Lama Fawaz knows firsthand how overwhelming the path to optometry school can feel. After completing two years of prerequisites following high school, she was accepted to optometry school at age 20. While excited to get a jumpstart on her career, she says navigating applications, exams and interviews often felt intimidating.
Now, the fourth-year student at Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University and member of the 2026 WO Student Advisory Board is helping other students navigate that process through “Path to OD,” a mentoring platform offering guidance to students interested in the profession.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
What started informally as helping friends with resumes and mock interviews has expanded to students nationwide. Through “Path to OD,” Fawaz offers support to students interested in optometry school as well as current optometry students.
Her services include:
- Mock interviews
- Interview PDF guides
- OAT prep notes and tips
- Application editing and review
- General advising
“Everything is laid out pretty much from start to finish,” Fawaz says. “I want to make these students’ paths easier to navigate.”
Fawaz says optometry appealed to her because of the work-life balance it can provide. Two people inspired her to pursue the profession: her grandmother, who had diabetic retinopathy, and Joellen Dorony, OD. When Fawaz was in high school, Dr. Dorony asked what she wanted to do for a career. Fawaz knew she wanted to work in the medical field but wasn’t sure in what capacity. Dr. Dorony explained to Fawaz the work-life balance optometry can offer, along with the role optometrists play in diagnosing systemic conditions and helping improve patients’ quality of life.
Fawaz says she especially enjoys the problem-solving aspect of patient care. “I find clinic very fulfilling,” she says. “I love hearing what problem a patient is having, solving their problem and building trusting relationships with them.”
As someone who says she struggles with standardized exams, Fawaz encourages current OD students not to define themselves by a single OAT score.
“Yes, your score is important, but other things matter too in terms of showing your range of skills,” she says. “Are you personable? A quick learner? Through ‘Path to OD,’ we help recognize each student’s individual skills and play to their strengths.”
FUTURE PLANS
Fawaz is currently completing a rotation at a private practice in Orlando. After graduation, she plans to return home to Michigan and eventually own a private practice, inspired in part by her father, a pharmacist and former business owner.
She also has an interest in fashion and hopes to one day collaborate with a frame designer to launch her own brand.
Students interested in connecting with Fawaz or learning more about “Path to OD” can follow the Instagram account @PathtoOD.
