Diversity
The I-DOC program aims to introduce undergraduate college students to careers in optometry. Since 2008, this three-day summer program has introduced participants to coursework and hands-on experiences in eye care and vision. Already the I-DOC program has shown significant success, with many of the former I-DOC participants accepted to, attending, or graduating from a college of optometry. Thanks to underwriting by Vision Service Plan, there is no registration fee for the program, and all meals, housing, and activities are included.
For more information on the I-DOC program, please visit: https://u.osu.edu/idoc
New Student Dinner
This takes place during the first month of autumn semester to welcome new optometry students to the College of Optometry and begin to provide them with the support they need to succeed in the classroom, in the clinics, and in their optometric careers. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni meet for dinner, introductions, advice, and conversation.
Career Conversations
Early into spring semester, optometrists are invited to serve as panel members, sharing information about their career paths, backgrounds, and ups and downs of optometric practices. They answer questions posed by a moderator and by students.The students who attend the event appreciate the opportunity to learn from the experiences of the panelists and ask them questions. In recent years, this has taken place off campus at a restaurant, and students move from table to table to have conversations with the optometrists.
National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)
The National Optometric Association (NOA) was founded in 1969 as a not-for-profit organization and is comprised primarily of minority optometrists from throughout the United States. The student chapter, NOSA, is open to all students in the college. Students in NOSA participate in outreach activities, vision and glaucoma screenings, guest lectures, social activities, and mentoring programs. The OSU chapter was awarded the chapter of the year in 1993, 2000, 2004, 2014 and 2023. The college helps support student attendance at the annual NOA conference, which provides opportunities for networking with optometrists.
Mentoring
The Big Sib/Little Sib program matches incoming students with current second-year students in the college. Through formal and informal interactions, students have the opportunity to gain valuable information, advice, and moral support from their more experienced peers.
Tutoring
The Office of Student Services manages a tutoring program in which upperclassmen provide tutoring for students needing assistance in learning course materials.
The Committee for Inclusion and Diversity (C-ID) supports all activities related to diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency.
Purpose
The Committee for Inclusion and Diversity advances inclusive excellence within our college and through our outreach programs.
Mission
The mission of the Committee for Inclusion and Diversity includes:
- To foster a welcoming environment at the College of Optometry
- To support equity and cultural competency
- To provide outreach services and education to underserved populations
Vision
To reflect our larger community, provide a welcoming environment, and support cultural humility in optometric education and patient care
Core Values
- Environment of inclusive excellence
An inclusive environment is one in which the climate and culture of the institution encourages an active, intentional, and ongoing engagement in which all individuals are welcome, valued, and respected and their inherent dignity and worth are recognized.
- Cultural Humility
Cultural humility is a set of congruent attitudes, knowledge, skills, behaviors, and policies that enable individuals to work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
- Outreach
Outreach provides services and education to groups that might not otherwise have access to them.
The Ohio State University College of Optometry is committed to building an equitable community, cultivating a sense of belonging for everyone, and increasing health equity in optometry. This program will engage the college community and help them learn about topics related to equity.