is an avid writer and alcoholic in recovery. She advocates spreading awareness on the disease of addiction and alcoholism. Her passion in life is to help others by sharing her experience, strength, and hope.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) founded Alcohol Awareness Month in April 1987 to provide education, resources, and reduce the stigma that is so often associated with alcoholism. NCADD continues to sponsor Alcohol Awareness Month each April by encouraging the public to speak out about the dangers of alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and recovery. The theme this year is “help for today, hope for tomorrow.”

With binge drinking so common among students due to high levels of stress, the dangers of alcohol abuse can be destructive to your success in optometry school. As studies are an integral part of your future, it is important to be aware of the dangers of binge drinking, how stress influences drinking, and be able to identify whether or not you have a problem with alcohol.

Dangers of Binge Drinking

Among college students, binge drinking is a common, exhilarating weekend activity. Binge drinking is characterized by drinking a large amount of alcohol (more than 4 drinks for women, 5 drinks for men) within a period of two hours. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that nearly 60% of college students ages 18-22 drink alcohol monthly, and nearly two-thirds of this group reported that they engaged in binge drinking.

While this type of drinking may seem like a normal thing to do while in school, it poses some serious health risks that many are unaware of. The same study found that nearly 1,825 students ages 18-24 die from alcohol related injuries and 97,000 students are a victim of sexual assault or rape while alcohol is involved. Perhaps the most shocking finding from this study is that nearly 20% of college students are thought to have an alcohol use disorder, characterized by unhealthy alcohol consumption that may affect other areas of life.

Stress and Drinking

As alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, many find it effective in reducing stress and anxiety. The pressure from classes and professors can certainly place a lot of stress on students, especially when studying a specialized field such as optometry. These stress levels can dramatically increase around exam time, as students are hurriedly trying to pack in as much studying as possible. Stress can also be enhanced due to pressure from family to perform well, societal pressures, and relationships. When trying to balance all of these factors with school, stress can become heavy and abundant.

In order to manage stress in a healthy way, students should be aware of the resources that are available to them. Many schools are well-equipped with a mental health counselor who can provide guidance on how to effectively manage stress. Other ways that can help alleviate stress include physical fitness, proper nutrition and diet, yoga, meditation, time management and planning, and support groups.

Evaluate your Relationship with Alcohol

An important part of Alcohol Awareness Month will take place April 5-7th. This weekend is being considered Alcohol-Free Weekend which is an open invitation to participate in 72 hours of complete abstinence from alcohol. If you choose to participate and experience any discomfort or difficulty abstaining from alcohol during this time, it may indicate that you have a problem with alcohol. While differentiating between heavy drinking and alcoholism may prove difficult, you can evaluate your relationship with alcohol by asking yourself these questions:

• Has drinking caused problems with your family, friends, work, or studies?
• Have you continued to drink even when you know you shouldn’t?
• Have you tried to quit drinking, or control the amount you drink, but found yourself unable to stop or control it?
• Do you frequently experience a craving, or strong desire, to drink?
• Have you found yourself having to consume increasing amounts of alcohol in order to achieve the effects you desire?
• Have you placed drinking as a higher priority than things that are important to you – such as studying, classes, or other obligations?
• Have you found yourself experiencing withdrawal symptoms, like insomnia, nausea, shaking, sweating, depression, or irritability when you don’t drink?

If you answer yes to several or all of these questions, it is a good indication that your relationship with alcohol has become unhealthy and you may have an alcohol use disorder. If you think you have a problem with alcohol, it is essential to get the help you need before it causes detrimental effects on your health, your education, or your future career.

With the opioid crisis taking over news headlines today, it is easy to forget that alcohol still poses serious dangers to those who abuse it. It is imperative to provide education about the risks of binge drinking among students as well as resources to those who need help with an alcohol use disorder.

Written by Autumn Killop Southern College of Optometry Class of 2021

Dear Pre-Optometry Students,

It is hard to believe that I am almost done with my second year of optometry school at Southern College of Optometry (SCO). It seems like just yesterday I was a student at Central Michigan University, playing trivia at Hunter’s Ale House on Tuesdays, performing with The 6^th Man Band at basketball games, and going to the movies with my friends that worked at the theater. I have wanted to be a Doctor of Optometry since I was nine years old, so in the 12 years leading up to optometry school, I had plenty of time to explore the profession I had set my heart on at such a young age – or so I thought. There is so much I wish I would have known during those years, and I hope sharing these things will benefit your journey into an exciting career that is ever growing, changing, and flourishing in today’s world.

1. What you should do before optometry school: volunteer, shadow, take those harder classes, and reach out

To start, I come from a family in which the majority are teachers. I only have two aunts and my older sister who are affiliated with the medical field. With that in mind, there was not a lot of medical talk, public health discussion, or anything optometry-related that came up at the dinner table. The only reason I thought to shadow a Doctor of Optometry in high school was due to an event I competed in at the Michigan State Leadership Conference through Health Occupational Students of America (HOSA). The event required a minimum of 10 hours of shadowing. I had no idea how to get involved with optometry, but also didn’t realize that I could start as early as high school, if not sooner.

There are so many organizations that are eager for student involvement and input. However, if you only have time for one thing, my biggest advice to you would be to volunteer as much as possible. Programs like Lion’s Club, Rotary, Key Club, National Honor Society, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and many others provide excellent opportunities for students. A few of these – like Lion’s Club – are organizations that are heavily involved with optometry specifically. This can provide connections that you can carry into your optometric education and your career.

In addition to volunteering, shadow everywhere but make sure to mix it up. Go to a corporate institution like Walmart, an ocular disease clinic, a mixed optometrist/ophthalmologist office, a public health center, a vision therapy office, or whatever else sounds interesting. There are several options within optometry to pick from when choosing which aspect in which you want to specialize. The more you see before school, the easier it will be to pick which clubs you want to join, which seminars to take, and what you want to do after graduation.

Nevertheless, don’t forget to do well in school, but know that as long as you get your pre-requisites done, administration does not weigh heavily on what you picked for your major or minor. There are so many different majors among my classmates, and not all of them are science related. If the school you are looking into recommends a class, TAKE IT. You will have to take it eventually, so why not familiarize yourself with the material sooner? I am very thankful I took anatomy and physiology, but there are a couple of classes I wish that I had taken, like pathology and immunology. A majority of my classmates feel the same way. In addition, if your school has one, get involved with the pre-optometry club because it is an easy “gold star” to have on your resume.

Finally, call the optometric institution, follow them on social media, and get your name out there! During my junior year of undergrad, I called the four schools I was interested in to ask them about their opinion on research experience. I ended up talking to a school for 45 minutes and I talked to SCO for an hour and a half. Just by calling the schools, I was able to set up guest speakers with my pre-optometry club from Nova Southeastern University and SCO, confirm that I was preparing for school appropriately, and receive feedback about what else I could do, such as how to apply, when to apply, and more.

2. What you should do during optometry school: self-care is crucial!

During optometry school, the to-do list never seems to end, and it always seems to grow, regardless of everything you check off. There is always something to study, a practical to practice for, a meeting to attend, or an event that needs volunteers. No matter how busy you are, you need to make sure you take care of yourself.

First, what is the easiest way to do that? Don’t forget to do what you love! Throughout my first year of school, I had a membership with MoviePass when they were offering their program for only $10/month. Every Friday after lab, I would buy myself a “treat yourself” dinner, usually Chipotle, and go see a movie. My class gets together to play ultimate Frisbee, which I always make a point to attend. And finally, in November, a classmate and I started playing trivia with some of her friends from club volleyball every Tuesday night at the Flying Saucer, a regional bar. This year, I discontinued my MoviePass account, which was a heartbreaking day. So, I changed up my Friday ritual. Now, my boyfriend and I – whom I met through trivia at the Flying Saucer – make sushi and take turns showing each other movies that the other hasn’t seen.

So, whatever you enjoy doing right now, whether that’s Netflixing, going dancing with friends, taking your dog to the park, trying out new restaurants, calling your grandparents once a week, or even underwater basket weaving, keep doing it when you are in school. You will thank yourself for it in the end.

Secondly, there are two other important aspects of self-care that should never be forgotten: sleeping and exercising. I make a point to never give up sleep for studying, which is the one rule I have yet to break. Trying to study, take an exam, or focusing on anything is much more difficult when your eyelids are drooping and your brain feels fuzzy. As for exercising, I have noticed that I perform better in school when I work out on a regular basis. I believe this is because I feel more self-disciplined, motivated, and energized while also sleeping better! Overall, remember that your brain studies better when it is fully rested and refreshed.

As mentioned before, optometry is an amazing part of the medical field that I am growing to love more and more each day. No one says that graduate school is easy – and it’s not. However, the more that you do to prepare for school and the greater emphasis you put on self-care, the easier it can be for yourself.

written by Sherene Vazhappilly
4th year optometry student
University of Waterloo
School of Optometry

It’s not until you reach the summit that you realize how high you’ve climbed.

— Unknown

Through my final phases of transformation to an exemplary Doctor of Optometry, I cannot help but to reflect and reminisce on the past few formative years of optometry school. It strikes me that I am no longer the same hopeful doctor that walked through the letter chart doors on the first day. Over the past few years I have learned a lot about optometry as a profession, about people and most importantly, about myself. I have grown in my abilities, made important decisions and connections with people that have shaped my life and who I am in ways unimaginable. Somewhere in between seeing patients in clinic, a rigorous class schedule, extracurricular activities, conversations and lessons with fellow students and professors, I am on the cusp of becoming a Doctor of Optometry. At the culmination of what has been an extraordinary journey, I’d like to share with you what I’ve learned in optometry school – besides all of the optometry of course!

1. A good doctor is a lifelong learner. With the field of optometry progressing at a rapid rate, it is important to keep up with emerging research and innovative new technology outside of classes. Honing in on your interests and researching topics that are interesting to you allows you to gain knowledge that will help you better serve your patients.

2. A patient is a person, not a disease. When you spend your days seeing patients, you begin to see not just the disease or abnormality, but who your patient is as a person. You see people for the myriad of activities they do every day, their beliefs, hopes, dreams, goals, the relationships they have with other people and with themselves. While you are attending to their visual needs, you catch a glimpse of their story, and make a meaningful connection as a student doctor in their circle of care.

3. Speak up about the profession. Optometry comes with some challenges but it is our voice that determines the future. So, get involved in your school clubs and associations, become active, and speak up about relevant topics affecting our community. Our input can determine the difference in the care that our patients receive.

4. Take responsibility for your actions. Gone are the days where you only studied or worked for yourself and negative consequences were for you alone to face. In the real world, it is important to be honest with your patients, to own up to your mistakes and to find a plausible solution together.

5. Time is an investment, spend it carefully. As much as it is important to spend time on your education, it is equally necessary to spend time on other activities that are enjoyable, challenging and fruitful for you. Just as you are growing to become an excellent clinician, you are also developing into a multifaceted and unique person who can relate to your patients.

6. Keep some relationships, let others go. As you grow to become the person you’ve always dreamt of being, you’ll realize that not everyone will like who you are. You’ll deal with many people on a daily basis – patients, colleagues, staff, company reps, mentors, potential employers – the list goes on. Whether it is a difficult patient, an unsupportive colleague or a harsh supervisor, it is important to ensure that you are in a headspace to take care of your patients. Sometimes this means leaving a toxic work environment or terminating a patient-doctor relationship, situations you will learn to handle with grace and tact.

7. Realize that you’re not alone. We all may struggle, especially in a demanding environment such as optometry school. It is important that we take care of our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing first before we take care of our patients. There are many resources and support systems in place for you to seek help should you need it. Be prepared to recognize when your patients, classmates, colleagues and others you work with need help as well. Though it is challenging, you have your classmates, supervisors, professors, support staff and the whole school rooting for your success in this journey.

Striving to be an incredible Doctor of Optometry is a long and challenging road and we don’t realize how far we’ve come until we stop to look back. Learning happens within and outside of the walls of our optometry institution and it profoundly shapes who we become as clinicians, and as people. Best of luck on your journey, you can do it!

written by
Sherene Vazhappilly, Canadian Optometry Student

If you’re a Canadian wanting to practice or do a residency in the United States, a Canadian at an American optometry institution or an American with ties to the “True North” – you may be thinking about taking both board exams.

The Canadian board exam consist of two parts, and is administered by the Optometry Examining Board of Canada (OEBC). The American board exam consist of three parts, and is administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). It is important to keep in mind that the NBEO exam has to be successfully completed if you are a Canadian planning to complete a residency in the United States. Recently, the College of Optometrists of Ontario announced that they will be accepting the NBEO exam to practice in the province of Ontario if each part of the exam was successfully challenged after January 18, 2019. Currently, the province of British Columbia also accepts the NBEO, but the OEBC exam is required to practice in all other provinces and territories in Canada.

The OEBC exam consist of two parts, Part I, the Written Exam and Part II, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination. The cost to take this exam is $2,000 CAD for Part I and $3,900 CAD for Part II. The total cost is $5,900 CAD, or approximately $4,417 USD. Part I of the OEBC exam consists of 62 comprehensive cases, each with four multiple choice questions. It is a comprehensive exam of case management and includes topics such as ocular disease, contact lenses, refraction, binocular vision, and the like. It is conducted in a testing center in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Part II of the OEBC exam is a practical skills exam, and is also conducted in Hamilton.

The NBEO exam consists of three parts – Part I, Applied Basic Science, Part II, Patient Assessment and Management and Part III, Clinical Skills. The cost to take this exam is $725 USD per part, or $2, 175 USD total, which is approximately $2,883 CAD. Part I and II can be taken in testing centers across Canada and the United States, however, Part III must be taken in Charlotte, North Carolina. Part I of the NBEO exam consists of 350 scored and 20 non-scored items, divided into 185 items per session. There are two sessions in which you are given four hours each, for a total of 8 hours to complete the exam. The topics tested include anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, microbiology, pathology, optics and pharmacology, with an emphasis on the oculo-visual system. Part II of the NBEO exam consists of 45-55 full cases, 15-20 solo items, and 15-25 minicases. Topics covered include ocular disease, contact lenses, refraction, binocular vision and the like. It is a comprehensive case management exam of everything you learned in optometry school. Part III of the NBEO exam is a test of practical skills and consists of the clinical skills and injection skills exam. This exam is offered only in Charlotte, North Carolina.

As you may see, Part I OEBC and Part II NBEO are quite similar, so you may consider studying for and taking these exams within the same timeframe. Additionally, Part II OEBC and Part III NBEO are similar practical skill examinations, however the administration and the skills tested can vary and require targeted preparation. Part II OEBC focuses more on counseling scenarios, and any clinical techniques are done on models to provide a consistent objective evaluation, while Part III NBEO requires performing techniques on live patients.

For students choosing to take both board exams, the process can be extensive and requires planned preparation. Part I OEBC is offered in French and English in November of the students’ final year, and Part II OEBC is offered the following May. However, Part I may also be taken several days prior to Part II. These exams have to be taken in Hamilton. Part I NBEO is offered in March of third year and the following August, but most students not studying in the US choose to take it in August during their fourth year. Part II NBEO is offered in December of the fourth year or the following April, but most students in both the US and Canadian schools choose to take it in December of their final year. Part III NBEO can be scheduled at any time starting August of fourth year in Charlotte.

Many Canadian students choose to take both board exams to complete a residency, keep the borders fluid or challenge themselves in their clinical knowledge. Most of the preparation materials are equivalent and the content is similar between the two board exams. No matter why you take both, there is no doubt that you will be a more knowledgeable clinician in the process. Best of luck on your board exams!

Disclaimer: This information was last updated Jan 25, 2019. For the most updated information and current test administration dates, please consult www.oebc.ca or optometry.org.

Shanae is a student at University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry

written by Shanae Scott

Maintaining a healthy and balanced life is crucial for everyone, especially if you are pursuing higher education. I have found this especially true when in optometry school. Many students, including myself, can over work themselves and lose sleep which can lead to increased stress and anxiety. However, as important it is to study, we must all take a step back from time to time in order to reevaluate our lives and ourselves. What I have gathered from experience, advice from fellow classmates, along with my professors is to maintain a normal routine along with setting goals and limits. We are not superheroes. Fatigue is something that we sometimes battle and must overcome.

Studying is important, but having a full day of class and labs day in and day out can certainly take its toll. I have learned that it is ok to take some time off before jumping back into your studies after a long day. For me, this time off includes working out, dinner and preparing for the next day. Many of us are sleep deprived, so it’s important to stay on a normal sleep schedule. For instance, many of my classmates get to bed around 10 pm or 11 pm after studying for a few hours. In addition to this, when I am studying, I study in 20-30 minute intervals, followed by a 5 or 10 minute break. Shorter study sessions has allowed me to be more focused on what I am reviewing and it has allowed me to retain what I have learned. This has benefitted me when I am studying for exams.

On weekends I maintain a similar routine. I block out several hours for studying, but I also have time set aside to catch up with friends and family. I have found that it is crucial to keep in touch with loved ones at home. I know many of my classmates can attest that keeping an open line of regular communication is essential for maintaining a balanced life while embarking on our educational journey. A phone call, video chat session, or even a text updating those you care about on your progress can make a difference. Lastly many of my classmates and I have found that taking a night off once in a while is also beneficial. Burn out is something some students face. My schedule on the weekends may be that I am reviewing lecture material during the day and then enjoy the rest of my night off from school by relaxing.

Besides study schedules, working out and taking off for personal time, getting involved with club organizations, networking and attending conferences is vital. It is crucial to be involved in the industry and as a student, it helps to reaffirm all the lessons we have been taught in the classroom. It’s a chance to apply the knowledge and become better leaders. It’s a chance to observe how other students and Doctors of Optometry have persevered through struggles, trials and tribulations, and it is a chance to give back. I can say that being involved in clubs, conferences, etc. helps to put what I am doing into perspective and to keep the passion that is in my heart to help those in need. I believe that applying these strategies helps me balance studies, my personal life and extracurricular activities.

Here at Eye on Optometry we’re all about sharing information that’s useful to anyone thinking about pursuing a career in optometry. If that’s you, you should be aware of the opportunities available for Doctors of Optometry and optometry students through the Indian Health Service (IHS). IHS is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives. IHS employs all types of health professionals, including optometrists.

Rewarding Careers for Optometrists

With the IHS, optometrists provide comprehensive eye care in adventurous, culturally rich, mostly rural areas of the country. In 35 states (primarily in the West, including Alaska) they provide care for patients whose medical needs are often underserved and they do it alongside other health professionals as part of multidisciplinary health teams.

Optometrists working with the IHS fulfill crucial roles in clinics, hospitals and public health outreach programs that are important to the health of individuals, families and communities. IHS uses three human resource systems for recruiting and employing ODs: the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the Civil Service, and direct tribal hire. According to the IHS website, the Commissioned Corps and Civil Service provide federal benefits, while direct tribal hire is similar to employment in the private sector as benefits are provided by the individual tribal entities.

For Optometry Students

For optometry students, IHS has affiliations with many schools and colleges of optometry for externships/clinical rotations, which are customarily required in the fourth year of Doctor of Optometry degree programs. Check with each school individually, but those that offer externships in coordination with IHS include State University of New York College of Optometry, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, University of California – Berkeley School of Optometry, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry, New England College of Optometry, The Ohio State University College of Optometry, and Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University. Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry has a unique partnership with Cherokee Nation whereby the college’s faculty members, residents and students provide eye and vision care for Cherokee citizens at the tribe’s several medical facilities.

IHS also manages several scholarship programs available exclusively to health professions students who are members or descendants of a federally recognized (in some cases, state-recognized) American Indian or Alaska Native tribe. Seth Rich, OD, applied for and received an IHS Health Professions Scholarship. This program provides financial aid to qualified students enrolled in an eligible health professions degree program. In exchange, recipients agree to fulfill a service commitment in full-time clinical practice upon completion of their degree program.

Seth A. Rich, OD

Dr. Rich graduated from Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry in Spring 2018 and began working at the Redbird Smith Health Center in Sallisaw, Okla., on Aug. 1. The facility, located on five acres at the edge of the Sallisaw city limits, was the first Indian health clinic to be constructed from the ground up under Cherokee Nation management. “As a member of the Cherokee Tribe, I was able to apply for the scholarship once I had received my acceptance letter to optometry school,” Dr. Rich explains. “The scholarship helped me with tuition and education-related equipment fees. I was required to reapply for the scholarship each year as well as maintain a certain GPA and obtain a letter of good standing. After being accepted for the scholarship, I signed a letter of intent to work within the Indian Health Service for a period of time equal to the amount of years I received the scholarship. However, it’s my personal career goal to continue working within IHS after my required time. As a tribal member myself, I specifically feel called to work within IHS and to give back to a community that suffers from many forms of ocular disease. Growing up in a Native American community, I have seen first-hand the affects that diseases such as diabetes have on someone’s vision and quality of life. I feel that working with IHS is my opportunity to make a positive impact on the health and education of fellow tribal members.”

Dr. Rich says he considers himself lucky to be able to practice at a clinic that has an affiliation with his optometry alma mater because it allows him to mentor current optometry students. He’s also happy to be working in northeastern Oklahoma, where he was raised. “Being able to serve so close to home is something I’m very excited about,” he says. “Since August everything has been going fantastic. I couldn’t ask for a better working environment.”

For Optometry School Graduates

For optometry school graduates, IHS also offers one-year residency programs, in areas such as Primary Care, Cornea and Contact Lenses, and Low-Vision Rehabilitation. All of the residencies are associated with the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University and filled through the ORMatch system.

In addition, IHS operates an education loan repayment program for health professionals, and optometrists are among those eligible to apply. Under the program, qualified school loans are repaid up to a certain amount for clinicians who commit to practicing for at least two years in health facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities in areas of greatest need.

What’s in Store for Your Optometry Career?

For more information about opportunities for optometry students and optometrists with the Indian Health Service, explore the IHS website.

The school year is in full swing and we wanted to share this cute video from Joan Cmar, The Ohio State University, College of Optometry, Class of 2022, from her first day of school!