Greetings Once More,
Well the first semester is over, the first winter break is over, and now school is back in session. Looking over our spring semester schedule, it is almost overwhelming. With an astounding EIGHT classes, and FOUR labs, I had instilled the impression in my head that school would only get easier after the first semester. After two weeks of school so far, I’m not so sure about that.
Visual Perception seems to be the challenge this semester, as it was Anatomy/Neuroanatomy the first semester. It was explained to us that after we finish taking this class, we will know more than most doctors and surgeons when it comes to this “ping-pong” sized mass called an eyeball. It was very intriguing to hear that. The material presented to us seems somewhat light years above what we have learned so far in other classes, but just like the first semester, I just have to put the time in to my studies, and aim to do the very best that I can.
There are other new classes such as “Intro to Optometry”, “Ophthalmic Optics”, “Ocular Physiology”, and “Ocular Motility.” So far we’ve only had one class of Ocular Motility, but I feel as if I am going to enjoy it a lot.
On another note, SCO just had its third annual “State Day.” As first year students, we had the privilege to hear the opinions, and take in the advice from Optometrists representing several different states ranging from Illinois, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. All of the doctors had great advice, and talked about varying issues in regards to the new healthcare proposal being put in place, residency, and state legislated laws that optometrist have to follow when treating/ providing care for their patients. Afterwards, students also had an opportunity to talk one on one with the representatives, as a way of networking. One of the best quotes of the day was “If you are not at the dinner table, you are on the menu,” which pretty much tells us that even as students, it is never too early to be active in our state organizations to help maintain the rights optometrists have, and then also to help broaden the scope of practice even more.
I’m going to try and post more this semester to keep perspective students in the loop. Again, SCO is amazing, and I must say for the umpteenth time that SCO does everything they can for their students to make sure they are successful post graduation.
Until Next Time, Later~