Welcome to the Doctor of Optometry Program

White coats and name tags will be ordered for each student by the department. White coat sizes should be based on blazers or jackets that you wear over other clothing. The Fall 2021 white coat order form will be available in the summer.

Before the start of your term, you will order, and receive, an equipment package with an Optometry kit and your choice of a diagnostic set package. These items will be needed for your first year of studies.

Instructions on how to order will be available in summer 2021.

The kit will be packaged inside an MCPHS-embossed rolling carrying case, plus you will get a personalized nameplate for the case. Students typically use their first and last name, sometimes with a middle initial, for the nameplate.

No payment for this kit will be required when you place your order. Your MCPHS student account statement will reflect a fee for this purchase. If you have applied for financial aid, your cost of attendance includes an allowance for this purchase.

The Doctor of Optometry program will be using ExamSoft electronic testing software as well as Blackboard Collaborate Ultra for the administration of examinations and quizzes. All students are required to bring a laptop (Mac or PC) that meets the minimum specifications linked below in order to be able to sit for exams. When referring to the minimum specifications, take note of the requirements mentioning ExamID and ExamMonitor, which require your electronic device to be equipped with a webcam and microphone. Please also note that, if fall classes are held remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions, a desktop computer may be used in place of the aforementioned laptop.

Each student will also be required to purchase a privacy screen or privacy filter that fits on their device.

* Please note that Chromebooks are currently not compatible with ExamSoft software.

• PC Requirements
• Mac Requirements

An approved American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Basic Life Support (CPR/BLS) training for Healthcare Professionals is required of all students and must be maintained for the duration of the program.

If you hold current CPR/BLS certification, please provide the clinic manager a copy of both sides of your signed card showing the name of the course director or training center. Otherwise, training should be completed and a copy of the certification submitted to the clinic manager before the start of the Spring semester.

Students must register for a hands-on training course or a combination of hands-on and online training. Training courses must be American Heart Association-approved; courses that "follow the AHA (American Heart Association) guidelines" is not sufficient and does not meet requirements to participate in clinical rotations.

Visit the Red Cross for more information about CPR/BLS training for Healthcare Providers.

For questions whether your CPR/BLS certification is acceptable for clinical experiences, please contact the Clinic Manager, Heather Fusco, in the School of Optometry's Eye & Vision Center at heather.fusco@mcphs.edu.

As part of the CORI background check process that's required for MCPHS students encountering patients in the school's Eye & Vision Center and during screenings, please submit the following:

1. A government-issued photo identification during your first week of class. Students will receive an email announcement at their MCPHS email account regarding details of when these will be collected;
2. Completed iCORI Request Form to accompany your government-issued photo identification;
3. After your iCORI Request Form and government-issued photo ID have been submitted, you must place an order for your background check online at mycb.castlebranch.com, indicating package code MH82, with a fee payable by Visa or Master Card.

If you would like more information regarding enrolling as a student member in the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), or wish to opt-out, please submit this form by the first week of fall classes. For questions, you may reach out to the student chapter of the American Academy of Optometry on the Worcester campus.

Membership in the Academy gives you a foundation upon which to develop your research skills and professional goals. Student memberships are granted to full-time Doctor of Optometry candidates who are in good academic standing and is active for four years. Visit the AAO website for details about the benefits of student memberships”