The fall semester has been a busy one for many Indiana University School of Optometry Students. The School, several clubs and classes have held meaningful events, focused on providing students with opportunities for outreach, advocacy and professional development.
Greene County Wellness Fair
In September, third-year students Abby Walker, Conor Brazill, and Jenna Hall joined Dr. Elli Kollbaum to provide free eye screenings at the Greene County Wellness Fair. This event was coordinated by the IU Center for Rural Engagement, in collaboration with several IU schools and departments, and community organizations. Students provided vision screenings, educated attendees on the importance of regular eye exams, shared information about the Atwater Eye Care Center’s services, and answered a range of eye health questions.
Foundation Fighting Blindness’ VisionWalk with the Low Vision Club
Dr. Hassan and about 25 IUSO students from the Low Vision Club supported the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ VisionWalk, held on September 13 at the White River State Park in Indianapolis. The event directly supports the Foundation’s critical research on inherited retinal diseases – work with the potential to change lives.
The IUSO team served as route monitors for the 5K walk and accompanied participants, including those who were visually impaired or blind. The team also hosted a booth where they interacted with the public, answered eye health questions, provided vision screenings, and educated attendees about the services offered by the IUSO Eye Clinics and the importance of regular eye care.
Career Sight
On September 26, over 200 students attended IUSO’s second Career Sight, featuring expert panels and a networking fair connecting students with professionals and industry leaders across optometry. Panel topics included private, corporate, specialty, and private equity practices, as well as externships and residencies. Thank you to the many IUSO alumni and industry professionals who came to campus for the panel and networking fair! Photos from the day can be found here.
States’ Day
On October 1, AOSA hosted States’ Day, featuring representatives from Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, who discussed practicing in their states and the importance of engaging with their state associations. State associations typically have a goal of positively impacting advocacy, continuing education, clinical practice, and networking interests. Students were able to network with these representatives and those from three corporate partners.
Midwest Regional Conference
On October 4, AOSA hosted the Midwest Regional Conference, and welcomed over 100 students, alumni, and local optometrists to campus. This Conference provides a platform for networking, education, and leadership-building, and is the only regional conference in the midwest that is organized for optometry students, by optometry students.
The day included mini-CE courses taught by IUSO Faculty: Dr. Don Lyon, Dr. Anna Tichenor, Dr. Jason Jedlicka, Dr. Brad Sutton, Dr. Stephanie Klemencic, Dr. Cathy Cheng, Dr. Grace Brasel, and Dr. Jane Ann Grogg; a Practice Management Seminar Panel with IUSO Alumni Dr. Gregg Norman and Dr. Jorge Benavente, Dana Jones, and Brian Crane; and a Residency Panel with Dr. Anna Bedwell.
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