(PRESS RELEASE) ROCKVILLE, MD, September 20, 2023 – The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) announces Eye Opener Sessions, a complement to ASCO’s public awareness campaign, Optometry Gives Me Life.
Eye Opener Sessions is a matching service for potential and future optometry students who are looking for a Doctor of Optometry to shadow, via in person or virtually, during a workday to learn more about a day-in-the-life of an optometrist (OD).
“This service will help potential applicants meet a Doctor of Optometry who has expressed a willingness to have conversations and become a mentor,” says Dr. Mark Colip, ASCO president. “Since we launched Optometry Gives Me Life, we hear often that potential students are challenged when seeking shadowing opportunities with doctors. Potential students that have had conversations or shadowing opportunities with ODs typically fare better during the application process to optometric institutions and we hope this easy and low-pressure service eliminates the barrier.”
Practicing ODs will have the opportunity to foster the next generation of optometrists and open their eyes to a bright future. Optometrists who are interested in becoming a mentor should visit
eyeopenersession.org. ODs will receive a Welcome Kit and more information through the OD’s Eye Opener Sessions online portal.
Students will be matched with an OD based on geographical information, common interests, and goals. Students can start the matching process at
eyeopenersession.org.