Annual SEE Program Showcases Optometry Possibilities

Annual SEE Program Showcases Optometry Possibilities

The Chicago College of Optometry (CCO) held the sixth annual SEE (Summer Eye Experience) at Midwestern University on the Downers Grove Campus. The SEE event welcomed 52 attendees from Illinois and other states and U.S. territories including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and Guam. Attendees toured the University, labs, the Eye Institute, and the optometry building. They had a variety of hands-on activities, learned about a variety of specialties, received tips about preparing for the OAT exam for optometry school, and had the opportunity for conversations with incoming optometry students to ask about their experiences.

Diana Vargas, a 2019 graduate of North Central College in Exercise Science, shared, “I always wanted to study optometry. I’ve been out of school, and I wanted to pursue it after becoming a mom.” She said her experience at SEE solidified her decision to pursue optometry, and she plans to apply to Midwestern University. “As soon as you enter Midwestern University, you see yourself here. I really liked how they showed us a day in the life of an optometry student and a glimpse of each specialization.”

Diana continued that she also learned a lot of tips about preparation for entrance interviews for optometry school. “They gave us what they expect and common answers to questions professors ask during interviews. We did mock interviews for optometry school with a partner and started thinking about our personal statements and what makes us different from other applicants,” she stated.

Kyra Dela Cruz, a junior at the University of Guam, traveled 30 hours to attend the SEE program after she heard about it from the ASCO website. “It’s been so exciting, and the best part is being surrounded by other students just as interested in optometry as I am,” she shared. Kyra added that she appreciated hearing about the classes she would take in the future, seeing the labs and equipment, and learning about the variety of specialties in optometry. She also spoke about the session on speaking with incoming first-year students who already went through the application process and were accepted. “We got to get their perspective.” Kyra is also planning to apply to Midwestern University and was grateful for the SEE experience. “It really exposes you to what your life might look like in a couple of years,” Kyra added.

The attendees learned about the contact lens specialty, which has an optional residency after the Doctor of Optometry degree to get more experience. Different types of contact lenses were discussed, including specialty ones for orthokeratology, which are only worn during the night to change corneal shape in order for patients to improve their vision.

They also heard information about the low vision specialty, which is for patients whose vision is not fully correctable with glasses, medical treatment, or surgery. The number of patients with low vision is expected to triple by 2050, according to the National Eye Institute. As part of the program, students participated in a lab to utilize equipment to help low vision patients.

The attendees discovered more information about pediatric patients, such as the appropriate age for an initial eye exam is six to 12 months, and how vision is tested with lights and reflexes before the patient is old enough to read.

They also found out information about Vision Therapy, where the attendees practiced activities given to patients, such as tossing a three-color throwing stick and catching it by a certain color and using a vision peg board. They practiced a variety of vision tests, including the Near Point of Convergence test, where they held the pen in a motion close to the nose to determine the distance a patient could see the pen as single or double during the Primary Care session. They also utilized the triangle test to determine their dominant eye and performed a test to determine their blind spots. The attendees also learned about ocular anatomy.

John Gialousakis, OD, EdM, FAAO, Director of Curriculum Development, Associate Professor, and Chair of the Admissions Committee for the Chicago College of Optometry, stated, “The SEE at CCO program was 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. Participants gained insight into the optometric profession, including the application process, as well as experience what it would be like to be an optometry student at CCO.”

The attendees reflected upon their positive experiences of the SEE event.

Summaiya Ansari, a 2024 graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in Integrated Health Studies, shared, “I really like all the clinical hands-on experience.” She also appreciated the opportunity to shadow third-year optometry students. “It gives us insight early on how optometry school really is,” she continued.

Ambreen Elahi, a 2024 graduate of Benedictine University in Biology, said, “There’s one building just for optometry students. You can build relationships. Everyone there is an optometry student, no matter if they’re in their first year or third year.” She also learned about match programs and residency opportunities in optometry.

Naveed Hussain, a 2024 graduate of UIC in Biology, said he found the SEE program to be fun and informative, and particularly enjoyed the vision therapy session and primary care session with virtual reality. He also spoke about learning the interview process. “We received tips and tricks, the types of questions they ask us, and the responses,” he shared.

Asma Malkawi, a 2024 graduate of UIC in Integrated Health Studies, added, “Seeing the diversity in the groups on campus was really important to me.”

CCO holds the SEE program annually every June to assist potential optometry students on their healthcare journeys. Through the SEE program, potential students are given a glimpse into the optometry field, specialties, residencies, as well as an insight into experiences they may have as a future optometry student preparing for a career as an optometrist. Next year’s SEE at CCO program is scheduled for June 16-18, 2025, and applications are currently being accepted on CCO’s website.