Optometry
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Optometry Learning Experience (OLE) student groups have visited the campuses of Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) and now Salus for almost four decades in order to gain insight into the academic life of an optometry student. Begun in 1979 by Dr. John Crozier, the PCO director of Admissions, the first invitations to participate were extended to five Pennsylvania colleges that had academic agreements for a 3 + 4 program* with PCO: Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Washington and Jefferson University, Albright College, Gannon University and Wilkes University.
The OLE program was designed to offer participants the opportunity to investigate the academic study associated with the Doctor of Optometry degree program, as well as the profession of optometry and the many career opportunities available to optometrists.
Originally begun with a single institution’s - Indiana University of Pennsylvania – students, the first years of OLE included a two-week campus stay over the semester break as well as academic credit for the participants. Eventually, the program grew to include a variety of regional schools. Once PCO moved to Elkins Park and student housing was no longer available for the visitors, the length of the program changed.
Today, undergraduate students from various institutions are on campus for two and a half days. Their schedules are filled with counseling from and interviews with admissions representatives, tours of the campus and The Eye Institute, attending a lecture with current optometry students, clinical skills experience, lunch with current students and a financial planning seminar. It’s a whirlwind of activity for the visiting students and the admissions staff.
This annual program is the work of the entire University admissions team, with help from other departments. The students, who range from sophomores to seniors, provide their own transportation and accommodations. They also have dinner one evening with the admissions staff, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program in a relaxed setting. “It is always exciting to have the OLE participants on campus,” according to director of admissions, Monica Maisto. She notes that typically, it is the students’ first time at Salus and their first exposure to optometry students and faculty.
The admissions team also guides the students through the application process, educating them on the important preparation steps needed for professional school. “It is not uncommon to hear that the OLE program solidified their decision to become an optometrist and, furthermore, to pursue their education at Salus – making our job in admissions even more worth-while,” Ms. Maisto said.
For the past several years, the University has hosted two groups of visitors for two and a half days each. The entire group is together on the overlapping half day (Wednesday) when they share lunch with the Admissions staff. Afterward, one group departs and the other begins their campus visit.
This year’s visitors’ schools included three original OLE partners: Washington and Jefferson University, IUP and Wilkes University, as well as University of Pennsylvania; Gettysburg College; University of Pittsburgh; University of Virginia; Salisbury University; Shippensburg University; Allegheny College; Rutgers University – New Brunswick; Rowan University; LeMoyne College and SUNY Albany, Binghamton and Oswego.
*Still in place today with a variety of schools, the students complete three years at their participating undergraduate program, the next four at PCO (now Salus PCO). At the end of their first optometry year they receive a Bachelor of Science degree from their undergraduate school and upon completion of their fourth year at Salus PCO, they receive their Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.
