The Ohio State University Improving Diversity in Optometric Careers (I-DOC) is an award-winning summer program designed to address challenges that undergraduate college students from underserved or historically excluded backgrounds may have faced in exploring optometry as a career. I-DOC plays an integral role in fostering innovation by contributing to the cultural, intellectual, and academic diversity within The Ohio State University College of Optometry.
All students who are interested in optometry can apply to participate in this intensive, four-day residential program at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where they will be introduced to the profession of optometry. Travel (from within the continental U.S.), lodging, and most meals will be provided to successful applicants. This program is competitive with a limited number of spaces, so be sure to apply soon!
-This program is open to applicants meeting the eligibility requirements below. All applications are welcome and will receive full and equal consideration.
The Ohio State I-DOC program has been designed to:
- Help prospective professional students learn about Optometry as a health profession.
- Expose prospective professional 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
- A strong academic aptitude that demonstrates the potential to succeed in a professional school (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, with a strong demonstrated interest in science).
- An undergraduate student or college graduate
- A U.S. citizen, or Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient
- Completed application, including information outlined below
Application Information
Applications for the 2025 I-DOC program are OPEN and will be due by Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). All students will receive the results no later than Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET and will need to accept their admission into the program by Saturday, April 26, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (ET). There will be a cap of thirty students.
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 collect all final documents before you begin the application because you will need to complete it in one sitting.
Application with the following:
- Application
- Unofficial Transcript with courses and grades readily viewable.
When you create this document for upload, please name it using the convention LastName_FirstName_Transcript - Short Essay (250 words or less): Please describe what draws you to exploring optometry and how I-DOC fits into your current goals/plans. When you create this document for upload, please name it: LastName_FirstName_Essay.
The I-DOC program has a cap of thirty students. Selection of students is based on academic aptitude, a completed application, transcript, and essay.
Questions can be directed to us at IDOCAdmin@osu.edu.
Click here to begin your application.
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 – December 19, 2024