The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry launches new service, awards grants

Article

The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) launched a new centralized application service to provide optometry school applicants with a one-stop application.

Key Points

Rockville, MD-The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) launched a new centralized application service to provide optometry school applicants with a one-stop application.

OptomCAS uses a single Web-based application to offer one set of materials to apply to multiple schools and colleges of optometry. Applicants can submit a completed web-based application composed of biographical data, colleges and universities attended, academic course history, letters of recommendation, work experience, extracurricular activities, honors/awards, and a personal essay.

All 20 schools and colleges of optometry are participating. To access the application, go to http://www.optomcas.org/.

The mini-grants provide seed money for specific programs or projects to assist schools/colleges of optometry with long-term diversity/multicultural efforts. Programs may include summer bridge programs for undergraduates, mentoring and guidance programs for first-year optometry students, and partnerships with organizations, high schools, community colleges, and undergraduate programs to promote optometry as a career among underrepresented groups.

Recent Videos
Jennifer Li, MD, details a talk she gave alongside Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, at CRU 2025 in Napa, California.
Deb Ristvedt, DO, details a handful of presentations on glaucoma she gave during CRU 2025 in Napa, California.
Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, DipABO, weighs in on patient assessments, staining pattern insights, and diagnostic tips for patients who may have dry eye disease.
Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, discusses keratoconus management, diagnosis, and other key insights at CRU 2025.
Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, DipABO, details a talk she gave among optometrists and ophthalmologists at CRU 2025.
Alongside Rachelle Lin, OD, MS, FAAO; Nguyễn, MD, MSc, detailed what treatments are currently available for retinal vascular diseases, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Dr Paul Karpecki discusses atropine formulation from Sydnexis following NDA acceptance by FDA
Ali Tafreshi sits down with Optometry Times to discuss Topcon's "Healthcare from the Eye" initiative.
Nora Lee Cothran, OD, FAAO, details a real-world study that found IOP-lowering benefits when switching patients with glaucoma to latanoprostene bunod treatment.
OptiLIFT in action: Dr. Julie McLaughlin's experience with the new device
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.