Optometry school is changing, and optometry students are changing with it. In our first survey of optometry students, we collected responses from students weathering the storm of COVID-19 and gauged how the pandemic affected their experience of optometry school.
Since then, we’ve seen how students and schools have adapted to the new environment of education: hybrid learning models, virtual reality (VR) simulators, and all. Even as many things change, others stay the same—and to figure out which was which, we went to the students themselves.
In our fourth annual Optometry Student Report, we’ll dive into the quality of the optometry student experience—from first applying to schools to studying for optometry boards to ultimately acquiring a job. Along the way, we will uncover current optometry students’ opinions about the quality of their education, the resources available to them, and their future after graduation.
Download the 2024 Optometry Student Report or keep reading for a sneak preview of our findings!
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Download the 2024 Optometry Student Report!
Featuring over 20 charts and graphs, discover what 300+ optometry students had to say about their clinical education and professional development in school and what lies ahead after graduation.
The 2024 Optometry Student Report contains:
- How many applications students submitted and how many schools they were accepted to
- How confident students are in their clinical skills and how well prepared they feel for boards
- How much student debt new graduates have and how they plan to pay it off
- And more!
What drove students’ choice of optometry schools?
When choosing which optometry school to attend, the most important factor for survey respondents was location—distantly followed by NBEO pass rate and tuition cost. Students revealed staying close to family and friends was first in mind, but cost of living and access to amenities were also important.
Considering that over 40% of respondents stated that they felt burnt out weekly or more, it’s reassuring to see that the majority of students were already aware of the importance of maintaining work-life balance and having a strong support system.
To see the rest of the data, download the full report!
How prepared do students feel for life after optometry school?
Our survey respondents felt a strong, general confidence in the academic quality of their chosen programs. They stated their primary focus was on passing exams and studying for the boards, so it stands to reason they felt solidly prepared to face the NBEO.
However, they felt less confident in their ability to manage the business aspects of optometry, with over 50% of respondents rating themselves slightly prepared or less.
To see the rest of the data, download the full report!
Luckily, 41% of respondents already have a job lined up after graduation. The most common way optometry students found their job was through word of mouth, accounting for 28% of the responses. This was followed by residency programs at 17% and recruiters at 12%.
These top three methods highlight the importance of personal connections, clinical training experiences, and professional recruitment services in securing employment within the field.
To see the rest of the data, download the full report!
Getting in touch with potential employers and navigating a landscape of networking opportunities can be challenging. We’ve made it ridiculously easy for you and other optometry students through our exclusive job board, Eyes On Eyecare Jobs. Browse available jobs or chat with our dedicated team of recruiters who are determined to match you with an amazing opportunity in the eyecare space.
Whether you’re a pre-optometry student considering your choice of optometry school, faculty looking for ideas on how you can best support your students, or industry professionals looking to understand the next generation of ODs, we hope this report helps you achieve your goals.
