Prospective Students Impressed by Optometry Learning Experience

Melis Akman is a clinical specialist at Visionworks in New Jersey and she works with Fatima Constante-Gonzalez, OD ‘07, an alum of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University. When Akman decided she wanted to pursue a career in optometry, Dr. Constante-Gonzalez was quick to recommend her alma mater for Akman to consider.
 
That’s how Akman ended up as one of 22 prospective students participating in the Optometry Learning Experience (OLE) held June 27-29 at Salus.
 
“Attending this program and actually being a part of an institution like this — even if it just was for three days — really makes me hopeful for the next four years,” said the Lyndhurst, New Jersey native. “I gained a lot of hands-on demonstration skills and got to experience life as a student here at Salus. And, speaking to the faculty made a huge difference because you truly gain an insight into the school once you speak with members who have been a part of this community for years.”
 
The signature optometry program is designed to offer participants the opportunity to investigate the academic study associated with the Doctor of Optometry degree program at PCO/Salus, as well as the profession of optometry and the many career opportunities available. 

Created in 1979 by John J. Crozier, OD ‘48, then director of Admissions, OLE student groups have visited the campuses of PCO/Salus for almost four decades in order to gain insight into the academic life of an optometry student. Rachael Snodgrass, assistant director of the Office of Admissions at Salus, said this was the largest group ever to attend the summer OLE program.
 
“Everyone that attended was super-engaged, inquisitive, and excited to be here,” she said. “This group was excited to hear from faculty specifically and also from the Admissions staff about ways they can be a competitive applicant, ways they can build their candidacy and what they can do now to be best prepared for when it comes times to apply.”
 
The experience certainly encouraged Rachel Dizon, of College Park, Maryland, to apply. She said she’s known for a while now that she’s wanted to pursue a career in optometry, and the OLE experience only solidified that decision.
 
​“I’ve been following Salus online and I’ve noticed how welcoming and invested they are in their prospective students as well as their current students,” said Dizon. “And, their staff members seem to love it here as well. Being here in person with the staff that I’ve met online has shown me how true it was that they are a welcoming institution.”
 
It was the same for Monica Do, of Falls Church, Virginia, who is entering her final year at the University of Virginia and looking forward to continuing her career path in optometry.
 
“Not only are the Salus facilities top notch, it has a great community within the school. I real see myself being here,” said Do. “I learned everything about Salus, the financial aid, the importance of (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) DEI, anything and everything one needs to know to become an optometrist and how to apply.”
 
In order to be considered for the OLE program, students are required to complete an application, write a short essay and submit transcripts. Contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@salus.edu for more information.