Optometry Learning Experience Draws Increased Interest from Participants

Nada Abdelkarim really loves her personal optometrist, Louise Colletti, OD ‘98, who she’s seen her entire life and who she calls the “sweetest, most kind woman” and “just awesome.”

It’s not a huge surprise then that Abdelkarim strives to follow in Dr. Colletti’s footsteps. That notion was reinforced recently when Abdelkarim attended the Optometry Learning Experience (OLE) at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at the end of June.

“We were made to feel like part of the Salus family. I appreciated that a lot. That's over half the battle,” said Abdelkarim, who graduated in December 2023 from Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, with a degree in biology sciences and a minor in psychology. “If somebody welcomes you with open arms, loves their job and what they do, it in turn makes you love what you do and you really want to keep pursuing your goals,” she said. “This experience increased my interest in Salus 100 percent.”

OLE student groups have visited the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) campuses for four decades to gain insight into the academic life of a Doctor of Optometry student.

The program is designed to offer participants the opportunity to investigate the academic study associated with the Doctor of Optometry degree program at PCO, as well as the profession of optometry and the many career opportunities available. OLE consists of a multi-day, interactive on-campus experience and is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates who are considering applying to PCO in a future cycle.

Lilian Eom, a rising junior at Elizabethtown College near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, decided early on that she wanted to become an optometrist. She's studying biology and has shadowed multiple healthcare professionals during an internship experience, but it was optometry that pulled her in.

“I shadow at Einstein (Healthcare Network) and there are students from PCO/Salus there,” said Eom, who is from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. “One of the students attended the OLE program previously and recommended it.”

In addition to seeing the optometry labs and general facilities, meeting faculty members and hearing presentations about the program, Eom was impressed with the diversity at PCO.

"I didn’t know that this was such a diverse school compared to others. For me, that was really enlightening,” she said. “This program has really increased my interest in Salus.”

According to Maura Golebiowski, assistant director in the Office of Admissions, two sessions held June 24 through 28, 2024, attracted a total of 34 potential students, 19 in the first session and 15 in the second session.

“It’s been a successful and exciting week. The students have been engaged and excited to learn about the profession and to meet others who are like-minded,” she said.