Student-centered initiatives promote optometry careers

At a local level, it’s vital that optometrists and paraoptometrics inspire the next generation to explore careers in optometry. Across the country, community leaders are inspiring future members of the profession.  

The AOA is always ready to help members and offers resources that can educate your patients and the public—plus, they provide an opportunity for you to market your practice and services to your community. 

>>>Read more from Tessa Sokol, O.D., on why recruiting the best and brightest into our profession isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for the future of optometry. 

Why optometry?  

While it’s obvious to us why this profession is the best, it’s always helpful to provide an inside look into your personal experiences to offer aspiring students a glimpse into what could be. Optometry careers offer individuals the chance to save lives and provide service to their community. Plus, the eye care field offers exciting opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology, improve vision and make a difference in people’s lives.  

“One of the greatest rewards in my career has been educating and inspiring both my peers and the next generation of optometrists. Ours is a profession built not only on clinical expertise but on empathy—and that’s one of our greatest strengths. Whether I’m speaking to students, mentoring colleagues or sharing knowledge at a conference, I’m reminded that our impact multiplies when we lift each other up. Optometry offers a meaningful, ever-evolving path, and I’m passionate about helping others discover just how rewarding that journey can be.” -Cecelia Koetting, O.D.  

There are tons of reasons why optometry is great, and getting involved helps attract the best who will play a role in shaping the future of the profession.  

“I’m deeply passionate about educating others about optometry because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this profession is. Whether I’m speaking to students, children or my community, I see every moment as a chance to spark curiosity and open someone’s eyes to a future in eye care. Sharing what I love isn’t just about teaching—it’s about inspiring the next generation to see themselves in this profession and realize they can truly change lives.” -Brandy Yeack, CPOA 

Why get involved?  

Each patient, caregiver, parent or passerby offers the opportunity to build a connection that sparks curiosity and dreams about future possibilities. Whether it’s saying yes to a day of mentoring or introducing the Scout Vision Patch to a girl or boy scout troop, there’s plenty of ways to engage with your community and serve as a resource for them to learn more.  

You never know when you’ll have a lasting impact on someone’s career path.  

“Optometry is a dynamic and life-changing profession that blends cutting-edge science and medicine, heartfelt patient care, and endless opportunities to make a difference, and I’m passionate about encouraging students to discover its vast opportunities. 

As an optometrist, you can transform lives by helping patients see the world clearly, from children discovering the joy of interacting with the world and learning to adults regaining independence. You can shape lives through better health and optimal vision while choosing a path that aligns with your unique passions—whether it’s as a clinician in a private practice, health care center, hospital, or performing in home visits; professor or continuing education lecturer;  performing cutting-edge research; performing community outreach and providing care to underprivileged areas globally; or driving innovation in the industry. This career’s flexibility allows you to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, vision rehabilitation, specialty contact lenses, or ocular disease, all while collaborating with physicians and therapists throughout the wide scope of health care as a key player in interprofessional care. Optometry empowers you to advocate for patients’ overall well-being, blending science, compassion and creativity. Sharing the excitement of these diverse pathways with aspiring optometrists fuels my enthusiasm, as I inspire the next generation to pursue a profession where every day brings new ways to make a meaningful impact.” –Tamara Petrosyan, O.D. 

State associations and members lead the way  

State associations engage with students in their local communities year-round.  

The Michigan Optometric Association partnered with Michigan College of Optometry and University of Detroit Mercy College of Optometry to represent optometry at a recent career fair, where more than 3,000 high school students learned more about eye health and vision and were encouraged to explore careers in optometry.  

Get involved  

From customizable news releases and social media posts to infographics and other campaign resources, there are so many tools and resources that cover a number of vision and eye-health-related topics ready for use. Also available are PowerPoint presentations that can be used for health events, school meetings and other assemblies. 

Download a brochure for aspiring doctors of optometry, paraoptometrics and opticians. 

Visit the Educate Your Community page for more.