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 […]
The ASCO Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) will once again partner with the American Academy of Optometry for a session at the 2017 Chicago Academy meeting designed for students interested in research career paths in academia or industry. Entitled “ASCO-AAO Optometry and Graduate Student Session: Exploring Academic and Research Career Options,” the session is slated for […]
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 […]
Johnson & Johnson Vision Champions Eye Health Advocates Through All-new Advocacy Academy Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. announced the launch of Advocacy Academy, an on-demand virtual learning tool to educate, empower and mobilize a new community of eye health advocates to engage with lawmakers, agencies and patient associations on key issues impacting eye health. […]
National Vision, Inc. Awards Three NOSA Members with Grants National Vision has established a partnership with the National Optometric Association (NOA) to provide grants to the members of the National Student Optometric Association (NOSA). In its second year, the grant program recognizes three students annually, awarding a total of $7,000. The mission of the NOA, […]
It is my honor and privilege to be named President of ASCO at our Annual Meeting in Washington, DC this past June. Because we educate people to enter an independent, doctoral-level health-care profession, our member institutions often face multiple challenges. It seems too many people, including me, feel we are at very important crossroads that […]
