Optometry is a legislated profession. Time and time again students here this phrase, but rarely are we given more information about what that actually means. It means that the entire scope of practice for optometrists is dependent on bills passed at the local and federal level. It means that there are advocates on the ground year-round working to …
Last week, optometrists and students from across the country gathered in Boston for Optometry’s Meeting, the American Optometric Association’s biggest conference. Attendees had opportunities to strengthen their careers through continuing education classes, events, and networking. OptometryStudents.com had a strong presence, with our editors and writers in attendance. There were many student-only events, along with celebrations and …
Are you planning on completing optometry school and practicing in New Jersey, AKA the Garden State? If so, here are some things you need to know! As you may or may not know, optometry is a legislated profession. This means that optometrists are subject to state regulations, and each state holds their own set of rules and …
Students, optometrists, and optometry advocates were in Washington, D.C. last week to advocate for legislation that will absolutely affect the way you practice , the care you’ll be able to provide to your patients, and the access/cost of that care your patients will receive. As informed, well-rounded future optometrists, it’s essential to stay up to date with …
Optometry Bills We Fought for in Washington, D.C. (CAC 2016) Read More »
What is the Congressional Advocacy Conference? The Congressional Advocacy Conference is where students and optometrists meet in Washington, DC to advocate for our patients and our professions’ best interests. We accomplish this by talking to Representatives and Senators and their aids in support of bills that help both of our patients and the profession as …
Congressional Advocacy Conference 2016: What You Need To Know Read More »
Are you thinking of practicing optometry in Alabama, home of the UAB School of Optometry? The optometric scope of practice in Alabama has come a long way, thanks to the Alabama Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and advocates of the profession. Along with the 1975 legislation that allowed optometrists in Alabama to use diagnostic agents, the most …
“The AOA and the state associations are the sole advocates for optometry with the public, the media, insurers, and government officials, and the reason our small but united profession continues to advance. Our next battles will be against those trying to blur the lines between a remote vision check and an OD-provided eye exam. We …
Advocacy Op-Ed: Lessons Learned and Call For Action Read More »
One of the things I hear most often now in my fourth-year rotations is “How can I make my exams faster?” Although patients are usually aware of the extended exam process and time in academic and university settings, you should have an exam flow down by fourth year and shouldn’t be taking over an hour with …
6 Tips To Speed Up Your Exam In Clinic And Rotations Read More »
Imagine you walk into an amusement park, a park called OptomCAS. At this park there are lots of rides to choose from, all with different requirements to ride. However, every once in a while a brand new ride opens up. It could be the most dangerous, fun or nauseating ride in the entire park. To …
School in Focus: MCPHS – The New School On The Block Read More »
“What color is this?” “Red.” “What color is this?” “Green.” “I thought you said you were red-green colorblind?!” I’ve had this exchange of questions more times than I can count, which thanks to optometry school is at least up to ten. Yet I never knew what else to say to my friends whenever they would ask this …
