Organized by UMSL ’s College of Optometry and Office of Precollegiate Student Services.
Within this program, high school students have the opportunity to learn more about becoming an optometrist, a primary eye health care provider. Our program will provide hands-on activities and presentations about pursuing a Doctor of Optometry degree. Students will also engage in professional and personal development workshops.
The Eyes on DiversityProgram is brought to you by the College of Optometry and Precollegiate Services (Bridge) through generous sponsorship by VSP Vision.
Morning session: Introductions, program overview, campus tour, professional development workshop, introduction to UMSL + Optometry
Afternoon session: Eye anatomy lecture and laboratory, clinical skills demonstrations, round table conversation with current ODs and students
For questions and more information please email novela@umsystem.edu
Program Goal: Based upon figures from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), less than 4% of all graduates from the existing optometry programs identify as African-American, Hispanic, Pacific-Islander or Native American. These figures have changed very little over several years. One reason for the lack of minority doctors is due in part to little exposure to the eye care industry. In order to continue providing appropriate care in a more diverse world, our student body must reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our primary goal is to increase exposure to optometry among under-represented students in the junior and senior years of high school and more directly assist these students in college planning and preparedness as they pursue health careers.