So I just found out that NBEO has increased the exam fee to $1490 for exams administered beginning in August 2026, and it’s honestly very concerning. If the fee is already this high now, how much will it cost by the time current OD1s reach our 3rd and 4th years? It’s frustrating because optometry already has one of the lowest board pass rates among healthcare professions, yet our board exams are among the most expensive. I’m already facing huge financial burden from the substantial tuition on top of living expenses.

Is there anything students, schools, or organizations can do to advocate for this profession and address these continually rising costs? Is there even a possibility for them to reduce the cost down to ~800, which is what it was before. Literally medical school board exams are about ~800. I’m honestly just very frustrated and anxious for the future of optometry.

I can get views with BIO usually but sometimes my fingers don’t function for stability so I can’t hold it because I’m shaking. Does anyone ever use two hands to help stabilize or any tips? I’m struggling with stabilization more than anything. I keep trying to practice just with the lens at home to get muscle memory but I end up free floating the lens with the patient because it hurts my hand. And I can’t extend my fingers enough.

Selling equipment no longer needed
I am a 2025 grad that is currently in practice that doesn’t need any of my equipment anymore. My office had everything I need.
For sale
Keeler 2022 BIO
Volk 90 D
Volk 20 D
Heine blood pressure cuffs and stethoscope
Heine DO- head only. Handle not included
Goldmann tono tip
All other miscellaneous equipment required for purchase in school.
If you are in need of any equipment please DM me for a price

Hello, I am a 2025 graduate offering either 1 on 1 or group coaching/tutoring for NBEO part 1 and part 2. (Willing to help with part 3 as well as much as possible) I passed all 3 parts first attempt. If anyone is interested please send me a DM for my contact info and to discuss further. Good luck to all march and August test takers!

I'm 23 and graduated with a B.S. in Health Science (3.5 GPA) in May of 2025. I worked as an optometric technician for about 2 years and genuinely loved the field. I enjoyed the patient interactions, the work-life balance I saw from the ODs I worked with, and I keep coming back to optometry after looking into a bunch of other healthcare careers.

My current plan is:

• Organic Chemistry lecture: Fall 2026
• Organic Chemistry lab: Winter 2027
• Study for the OAT after finishing Orgo
• Apply for Fall 2027 admission

The school I want to attend is the new University of Detroit Mercy College of Optometry. It's about 20 minutes from my house, so I can commute and avoid paying for housing, which is a major reason I'm interested in it.

The application deadline is May 20, and I'm hoping to apply before then. However, I'm worried that I might be applying too late in the cycle since admissions are rolling. Is applying in the winter/spring still realistic, or does it significantly hurt my chances compared to applying much earlier?

Another concern is that UDM is a brand-new optometry school. It's currently in pre-accreditation status and, from my understanding, would receive full accreditation later if everything goes as planned, likely around the time the inaugural class takes the NBEO boards. Would that make you hesitant to attend, or is that not something I should worry too much about?

I'm also only planning to apply to one school. I know that's uncommon, but I really want to stay close to home and commute, so I don't have much interest in moving away.

My biggest source of stress right now is the OAT. Since I haven't taken Organic Chemistry yet, I can't really study that section effectively. On top of that, I took biology and physics over two years ago, so I feel like I've forgotten a lot of that material. I'm worried I'll be relearning a huge portion of the exam while also trying to prepare for it.

For my application I'll have: - 3.5 cumulative GPA - About 2 years of experience as an optometric technician - Leadership experience in my university's Pre-Optometry Club - Strong letters of recommendation from optometrists I've worked with

I'd really appreciate honest feedback!

Hi all, I am a 2025 PCO grad looking to sell my lightly used keeler BIO. Bought in 2022. Everything works perfectly, I just don’t need it at my current office. If anyone is interested DM me for price

most recent decisions about UDM and RMU optometry can be found here: https://theacoe.org/Affiliates/ACOE/Documents/ACOE/Recent_Accreditation_Actions_and_Decisions%20.pdf

It seems like UDM is continuing its preliminary approval status, while RMU will transition to accredited with conditions, which means:

"The classification Accredited with Conditions indicates that the program has major deficiencies or weaknesses with reference to the Standards of accreditation that compromise the educational effectiveness of the program.This classification indicates that the accreditation of the program is in jeopardy. The program is required to report on its progress related to recommendations to meet Standards I, II, III, V, and VIII. The program is required to undergo an interim site visit to assess compliance with all Standards areas in spring of 2030."

Editing to add that IUAPR received this notice:

"Inter American University of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry, Professional Optometric Degree program*. At its June 17-19, 2026, Annual meeting, the ACOE made the decision to withdraw accreditation from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry professional optometric degree program. The program was notified of the decision on July 17, 2026, and the decision becomes final thirty (30) days after notification if no written petition for reconsideration or request for appeal is received. As specified in the “Adverse Actions and Program-Initiated Withdrawals” Policy, the Council may allow the program to remain in an accreditation status until the program has had reasonable time to teach-out the remainder of the program or to fulfill the obligations of any teach-out agreement to assist students in transferring or completing their programs; the Council has determined this period of time will extend no later than July 1, 2030. The reason for the withdrawal of accreditation is as follows - As specified in the ACOE Policy and Procedure, “Adverse Actions and Program-Initiated Withdrawals,” in the event a program holding an accreditation status or Preliminary Approval status does not bring itself into compliance with the applicable ACOE Standard(s) in alignment with the "Timeframe for Compliance with Standards” Policy and Procedure, the Council initiates adverse action against the program. An adverse action is defined as an official Council action resulting in the denial or withdrawal of initial accreditation status, continuing accreditation status, or Preliminary Approval status. The Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry remained out of compliance with 2025 Professional Optometric Degree Program Standard 2.7 as of the deadline for compliance of May 15, 2026. Accordingly, the Council initiated action to withdraw the program’s accreditation. *The decision will become final 30 days after program notification unless the program petitions for reconsideration and/or files an appeal. [This notice posted July 20, 2026.]"

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this latest report

I'm a current student at ICO, so please let me know about any Chicago-specific deals I should know about. Otherwise, I'd like to hear what other people have to say about grocery delivery services!

Hey Guys,

I was wondering if someone is willing to share what their class and clinic load was their third year? I am about to start preparing for boards and with exams and clinic schedules it seems impossible to find time (at least in the Fall) to even begin preparing. Any advice would be helpful!

I'm retaking part 1 in August and have been trying to switch up my studying style this time around, and have no idea how to gauge where I'm at. When I took it in March, I was scoring 70-73 on Optoprep mock exams, and I ended up not passing. I felt that KMK and Optoprep were a little helpful for the test, but not that much. I had never studied for something more, but the exam was so random I truly don't know how else I could have even prepared for those questions.

This time around, I've tried to dive deeper into the topics that I got lower scores on in March and am utilizing Anki and a couple other resources that I didn't use the first time around. I'm also doing a better job at reviewing the questions I get wrong. I am now scoring 78-85 on Optoprep exams, which is much better than what I was scoring last time. However, I can't tell if this is actually going to benefit me given that I didn't think the test was that similar to Optoprep. If anyone has any thoughts on how I'm doing or any advice/resources that can help ensure I pass this time around, that would be greatly appreciated. I am worried, stressed, and want to move on from this test. I'm really hoping I can pass this time.

Hello! I am selling my KMK 2024-2025 part 1 books! I have 3 of the Big 8 books (Disease fundamentals, The foundations, Optics essentials) and a non big 8 book. Only the first couple chapters have notes in them, most of the book is brand new. I’m selling them for $200!

I need help understanding what should be included in documentation for PEPs. The example on their website of 'Patient encounter sample note' is not the same info thats included in the candidate guide. So which is correct?

Do I include all the things listed on candidate guide within the 'patient educaiton' box' (ex: at home instructions, prognosis, medication instructions, side effects, alternative treatment plans) ? How do you avoid typing basically a transcript if youre supposed to type all of that out as well?? Why would their example not be comprehensive? Ex: they put in plan cool compresses and avoid allergens but why isnt it listed in pt edu? Can someone who passed PEs provide examples of both the plan and pt edu? Like several... feeling hopeless! Thanks

Big 8 + Non Big 8

Message for details

What mnemonics did you make up and/or find that were helpful for the real OAT?

How are y'all cleaning your Volk lenses to not damage them? Thank youuu

I've primarily been using KMK and Optoprep to prepare for part 1 (August exam). I know everyone says that Optoprep is more similar than KMK and I have come familiar with how Optoprep asks questions. I looked at the sample questions and they seemed a bit different than Optoprep, is that how the actual NBEO asks questions? I have been scoring in the 70's (ranging from low - high) on my last 4 mocks, but I feel like I would fail after looking at that now. Any advice/words of wisdom?

Hi everyone, I'm currently going into my third year in the fall and was looking to get started on Part 1. If anyone's taken both exams over the last year, what resources would you recommend investing in? I was thinking of buying KMK Allboards Canada, but I wanted to see if anyone has reviews on that bundle (600 USD more than their regular Allboards bundle). Also, would you recommend purchasing any Optoprep resources (I heard they were better representative of test questions - if so, is it better for Part 1 prep, or should I be looking into getting the Part 1 and 2 bundle)?

Regarding part 3, any advice on filling gaps as a Canadian student (studying in Canada) would be really helpful. I've only heard that the Canadian OSCE tests more on counselling than the American one. Would appreciate your thoughts.

If I could DM someone who's gone through this process, that would be amazing too! Appreciate the help.

What were your stats (GPA/OAT/experience) when they accepted you for the scholar program???

What matters more: GPA or OAT?? Low gpa/high OAT acceptances possible?

I’m an incoming OD1 and I was wondering if it’s mandatory to purchase scrubs for clinics or any on-site vision screenings. I don’t currently own any and have always worn business clothes at the my job as a opto tech and prefer the “put together” look.

Should I bother buying them?