Fifty students from Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis recently got a behind-the-scenes look at the optometry field, thanks to the American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) and the Future Focus on Optometry Program. Hosted at the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) annual meeting, this special day allowed students to learn about career possibilities in optometry, including clinical practice, emerging technology and business skills that can help them succeed in the field.
Event organizers included Sherrol Reynolds, OD, FAAO, FNAP, professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry; Nicole Pogue, OD, FAAO, assistant profession at New England College of Optometry; Brad Sutton, OD, clinical professor at Indiana University College of Optometry; and Stacey Coulter, OD, MS, FAAO, FCOVD, associate dean of clinical affairs at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry.
Dr. Sherrol Reynolds introduces a panel of practicing ODs and OD students
ENDLESS CAREER OPTIONS
Students were first welcomed with an overview of what it means to be an optometrist, starting with a glimpse into the flexibility and diverse work settings available in the field. The presentation highlighted the opportunity to serve unique communities—such as through the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital system, on Native American reservations or through teleoptometry, which connects patients to care remotely. Many students showed interest when they learned about the competitive salary ranges in optometry, along with the potential for sign-on bonuses and other incentives.
High school students were paired into groups to discuss the profession with current OD students and practicing ODs
Kimberly Kohne, OD, associate dean for students and clinical professor at Indiana University, shared insights into the career’s versatility. She emphasized that optometry offers a range of paths, whether students prefer to open their own practice, join a corporate environment or explore specialties like dry eye treatment, scleral lenses or disease management. Various optometrists also shared their unique experiences in the field, including Allyson Fisher, OD; Antonio Turner, OD; and Edwin Marshall, OD, MS, MPH, FAAO, FNAP, who was the first Black tenured full professor of optometrist in the U.S. and the first optometrist to serve as vice president of Indiana University. Dr. Marshall was also the first Black elected president of the Indiana Optometric Association and has since been honored with the Indiana Optometry Lifetime Achievement Award.
DIVERSE PATHS IN EYE CARE
Students learned that no matter what they study during undergrad—whether it be science, business, art or psychology—they can still pursue optometry as a career. They also learned about the importance of shadowing optometrists in different settings, which can help them determine which area of optometry best aligns with their interests and goals.
The event also touched on the practicalities of entering the field, covering the costs associated with opening a private practice—such as overhead and equipment expenses—and the potential to bypass those challenges by starting in a corporate role.
A CHANCE TO CONNECT
After the presentations, students had the opportunity to engage in small-group breakout sessions with current optometry students and professional mentors. This setting allowed them to ask questions, hear personal stories and discuss the ups and downs of optometry school.
Students tour the exhibit hall
They also toured the exhibit hall, where they met representatives from leading companies, explored the latest optometric technology and even tried out equipment themselves.
Students walked away not only with new insights but also with encouragement to pursue a career in eye care—one that could ultimately impact their communities and even reach underserved populations through innovation and compassionate care.
