Events

We hold a lot of great events, including graduations, continuing education (CE) conferences, ceremonies, celebrations, lectures, reunions, receptions and more. Click on a link below for more information on each event.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Centennial Events

We are very happy to be celebrating our 100-year birthday with our growing Optometry & Vision Science family, and the greater Optometry & Vision Science community. Please join us in celebration, at one of our many events that will take place throughout the year of 2023.

White Coat Ceremony

This event celebrates the start of students’ optometric journeys. Incoming students gather to earn their white coats and celebrate with their peers and families prior to the start of the new semester.

Halfway There

This milestone event celebrates the fact that our second years have made it halfway through the OD program. It takes place right after second year finals before they begin their third year clinical rotations. 

New Home Night

The School of Optometry hosts an event called “New Home Night” each Spring. This event is held to honor the contributions of all third-year students, thank them for their hard work in the clinic over the past year, and announce and recognize the recipients of awards and scholarships.

Old Home Days 

This event celebrates the fourth years returning back to Berkeley from externships across the nation. This week allows students to reconnect with their peers, engage in social activities, and attend final lectures prior to graduating.

4th Year Awards

Every spring, as fourth year students return from their externships and get ready to walk the stage, the School of Optometry honors the fourth years who have received distinguishing awards. This event allows the fourth year class to recognize and celebrate the achievements of their peers. Awards such as the BSK Gold Cord and the student and faculty chosen Golden Retinoscope award are presented to recipients at this event. 

Vision Science Symposium

Vision Science Symposium celebrates Fall and Spring semester graduates for the Vision Science program with a 20-minute time slot where they are introduced by their professors and presented a short presentation on their thesis. After each graduate has presented, there is a reception with dinner or cocktail hour. Vision Science Symposium is held in addition to the formal School of Optometry and Vision Science graduation ceremony.

Graduation

Everyone’s favorite! The ceremony for the class of 2023 will take place in-person this year. Click the button below for details.