Cultivating Applicants for the Rising Need of Eye-Care

About

Over the course of a three-day summer program, Eye-CARE camp aims to prepare prospective applicants for the rigors of the optometry school application process and health professions programs more broadly. Eye-CARE will simultaneously expose participants to the dynamic future of the profession.

We are proud to announce that eligible participants will be sponsored for a FREE OAT Resource Bundle. The bundle  will include one “OATBooster” study preparation course AND one $250 reimbursement waiver to cover half of the OAT examination fee cost! Eligibility may be viewed at the bottom of the page. We appreciate support from VSP and Booster Prep, Inc.

The Three-Day summer camp activities include:

  • Leadership, professional development, and clinical background workshops
  • Team-building and community-building exercises
  • Presentations by renowned optometrists
  • Networking opportunities with current SUNY Optometry students
  • An inside look into the pandemic’s impact on eye care
  • Exposure to new technologies, niches, and communities in optometry
  • Application process preparation and counseling

The OAT Resource Bundle includes:

  • One free $250 reimbursement waiver to cover half of the OAT examination fee cost toward the upcoming 2024-25 application cycle
  • One free “OATBooster” study preparation course (used by 90% of all pre-optometry students)
    • 2000+ high-quality OAT-specific videos that show you how to beat the OAT step-by-step
    • Timed and non-timed practice tests with representative questions based on the real OAT
    • Feralis-Booster study notes and Booster cheat sheets containing all of the high-yield information you need to succeed on the OAT
    • Flash cards and question banks that can be used outside of practice tests to help you review content
    • 10-Week study schedule created by the OATBooster team to help you prepare for the OAT
Eyecare_invite_wide

Eligibility for Camp Participation

All are welcome. If you are seeking general camp participation only (without the OAT Resource Bundle consideration), then you may sign up for the program now through the registration form below. Further details will be sent to registrants closer to the date.

 

Eligibility for Both Camp Participation and Travel Stipend Consideration

We understand that the Hybrid Eye-CARE Summer Camp 2024 may pose barriers for attendees who wish to join the event in person at the College. Participants who have demonstrated academic promise and who will benefit from a travel stipend may express interest toward a $400 travel stipend for summer camp travel to the state of New York in late mid-June 2024. Interest may be expressed through the registration form below by completing a short statement and submitting a primary college undergraduate transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable). Although travel stipends are limited and highly competitive, we encourage all eligible individuals to express consideration. If you are not awarded a travel stipend, then you are still eligible to attend the summer camp either in person or virtually.

Eligibility for Both Camp Participation and OAT Resource Bundle

If you are seeking both general camp participation AND an OAT resource bundle, then you must submit an application, identify as an underrepresented in optometry (URiO) individual or identify as a low-income individual  (based on federal guidelines), and be actively pursuing an optometric degree.

Open to nationwide candidates. Although not required, consideration will be given to those who have an interest in serving the New York region and state. The package is only available to prospective optometry applicants who plan to take the OAT toward the upcoming application cycle occurring between July 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025.

Although the OAT Resource Bundle is limited and competitive, we encourage all eligible individuals to apply. If you are not awarded a sponsorship package, then you are still eligible to attend the summer camp and we look forward to hybrid engagement with you.

Important Note: Before you submit your application, please be sure to confirm you will be taking the OAT toward the upcoming application cycle between July 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025 and review the “program information” below.

Program Information

Summer Camp Dates and Times: Wednesday, June 12 – Friday, June 14, 2024

    • Wednesday, June 12th, 2024
      • Day 1 – The Dynamic Future of Optometry: Understanding the Future of Vision Care and Your Potential Role In It
    • Thursday, June 13th, 2024
      • Day 2 – The Long Haul: Building Personal Capital for Serving Patients and Leading Others
    • Friday, June 14th, 2024
      • Day 3 – The Training Program: Crafting a Competitive Application for Graduate and Professional Schools
    • TBD
      • Eye-CARE Camp Think Tank Presentations

Camp Format: The format for the 3-day camp will be hybrid, either in person or virtual (although participants are strongly encouraged to pick one format for the entirety of the camp). Think Tank presentations will occur in a virtual format.

OATBooster Course Dates/Times: 90-day access is expected to launch July 1, 2024 for enrolled students. Students will have access to resources to fit any schedule and will be able to pause/resume their access as needed.

OATBooster Course Format: The format will be entirely virtual. More info can be viewed here.

Costs: There is no cost/fee to participate in our Eye-Care Summer Camp or to recieve an OAT Resource Bundle (if accepted). We appreciate support from VSP Global and Booster Prep Inc..