Student Testimonials

Stephanie Suh (she/her)
Class of 2028

“As a student who made the journey from the East Coast to join the Berkeley program, I can confidently say that the welcoming atmosphere and sense of community here at Berkeley made me feel at home right away. Even in just our first semester, the breadth and depth of skills we’ve acquired has exceeded my expectations. We have the opportunity to learn from such a wide array of professionals, each bringing their unique expertise and perspective to our education. The exposure to this variety allows us to each develop our own clinical styles. I’m grateful to be surrounded by such inspiring leaders in the field as I pursue a career as an optometrist.”

Mariane Hamor (she/her)
Class of 2028

“The Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science has always molded the brightest optometrists through its rigorous yet supportive program led by respected clinicians and vision scientists. In just my first semester, I have already learned how to conduct an entire eye exam! However, what truly sets this school apart is its commitment to DEIB and providing equitable care for all. During my undergraduate years in Berkeley, I was immersed in its rich history of progressivism to benefit our society as a whole. As an aspiring optometrist, I wanted to combine this philosophy in clinical practice to better serve a more diverse patient population. Every day I am grateful that I get the chance to be a part of an optometry program that supports and encourages students to embody these ideals.”

Sarkis Margaryan (he/him)
Class of 2027

“As a second-year student at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, I’m constantly impressed by how well the program prepares us for real-life clinical practice. The training is definitely challenging, with a lot of new skills and concepts to master, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to see how much progress I’ve made in such a short time. Every lecture, lab, and clinic session feels like a step closer to becoming a confident and capable clinician. What makes the experience even better is the support of my classmates. We’ve built such a strong sense of community — whether we’re practicing techniques together or encouraging each other through tough moments, I know I can always count on them. This combination of rigorous training and an amazing peer group has made my time here both meaningful and inspiring, and I’m excited to see what lies ahead!”

Jacqueline Drazner (she/her)
Class of 2027

“One of the most rewarding aspects of being an optometry student at Berkeley is the sense of community. As someone who moved across the country, it was initially daunting to be in a new environment without knowing anyone. However, I quickly found where I belonged and fell in love with the Bay Area. The clinical training at Berkeley is outstanding, equipping you with the skills to perform a complete eye exam by the end of your first year! In second year, students refine their skills and get to see their first patient in the spring! I am continually inspired by the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field and gain extensive clinical experience. Berkeley offers a wealth of opportunities to its students, supporting diverse interests, whether in research, clinical practice, or a combination of both. As I approach the end of my second year, I look forward to continuing my growth at Berkeley and expanding my clinical experience as I strive to become the best optometrist I can be.”

Joselyne Calvillo (she/her)
Class of 2026

“As third year is coming to an end and fourth year approaches, I can confidently say that the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science has thoroughly prepared me to diagnose and treat patients using evidence-based optometry. As a first-generation college and graduate student, I am grateful for the small class sizes and the unwavering support from faculty, classmates, and upperclassmen. What we learn and the skills we gain in such a short amount of time is truly incredible. Berkeley not only prepares us to be great clinicians, but also exposes us to diverse career pathways within the field! I appreciate the opportunity to work closely with attending doctors from various backgrounds, which has enriched my clinical experience and perspective. I am thankful to be a part of this program and look forward to what lies ahead!”

Simra Anwar (she/her)
Class of 2025

“During my four years at Berkeley I’ve gained invaluable hands-on clinical experience, met exceptional people, and have made memories that I will carry for the rest of my life. Our program has pushed me beyond my comfort zone and vastly deepened my clinical knowledge as a whole. We are truly taught by leaders in the field, which, combined with the countless hours of independent patient care we attain, lend to producing high quality eye doctors with an unmatched work ethic.

Because of Berkeley’s extensive externship network, I was able to train with optometry and ophthalmology teams at both UCSF and The Byers Eye Institute at Stanford. These experiences were a major highlight of my time here, and have provided me with invaluable mentorship from world-class specialists in the field. It’s unique opportunities like these that help take our careers to the next level.

Treating vision threatening conditions and preserving people’s sight are huge components of what you learn in optometry school, but you really walk away with so much more. I am grateful for all of the amazing opportunities we’ve been able to have, and I am especially grateful for the incredible lifelong friends I have made during my time here!”

Gonzalo Chocano (he/him)
Class of 2025

“Throughout my 4 years at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, what I’ve enjoyed the most would have to be the amazing community you become a part of. Having a smaller sized class allowed me to build close relationships with many of my classmates, and I’m honored to have them as colleagues for my career moving forward.

The same can also be said for the classes above and below your year. In addition to this supportive community, there are multiple ways to get involved in the program. Whether it’s through the various leadership roles or tutoring positions, the options are endless! As someone who hadn’t pursued many leadership roles or tutoring positions during my undergraduate education, I would highly encourage taking advantage while in optometry school. It will make your time in school much more enjoyable!

The Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science prepares you extremely well during your time here and sets you up for a successful career as an optometrist. I couldn’t have asked for a better optometric program over these past 4 years.”

Cindy Nguyen (she/her)
Class of 2025

“It’s no secret that the Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science strives to prepare its students to become excellent, well-rounded clinicians by providing a strong foundation of clinical skills taught by incredibly experienced faculty. After all, early introduction to the clinical applications of optometry can be absolutely invaluable in one’s optometric training —as a student nearing the end of only my first year in the program, I’m both surprised and awed by the skills I have already learned! But apart from the extensive clinical experience that students gain in the four years of the program, Berkeley also uniquely offers a rich growing ground of infinite opportunities for growth in organization and leadership settings — allowing students like me to rise to the occasion to directly plan events for the entire school, like the annual formal dance EyeBall as Vice President of the class. I have no doubt that Berkeley will continue to foster my growth as both a clinician and as a leader, and I’m so very excited for what’s to come!”

Haya Adil Sheikh (she/her)
Class of 2025

“As a first-year graduate student at UC Berkeley, I can say that my transition into optometry school has gone smoothly (all thanks to the help and support I’ve received from my instructors, staff and fellow classmates). In the Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, you get a great sense of camaraderie, which has really helped me persevere in this new academic atmosphere. Our program creates an environment among students where you feel encouraged from day one. The best part is that we always have instructors present in the preclinic and clinic to provide us one-on-one feedback, which makes things so much easier. This is one of the aspects of the curriculum that I value the most. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things the next 3 years have in store for me.”

Amy Chen (she/her)
Class of 2024

“My favorite part of going to school at the University of California, Berkeley (and in particular, the Doctor of Optometry program) is easily the people. I always feel that the people around me want me to succeed! I always have the ability to reach out to professors and administration and get the resources I need to reach my goals. Additionally, the Big/Little Sib program helped me feel welcome even before Day 1 by matching me with the second year student. As an out-of-state student, moving 3,000+ miles across the country was incredibly daunting, however, the people here have always made me feel like I belong. The Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science has an unparalleled educational program with opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere. I am so happy to have made the leap to continue my education and pursue my dream of being an optometrist here at UC Berkeley!”

Frances Tsai (she/her)
Class of 2023

“Taught and mentored by the leading professionals of optometry and vision science, I have no doubt Berkeley provides a top notch education. What truly distinguishes Berkeley is the clinical experience of caring for its diverse patient population. By the end of my third year, I feel incredibly prepared for my externships, having rotated through multiple primary care and specialty care clinics including ocular disease, binocular vision, contact lenses, myopia control, low vision, and more. Beyond the exam room, I’ve had a plethora of opportunities to teach and do research to expand my professional interests and goals. The Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science is a place where I’ve grown and fostered skills necessary to succeed in the field of optometry.”

Andrea Huerta (she/her)
Class of 2022

“The Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science provides you with an unparalleled clinical training that sets you up to thrive in any type of optometric setting. In the program, program students learn skills taught by renowned and intelligent faculty. In the last last two years, students further refine their clinical skills with advanced courses by seeing numerous patients in a wide variety of clinics. More than the didactics and clinical training, students can count on a united close-knit community filled with bright and motivated peers, along with staff and faculty that are genuinely invested in students’ success. Being a student in Optometry at UC Berkeley is only the beginning of a fruitful and rewarding career, and it is a place you can always call home. “

Tyler D. Spilman (he/him)
Class of 2022

“My time with Berkeley Optometry & Vision Science was incredibly rewarding. The rigors of the program early on allowed me to fly high by the time I started my fourth year rotations. Even going through the program at the height of the pandemic, the program ensured that we were able to get the education and patient encounters necessary to be stellar optometrists. I appreciated being eased into patient care starting in second year and being able to have time afforded for thinking through each encounter. In third year clinic, I was able to rotate through a variety of specialty clinics and be exposed to the diverse patient population the Bay area has to offer. I was happy to have been able to build my 4th year schedule in a way that let me experience seeing patients in a variety of settings: Community health, Kaiser, VA Hospitals, and the specialty Berkeley clinics. Writing this as I finish my fourth year, I feel comfortable and confident with the imminent transition towards being an independent eye care provider.”