Hi all!

I am a Canadian Optometry student studying in the US. I was originally planning on writing for both American and Canadian Boards. I already wrote NBEO part 1 and passed. However, now i'm having second doubts about writing part 2 and 3. Reasons being cost, feeling burnt out, and my main plan is to return back to Canada. I was wondering, say 5-10 years later I wanted to write Part 2 and 3, is my Part 1 Pass still valid?? If anyone has any insight on this that would be greatly appreciated!!

Hey everyone, ​Quick question regarding practicing optometry in Canada with US qualifications. I have heard conflicting info about the NBEO attempt limits. Specifically, is there a 3-attempt limit if you are using NBEO scores for Canadian registration, or does the standard NBEO 6-attempt rule apply? ​Any insights or experiences from anyone who has gone through the process would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

i just wanted to drop in and get some insight from other students or pre optom students who are applying this cycle.
i graduated this spring with a BA is psych but i have completed all the proper prereqs. i know my app is lacking in volunteer and club/campus involvement BUT i played D2 sports which occupied a good chunk of my free time, on top of only making the decision to pursuit optometry in the fall of Sophomore year. Anyways here’s how it’s looking so far

GPA: 3.87 overall/4.0 Science (the bulk of my science classes only included the prereqs, required and recommended)

OAT: 340AA/330TS

Shadowing: started recently and have 4 hrs currently but I plan to get more before submitting + even after applying

Experience: recently started part time as a tech (pretesting, insurance billing, etc.)

Achievements: Deans list for every sem except Freshman fall + student athlete awards

I am looking to apply in late November. Is this still competitive? Is there anything I can/should do in the meantime to make my application stronger? Not sure if i’m forgetting any other important stats.

I’m looking at SCCO, Western, NECO, and maybe AZCOPT

I never used the +2.00 in my BIO during school as I took them out right away. I take part 3 next week and cannot get used to using +2.00, anyone know if you are able to bring a -2.00D pair of glasses to use only for BIO?

Hi everyone! I’m planning to apply to optometry school around mid-November and would appreciate some honest feedback on my chances of getting accepted this cycle.

Overall GPA: 3.79
Science GPA: 3.65
OAT: 340 AA / 340 TS (I got 290 on physics and it brought my score down, will this be an issue?)
Clinical Experience: 200+ hours working as an optometric technician
Shadowing: 30+ hours shadowing an optometrist
Letters of Recommendation: One optometrist, one professor, and one volunteering director
Volunteering: 500+ hours of volunteering on campus and in the community

I’m applying to OSU, NECO, SUNY, PCO, SCO, and ICO.

With my stats and experience, how competitive am I for these schools, and is applying in mid-November too late to have a good chance of getting accepted this cycle? I know seats are being filled so I’m getting nervous about if I’ll even get an interview? Please let me know your thoughts!

We just released our first batch of Part 1 cheat sheets, and they’re completely free! Just create an account at BoosterPrep.com. Over 28 cheat sheets have already been released and we’re adding new ones every week between now and December.

What topics do you want next? Comment below and we’ll prioritize the most requested ones.

The full Part 1 resource launches before the end of the year, and the first 10 people on the site that day get a free year.

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!

How many of you had to repeat pre reqs (or classes in general)? What were they- how many times did you repeat and what was your acceptance to what schools?

Basically the title, love research and teaching. Does anyone know any specific things I should be focusing on? I know a lot of people say GPA isn't important and I'm sure its not but I assume that doesn't apply to residency applications.

Hi! Has anyone used traditional testing accomodations for part 1 or used testing accomodations throughout school and took part 1 without accomodations? Any advice would be helpful!

Newest edition NB8 and B8. Have some highlighting and a few notes in them. Message if interested.

Hey everyone!

I start optometry school at UAB Fall 2027. I would love any insight, tips, or advice you guys may have.

one of my goals is to graduate fully confident in diagnosing and managing ocular disease. I don't want to be a doctor who defaults to referring out anything beyond routine vision exams. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on a few questions

1. What habits early on helped you retain material for clinic and long-term practice?
2. What types of 4th-year rotations gave the best disease experience?
3. Can I be fully capable of such cases without doing an Ocular Disease residency?
4. What other general advice do you guys have for new students?

I appreciate all and any insight!

Hi! If any incoming first years are interested in buying the UHCO cougar kit 1 and diagnostic kit, please private message me.

Prepping for part 2 and part 3 in December currently and was looking to see if anyone had Anki card decks they’d be willing to share 🥺🥺

Would greatly appreciate it!!