Studying Optometry in America

This month, we feature the story of Dr. Jamie Lau, a Canadian graduate of the New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts. In her piece below, Dr. Lau explains why she decided to study optometry in the United States, and shares her experiences of living in Boston. 

In all of Canada, there are only two universities that offer optometry programs. One is in Waterloo, Ontario, where I did my undergraduate degree, and the other is in Montreal, for French-speaking students. After finishing my undergraduate degree at University of Waterloo, I wanted a new experience in a different city for my post-graduate studies. Since there were limited choices in Canada, I decided to look into optometry school in the United States.

In order to apply to optometry school in the U.S., I had to fulfill certain prerequisites that each school listed on their respective websites. I also wrote the OAT, which is a standardized test for all optometry schools in U.S. and Canada. Once my file was submitted and reviewed, I was offered an interview in Boston, and a few weeks after my visit, I was accepted. After interviewing in Boston at the New England College of Optometry (NECO), I immediately fell in love with the city and the school.

In order to study in the United States, I had to prepare myself financially, and I was fortunate to be at a school that provided phenomenal assistance for Canadian students. As a resident of Ontario, I was able to apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) which provided me with funds throughout my four years of optometry school. I was also able to open a Student Line of Credit through a local banking institution that offered affordable interest rates based on my enrolment in a professional school. While I was an optometry student, NECO also provided international students part-time work on campus which helped with daily living expenses.

Historic Copley Square is a major tourist attraction and center for
 urban life in Boston. The New England College of Optometry is in
 walking distance of the landmark.

At NECO they did an excellent job sending us to different clinics with diverse populations. We were exposed to lots of interesting cases that prepared me for my career in optometry. Studying in an American school allowed me to do rotations at Veterans’ Hospitals in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, community health centers in Boston, and even back home at the Vision Institute of Canada. Campus life was fantastic because we were walking distance away from major Boston landmarks like Copley Square, Faneuil Hall, and Fenway Park.

My advice to students interested in post-graduate studies is to explore the idea of studying in the States. It was a very easy and pleasant experience being an international student in Boston. In addition to an excellent education academically and clinically, I was able to make lifelong friendships with students all over the United States.

Dr. Jamie Lau is a practicing optometrist in Ottawa, Ontario. For more information please visit her website at www.jlaueyecare.com or follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jlaueyecare