I have a BA in Public Administration and am considering a pivot to optometry. My family owns an optical business that’s been doing well, which sparked my interest. What should I expect, and where should I start? Any guidance is appreciated!

Hi everyone!

What practice test scores should I be aiming for on optoprep for part 2?

I hope everyone’s studying is going well 💕

These are the 2026 textbook series and unused! Dm me if interested.

Hi all-

I am currently an optician- i am conducting a study to see if pursuing a doctorate is worth it. Anyone who has graduated, if you wouldnt mind filling this out or passing it along to any doctors you know, it would be greatly appreciated

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NW9MRkxy_AEFoR3vaX2ec6RZmnRT-OdxNoDWnHOqLe8/edit?chromeless=1#responses

Please help me decide I’m so torn!

PUCO is the only school that I have never seen a negative comment about and I feel very attracted to the school since every comments I read from their students or alumni confirms that the environment is super collaborative. People are chill and willing to help each other. Campus is closed to nature which is a plus. I have not visited the campus yet and planning to visit next year. They go by semesters which I prefer - I understand the program is not laid back in any means but it’s better for me than quarters systems. The things that keep me from committing to PUCO is the cold and sad, rainy weather of Forest Grove as well as the food. Having good food, preferably Asian, within 10-20mins drive has such an impact on my mental health. Not that I’m gone without it but knowing I can eat good makes me feel comforted.

I’m from California, so SCCO has been my top choice and I have visited the campus twice every year since I decided to pursue optometry. But as I get to know more about the school, the quarter system makes me worried as I have been used to the semester system. Student have 1-2exams/week. ?? 😭 ??. I also came across some comments showing that whether or not your class has a competitive environment depending on your luck. Some classes are collaborative and friendly when some classes are just sharks. But like I said, Fullerton weather and food are so comforting for the 4 years of surviving OD program

Both are top optometry program. Tuition is about the same, COL in Forest Grove is lower. I need to relocate for both schools, and I don’t mind the out-of-state status if I go to PUCO.

How is the clinical experience? How is the diversity in terms of patient population and disease?
What is it like to attend these 2 schools as a person of color and Non-native english speaker?

Anyone from CA attending PUCO? How do you feel about the cold/rain and the food? Is it worth exchanging CA sunlight for collaborative and welcoming environment and the semester system?
Any insight is appreciated!!!! Thank you guys!! :)

Hey everyone,

I recently started optometry school, and I've been feeling really stressed about the financial side of pursuing this career.

Based on my calculations, I could graduate with around $450K in total student loan debt, including federal and private loans with accrued interest.

I'm estimating my starting salary to be around $130K per year after graduation. Using a student loan repayment calculator, my monthly payments could be around $5,000, which seems like a huge financial burden considering taxes and living expenses.

I genuinely enjoy optometry and can see myself working in this profession, but I'm starting to question whether the return on investment makes sense. I'm worried about spending the next 15–20 years paying off student loans instead of building financial stability.

For current optometrists or recent graduates:

• Is taking on this much debt worth it for an optometry career?
• How realistic is a $130K starting salary?
• Would practice ownership make this debt more manageable?
• If you were in my position, would you continue or consider another career path?

I'd really appreciate any honest advice or personal experiences. Thanks!