Indiana University School of Optometry

Stories like Fernando Mendoza's show how easily vision issues can go undetected — and how something as simple as a routine exam can bring your world into sharper focus when it matters most.

Read more about Fernando Mendoza’s experience: https://hey.iu.edu/uoazk

Learn more about how your support of IUSO can impact our students, faculty, and patients: myiu.org/neverdaunted

Fernando Mendoza thought the strain on his eyes was normal.

Then an Indiana University vision screening revealed he’d been living and playing with farsightedness for years without realizing it.

Across Indiana, students and faculty from the Indiana University School of Optometry provide thousands of free vision screenings each year. By identifying problems that often go unnoticed, these screenings can remove barriers people never realized they were facing.

For the students providing care, the experience is hands-on preparation for the profession they’re about to enter. For the patients, it can change how they move through the world almost immediately.

Sometimes, seeing what’s possible starts with someone noticing what others missed.

🔴 Never Daunted | myiu.org/neverdaunted

We had a great time celebrating our graduating 2025-2026 residents, and welcoming our 2026-2027 residents last week!

Thank you to Drs. Jessica Olson (IECC Vision Rehab) Greg Cook (AECC Ocular Disease), Kaylee Mayo (AECC Primary Care), Nataliya Babiychuk (AECC Contact Lens), and Alyssa Bentz (AECC BV/Peds) for choosing IUSO for your residency program. You all were incredible assets to our patient care at the Atwater and Indianapolis Eye Care Centers. All the best to you in the next chapter of your optometry careers.

We are excited to welcome Drs. Andrew Kwon (AECC Contact Lens), Jon Hagee (IECC Vision Rehab), Jenna Horner (AECC Ocular Disease), Leah Giberson (AECC Primary Care), and Gabby Malave (BV/Peds) to the IUSO team this year!

Thank you to Alcon for partnering with us on this event.

The 2026–27 OptomCAS application is officially OPEN!

If you are planning to begin optometry school in Fall 2027, now is the time to apply to join the Indiana University School of Optometry Class of 2031.

Start your application through OptomCAS at optomcas.cas.myliaison.com

Looking for guidance on the application process? Watch our Crafting a Successful Application webinar recording for tips on preparing a competitive application and navigating the admissions process: youtu.be/Q6exErs_Xwk

Questions? Contact our admissions team at [email protected] or call 812-855-1917.

We look forward to helping you take the next step toward a career in optometry!

From a young age, David Nelson, OD'85, knew he wanted to be an optometrist. As a first-year student at IUSO, he set a goal to be the president of the national American Optometric Student Association, AND the president of the national American Optometric Association. Today, he is the only person to have served in both leadership roles.

Read more about Dr. Nelson's time at IUSO, career journey, and advice for current students at go.iu.edu/PS9Azx.

Are you planning to apply to optometry school this year or in the next few years? We're here to help.

IUSO is hosting our "Crafting a Successful Application" webinar on Wednesday, June 17 from 7-8PM ET. Hear directly from members of our Admissions Team as we break down each piece of the application, from personal statements to extracurriculars.

This is your chance for a peek behind the curtain of what schools are looking for in an application. We want to offer you some strategies to help make sure your application stands out among the rest.

Sign up at go.iu.edu/zsV9FA.

Meet Emily Cappello, a second-year Doctor of Optometry student at IUSO and representative for the Class of 2029. Emily enjoys connecting with her classmates (including her twin sister!), getting involved in student leadership, and making the most of life both inside and outside the classroom.

Emily is taking over our Instagram Stories today as she travels to Optometry's Meeting, an annual conference presented by the American Optometric Association and American Optometric Student Association (AOA and AOSA). Follow along for a behind-the-scenes look at her experience - from classes in Bloomington, travel, and early conference activities.

The 1980s are known as the "Comprehensive Optometry Era" as the profession began to expand its focus to include therapeutic pharmaceuticals, ocular disease, pharmacology, and expanded patient management.
Learn more about how IUSO adapted to expanded clinical training, leadership transitions, and a changing student body during these times by reading our latest Historic Highlight: go.iu.edu/t7r1QP

Meet Frances Miller, a rising second year student pursuing her Doctor of Optometry degree. Outside of her studies, she serves as the missions coordinator for Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, social media director for Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, and is an active member of the American Optometric Student Association, American Academy of Optometry and Ocular Disease Club. She loves anything involving the great outdoors, good coffee, and eye care, of course!

Frances is taking over our Instagram stories today to share her Student Life EyeRL (in real life). Follow along to see what a typical day looks like for a rising second year student in our program!

Congratulations to Liliana Gonzalez, IUSO Class of 2027, on being named one of just two optometry students nationwide to receive the 2026 Transitions Optical Advancement Educational Grant!

Selected from a record number of applicants across the country, Liliana earned this prestigious $5,000 award in recognition of her dedication to advancing patient-centered vision care.

Read more about the award at: bit.ly/4xkqpMI