When I was about to start my first day of optometry school, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what I was getting myself into: learning about eyes, prescribing glasses, and maybe a bit of anatomy. I couldn’t have been more wrong, it is so much more than that. 

Optometry is a fast-paced and intense program. If you're about to start or thinking of applying, this guide is for you. I’m sharing everything I wish someone had told me before my first day, everything from time management to clinical skills, equipment advice, and how to keep going when things get overwhelming. Whether you’re coming into this program with experience or starting from scratch (like me), there’s a lot to experience and learn along the way.

Before I started optometry school, I assumed it would be all about learning how to test vision and prescribe glasses. But I quickly realized it’s so much more than that. From learning about conditions like diabetes and hypertension to blood pathology and even psychology, optometry covers a wide range of topics. We don’t just study eyes, we study the whole person and how their health impacts their vision.

In first year alone, we cover a lot of physics, specifically optics, to understand how lenses and diffraction work. After all, we need to know how glasses improve vision so we can properly prescribe them. Other than science courses, there’s a big emphasis on professionalism, communication, and how to work in a healthcare team, as these are skills that are just as important as clinical knowledge when it comes to patient care.

Optometry is a fast-paced, content heavy program. Each week builds on what we learned the last, so it’s easy to fall behind if you’re not staying organized. Many lectures are recorded, but don’t rely on them too much, as watching a lecture video often takes longer than simply attending class. Besides, it’s easy to lose motivation and feel burned out when you're always playing catch-up.

Make a weekly schedule and try your best to stick to it. Balance lectures, lab practice, studying, and (most importantly) rest and socializing.  Find what system works for you early on, whether that’s a digital planner, bullet journal, or even just a to-do list on your phone. For me personally, I love using the web app Notion and Google Calendar to plan my weeks and assignments.

In first year we are introduced to various machines, tools, and software that we will use every day when we begin to practice as optometrists. From retinoscopy to slit lamp routine, there is a lot of hands-on learning involved. At first, it may feel very challenging to grasp, and your results may not always be perfect, but you will get better every time you practice, try to be easy on yourself. 

For example, it took me more than three weeks of labs to finally see the optic disc using an ophthalmoscope. At one point, I genuinely thought people were lying when they said they could see it! In reality, I just needed to get uncomfortably close to my lab partner’s face to get the right angle.

Mistakes are part of the process and each mistake caught helps you perform better the next. Also, be prepared for the constructive criticism you may receive from lab instructors, they are only trying to help you get better. Learn from each experience and gradually improve your skills, you will perfect them in no time!  

Some students enter optometry school with experience in an optical store or clinic, and while that can be helpful, it’s not essential.

I didn’t have any optometry experience before starting, but I made the most of every opportunity during placement. I showed I was a quick learner and a team player, which led to me being offered a job by the end of placement week. I even received a job offer during a contact lens appointment just by striking up a friendly conversation with the optometrist!

Your attitude goes a long way. Stay curious, ask questions, and be open to learning from every situation. Experience will be built with time.

Having your own high quality retinoscope, ophthalmoscope, and trial lens frame can make a huge difference in your confidence and comfort. While your school may lend you equipment, it’s better to have your own so you can practice consistently, especially before clinical exams and placements.

At my school, certain pieces of equipment are stopped from being loaned out after each year. I was glad I bought everything early on during our school’s equipment fair, where we got discounted packages from suppliers. It’s a big upfront investment, but it saves you money (and stress) in the long run.

Plus, being familiar with your tools gives you an advantage during practical assessments, you know how they feel and work, which can make your exams go a lot smoother and make you less nervous.

There will be moments when you feel overwhelmed, whether it is when you can’t quite master a skill or when lectures pile up faster than you can keep up. But these challenges are part of the process, and they're where you’ll grow the most.

Whether you're just starting or halfway into the program, know you're not alone. Every optometry student has felt this way. Be patient with yourself, trust the journey, and celebrate the progress, especially the small wins. One day, you’ll look back and wonder why you stressed so much. You've got this!