Pre-Optometry Program (SEE at CCO)
College students and recent graduates are invited to learn more about pursuing a career in optometry.
Program Info
The Summer Eye Experience at the Chicago College of Optometry (SEE at CCO) is a three-day program that will expose students to the Doctor of Optometry degree. Students will attend workshops designed for those interested in pursuing a career in optometry, as well as those who are still unsure and would like to see if optometry is for them. Sessions will be offered to help prepare the student’s application portfolio for admission, and classes will provide a glimpse into the day of an optometry student. Students will also attend hands-on laboratories where they will learn basic optometric skills.
Highlights
- Tour of the Midwestern University Downers Grove Campus, including classrooms and research labs
- Tour of the Midwestern University Eye Institute at our Multispecialty Clinic
- Attend topic discussions led by faculty of the Chicago College of Optometry
- Participate in preclinical procedures
- Attend application workshop on preparing an OptomCAS application, taking the OAT exam, and making a good impression during an interview
View details about the June 2024 SEE program
2025 Dates
Monday, June 16 beginning at 8:30 a.m. through Wednesday, June 18 ending at 4:00 p.m.
Eligibility Requirements
- Students must be currently enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program. Preference will be given to those entering their junior or senior year.
- Students who have already completed a B.S. or B.A. degree, or those who are enrolled in a post-baccalaureate or graduate program, are also eligible to apply.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (out of 4.0) is recommended.
Application Process and Deadlines
- Complete the following online Application
- A complete set of unofficial college transcripts should be emailed to: SEEatCCO@midwestern.edu
- A completed application must be submitted by March 15, 2025.
Timeline for Notification of Acceptance to SEE at CCO
Applicants will be notified via e-mail of their acceptance no later than April 1, 2025.
Registration Details
There are no registration fees to participate. Participants will be responsible for travel to and from Midwestern University's Downers Grove, IL campus, as well as their own accommodations. Meals (breakfast and lunch) will be covered by CCO.
Program Outline
During the program, participants will be introduced to the exciting world of optometry. Below is a tentative outline for the SEE at CCO program.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | |
| 8:30 | Breakfast & Orientation | Breakfast | Breakfast |
| 9:00 | Ocular Anatomy | Preparing for the OAT | |
| 9:30 | Optometry Building Tour | ||
| 10:00 | Pediatrics & Vision Therapy | Study Skills | |
| 10:30 | Academic Campus Tour | ||
| 11:00 | Low Vision | Preparing for OptomCAS | |
| 11:30 | |||
| 12:00 | Lunch with OD Students | Lunch with Faculty | Lunch |
| 12:30 | |||
| 1:00 | Eye Institute Tour | Optics | Tips & Tricks to Rock Your Interview |
| 1:30 | |||
| 2:00 | Clinic Shadowing | Primary Care & Ocular Disease | Admissions Discussions |
| 2:30 | |||
| 3:00 | Discussions with Incoming OD Students | ||
| 3:30 | |||
| 4:00 | Specialty Testing | Contact Lenses |
Day One: learn about CCO (academic and clinical sides) as well as talk with current students
Day Two: a day in the life of an optometry student (optometric specialties)
Day Three: preparing for optometry school admission (studying, applying, OAT, interview)
For questions about the SEE at CCO program, please contact Dr. John Gialousakis at 630-960-3185 or SEEatCCO@midwestern.edu.