Improving Diversity in Optometric Careers (I-DOC) is an award-winning summer program created to help underrepresented students explore optometry as a career. This year, I-DOC will be held in person, June 8 – 12, 2025 and feature nationally known optometrists.
This intensive, four-day residential program at The Ohio State University College of Optometry introduces underrepresented undergraduate college students to the profession of optometry. Travel (from within the continental U.S.), room and board and most meals will be provided to successful applicants. This program is competitive with a limited number of spaces.
The Purpose of the I-DOC program is to improve and promote diversity in Optometry by cultivating a diverse student body. The program has been designed to:
- Help students understand Optometry as a health profession.
- Expose students to educational opportunities and careers in Optometry.
- Help students navigate the Optometry school application process (including access to test prep materials) to develop into competitive and successful applicants.
Eligibility
- An undergraduate student or college graduate
- A U.S. citizen (or Permanent Resident or DACA recipient)
- Have a strong academic aptitude that demonstrates the potential to succeed in professional school (cumulative GPA greater than 2.9)
- Completed Application
Application Information
Applications for the 2025 I-DOC program are OPEN! All applications will be given full and equal consideration.
Applications are now available and are due by Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 11:59pm Eastern Time. All students will receive the results no later than Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 11:59pm ET and will need to accept their admission into the program by Saturday, April 26, 2025, 11:59pm.
Please read the directions below carefully. The following items will need to be uploaded in a pdf, jpeg, or doc format with your application. Please have them collected and prepared before you begin the application because you will need to complete the application in one sitting.
Application with the following:
- Unofficial Transcript
When you create this document for upload, please name it: LastName_FirstName_Transcript - Short Essay (250 Words Maximum)
Please describe what draws you to exploring optometry and how I-DOC fits into your plans/goals.
When you create this document for upload, please name it: LastName_FirstName_Essay
Questions about the application can be directed to Dev Mahaffey at mahaffey.115@osu.edu.
Application Deadline: Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 11:59pm. All students will be notified no later than April 5, 2024.
National Recognition for the I-DOC Program
Corporate Sponsorship
We are grateful to VSP®, for their generous support of our I-DOC program.
Website updated – October 21, 2024