The Optometric Oath
With full deliberation, I solemnly pledge that:
I will practice the art and science of optometry to the fullest scope of my competence.
I will uphold and honorably promote the highest standards, ethics
and ideals.
I will provide professional care with concern, compassion and due regard for human rights and dignity.
I will place the treatment of those who seek my care above personal gain, and strive to see that none shall lack for proper care.
I will hold as privileged all information entrusted to me in confidence by my patients.
I will advise my patients fully and honestly of all which may serve to restore, maintain or enhance their vision and general health.
I will strive continuously to broaden my knowledge and skills.
I will share information with my fellow optometrists and other professionals for the benefit of my patients.
I will do my utmost to serve my community, my country and human-kind as a citizen, as well as an optometrist.
Carmen Ohio
Oh! Come let’s sing Ohio’s praise, And songs to Alma Mater raise;
While our hearts rebounding thrill, With joy which death alone can still.
Summer’s heat or winter’s cold, The seasons pass, the years will roll;
Time and change will surely show, How firm thy friendship – Ohio
Regalia
The graduates, faculty, and special guests are wearing traditional academic regalia this evening. The academic robe and doctoral hood for Optometry are trimmed in sea foam green velvet. The Master’s candidates’ hoods and robes are trimmed in black velvet, representing the graduate school. The scarlet and gray inner lining of the hood represents the official colors of The Ohio State University. The various colored honor cords include scarlet and gray, designating Latin honors such as summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude; gold, designating BSK members who are required to have a minimum 3.0 GPA; gold and black, designating four-year BSK members; teal green, designating Student Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry; and gold stoles, designating Gold Key members (an optometric honor society).