iSee Pre-Optometry
University of California Santa Cruz
Meetings, Events and Annual Volunteering
Our club features three main types of meetings throughout the school year: informative general meetings, Optometrists and current Optometry School student meetings, and volunteering events. The general meetings include general information about the Optometry School Application Process and visits from Optometry School Representatives that highlight specific Optometry Schools. We also have maintained several relationships with local optometrists in the area that are willing to talk to us about their experience in the profession as well as former members of the club currently in their own O.D. programs. We are also a part of two large scale volunteering events: The Annual Lion's Club Glasses Drive and Woof to Woof for the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Meetings are usually every-other week and any UCSC student is welcome to join.
O.D. visits
We believe that members of our club should have an opportunity to speak to Optometrists from varying backgrounds so that they can get an idea what the profession is like and the various opportunities straight from practicing individuals. As a club, we have established relationships with several Optometrists around Santa Cruz who are willing to speak with our club to answer our questions. Notable Optometrists include: Dr. Chang, Dr. Kim, Dr. Fredericks, Dr. Buell, Dr. Ruegg, and Jackson (fourth year O.D. program student).
Berkeley Optometry Visit
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We had a wonderful and informative time visiting UC Berkeley School of Optometry! It was a great chance to learn about a highly acclaimed Optometry program that several UCSC alumni are currently enrolled in, including one of our club founders Nichole Russell. I know several of our members are applying this year so I'm glad we had a chance to come up and see the school for ourselves. Thanks University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry!
General Meetings
We have a meeting for the major steps in the application process including: Four Year Plan building to meet pre-requisites, asking for letters of recommendation, building resumes, using OptomCas, the OAT, the interview, and much more. We always include handouts and web resources as well as hear from students who are currently applying or have already and their experiences.
Socials
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Come eat, meet, and hang out with other pre-optometry students! This is a great time to network and get your questions answered.​
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Woof to Woof event
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Here, we extend a hand to help out the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in volunteering for this very relaxed and enjoyable event. Local business vendors geared towards providing for pets come out and show off their products for the different patrons. As one would figure, this event is dog-friendly so the patrons that come bring their pets with them. Our duty is simply to enjoy the day and make sure everything runs smoothly!​
Lion's Club Glasses Drive
Every year, we as a club go door to door in a neighborhood in Santa Cruz to collect old prescription glasses to be donated to the Lion's Club of Santa Cruz where they distribute them to people in need. We began participating in the Lion's Club Glasses Drive in 2011, which is now our longest traditional event. By continually volunteering, we help the community recycle their prescription glasses and work with a well established organization for the greater cause of providing sight to those less fortunate.
