Improving Diversity in Optometric Careers (I-DOC) is an award-winning summer program to help underrepresented students explore optometry as a career. This year, I-DOC will be held in person, June 4 – 8, 2023 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, room and board 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!
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 the role of diversity in Optometry in overcoming health disparities and in promoting health equity.
- Expose students to educational opportunities and careers in Optometry.
- Help students navigate the Optometry school application process (including having access to test prep materials) to develop into competitive and successful applicants.
Eligibility
- A strong academic aptitude that demonstrates the potential to succeed in professional school (cumulative GPA greater than 2.9)
- Identify as students from historically minoritized and marginalized groups to improve health inequities and health care access, including those from LGBTQIA+ identities.
- Undergraduate student or college graduate
Application Information
Applications are now available and are due by Sunday, March 26, 2023, at 11:59pm Eastern Time. All students will receive the results by Monday, April 3, 2023, 11:59pm ET and will need to accept their admission into the program by Monday, April 10, 2023, 11:59pm ET.
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.
- Short Essay (250 Words Maximum):
- Please describe a time in which you or someone you know were impacted by inequitable treatment in a healthcare setting, and how improving diversity in healthcare providers might have impacted the situation.
- When you create this document for upload, please name it: LastName_FirstName_Essay
- Please describe a time in which you or someone you know were impacted by inequitable treatment in a healthcare setting, and how improving diversity in healthcare providers might have impacted the situation.
- Unofficial Transcript
- When you create this document for upload, please name it: LastName_FirstName_Transcript
Questions about the application can be directed to Jen Bennett at bennett.1075@osu.edu.
Example Schedule
Sunday – Arrive in Columbus.
Monday – Welcome/Overview. Meet with Ohio State Optometry faculty members who are interested in health disparities. Learn about how vision problems impact people. Spend time exploring Columbus with the group.
Tuesday – Learn about the different ways that Optometry can be practiced and residency opportunities. Tour Ohio State’s campus. Spend time with our students and learn about their experiences at the college.
Wednesday – Tour our clinics and get hands-on experience working with our faculty in clinical settings. Learn tips about how to be a successful student. Spend the evening with faculty at an outing.
Thursday – Learn about our admissions processes and create your individualized schedule to prepare to apply. Depart from campus.
National Recognition for the I-DOC Program
Corporate Sponsorship
We are grateful to VSP®, for their generous support of our I-DOC program.