Welcome to the Doctor of Optometry Program

The School of Optometry will order white coats and nametags for all incoming optometry students. Students are required to fill out an online form designating their white coat size and nametag information here.

White coat sizes should be based on blazers or jackets that you wear over other clothing.

As first year students in the MCPHS School of Optometry, you will receive an Equipment Package which includes the following items needed for your first year of studies;

• MCPHS 1st Year Optometry Equipment Kit, packaged inside an MCPHS embossed rolling carrying case
• Your choice of a Diagnostic Set Package

Your 1st Year Equipment will be distributed to you in-person on Thursday, August 29 during Orientation. The deadline to order equipment is Monday, July 22.

The MCPHS Equipment Kit includes a personalized name plate for your equipment carrying case. For the nameplate option, students typically use their first and last name, sometimes incorporating a middle initial.

To choose your diagnostic set and enter your personalized engraved name plate information for your rolling equipment kit, please visit our distributor's brand-new website, www.store.pioneerdoctor.com. You will then select "Sign In" in the top-left corner or scroll down to "Students & Residents Login to Your Account". From that screen, please select "Create an Account" and proceed with the following steps:

1. Use your @stu.mcphs.edu email address to register for an account
2. Enter "2023" as your Completion Year (this will ensure you receive access to view the MCPHS 1st Year Equipment Kit)
3. Confirm your account by visiting your @stu.mcphs.edu email account and clicking the link within the Pioneer International Account Confirmation email

Before you are able to add the Equipment Kit to your shopping cart, you will need to select your preference of a Heine or Welch Allyn Diagnostic Set, as well as entering your nameplate request.

Remember, no payment is required when you place your order. Your MCPHS student account statement will reflect an Optometry Equipment Fee. If you have applied for financial aid, your cost of attendance includes an allowance for this purchase.

For questions related to the website, or your equipment selection/purchase, please contact Kristi Gentile at 888.206.5380 or kgentile@pioneerstudent.com.

The Doctor of Optometry Program will be using ExamSoft (electronic testing software) for the administration of examinations and quizzes. All students are required to bring a laptop or iPad that meets the minimum specifications described below. Each student will also be required to purchase a Privacy Screen or Privacy Filter that fits on their PC, MAC or tablet.

• PC Requirements
• Mac Requirements
• iPad Requirements

An approved American Heart Association CPR/BLS (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Basic Life Support) 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 a copy of both sides of your signed card showing the name of the course director or training center. Training should be completed prior to matriculation and proof of certification may be submitted during day two of New Student Orientation. 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 www.redcross.org 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 in the School of Optometry's Eye & Vision Center.

As part of the CORI background check process that's required for MCPHS students encountering patients in the school's Eye & Vision Center (EVC) and during screenings, the school will collect a copy of the student's government-issued photo identification during day two of New Student Orientation. The student should also be prepared to order a background check shortly after the start of the fall semester, with a fee payable online by Visa or MC. Instructions on how to order the online background check will be provided at New Student Orientation.