First-year, full-time enrollment in regular OD programs at optometry schools and colleges grew by 5.2% in 2016-2017 to reach 1913, up from 1818 the year before, according to the 2016-17 Annual Student Data Report published in May 2017 and updated in June by ASCO. Contributing to this growth was an increase in the number of […]
ASCO staff were on hand at the AOA exhibit hall to promote the Inspiring Future ODs Program. The Inspiring Future ODs program is an educational effort that encourages Doctors of Optometry and students to speak to prospective students and community members about optometry as a rewarding future career. Those who registered for the program onsite […]
ASCO experienced a 4.4% decrease in applicants compared to the previous application cycle. There were 2,687 applicants who submitted a total of 13,339 applications. For applications, OptomCAS experienced a 2.1% decrease in applications submitted compared to last year. On average, applicants applied to 4.96 schools and colleges. A full report on the 2016-2017 application cycle […]
The ASCO Student Affairs Officers met in Washington on June 19 during the American Optometric Association (AOA) meeting to discuss a variety of issues, including ASCO strategic planning, OptomCAS and the effort to further develop a robust, diverse and highly qualified national applicant pool. Staff from the American Dental Association (ADA) were on hand to […]
by Judith Gertzog, ASCO intern Judith Gertzog joined ASCO’s team in late May. Judith is entering her sophomore year at the University of Michigan where she plans to pursue majors in public health and public policy. Hoping to gain experience in the non-profit world and passionate about public health and policy related issues, Judith is […]
ASCO held its seventh biennial Summer Institute for Faculty Development (SIFD) on July 9-12 in St. Louis. This year’s program was co-chaired by Dr. Janice Scharre, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs of Salus University, and Dr. Tiffenie Harris, Associate Professor of the Western University College of Optometry, served as co-chairs for this year’s […]
During its March 23 meeting in Amelia Island, Fla., the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) Board of Directors honored two valued members, Dr. Melvin Shipp and Dr. Rod Nowakowski, who are retiring this spring. Dr. Shipp has been an outstanding leader in optometric education, the optometric profession and public health throughout his […]
On March 21, the Boards of Directors of ASCO and the American Optometric Association (AOA) held a daylong joint meeting, their second joint meeting in two years. To start this year’s meeting, which was held in Fernandina Beach, Fla., each organization reviewed its current challenges and initiatives. ASCO President Dr. Jennifer Smythe highlighted ongoing communications […]
ASCO announced the recipients of three 2014 Special Recognition Awards. Dr. Barbara Fink, Associate Professor of Optometry and Vision Science and Chair of the Diversity Enhancement Committee, The Ohio State University College of Optometry, won the Dr. Jack Bennett Innovation in Optometric Education Award. Dr. Yi Pang, Assistant Dean for Research and Associate Professor, Illinois […]
ASCO continues to take steps to fulfill its strategic communications plan, most recently creating its own YouTube channel and launching a blog for prospective optometry students. The creation of the YouTube channel coincided with the release of a new video titled “Be a Doctor of Optometry: Put Your Future in Focus.” It is the latest […]
