We asked our current Doctor of Optometry (OD) and Vision Science (VS) students about what they love most about Berkeley Optometry & Vision Science, and what advice they may have for prospective students. See below for their quotes!
Sonali Singh, VS Class of 2026
What do you love most about Berkeley Optometry & Vision Science?
“How small and close-knit the community is.”
What advice would you give to a prospective student/applicant?
“Reach out to faculty and truly decide if this program’s dynamic is the best environment for you to thrive and be happy in.”
More About Sonali
Our Vision Science students have individual profiles describing their background and research.
Click the button below to read more about Sonali!
Helen Tasho, OD Class of 2024
What do you love most about Berkeley Optometry & Vision Science?
“Small class sizes makes it easy to get to know everyone, including your instructors!”
What advice would you give to a prospective student/applicant?
“Don’t be afraid to apply!”
McKenna Turrill, OD Class of 2023
What do you love most about Berkeley Optometry & Vision Science?
“Great faculty, tons of interesting patient cases and the tight-knit community!”
What advice would you give to a prospective student/applicant?
“Ask lots of questions! Make sure Berkeley is the right fit for you and try to do get some shadowing or work experience in optometry before applying!”
Isabel Groth, OD Class of 2025
What do you love most about Berkeley Optometry & Vision Science?
“I love that the class sizes are small enough that I know all of my classmates and can get 1-on-1 help from professors, but I still have access to all of the resources and libraries of the huge UC Berkeley campus.”
What advice would you give to a prospective student/applicant?
“When choosing extracurricular activities in undergrad, choose those that interest you the most rather than those that check off all the boxes you think you need to be a good applicant. There are plenty of options that can relate to optometry, don’t feel obligated to do research or join a club if it’s not something you’re truly passionate about. Everyone has different paths to optometry – make it your own.”
Amy Chen, OD Class of 2024
What do you love most about Berkeley Optometry & Vision Science?
“Community/students; local area; instructors.”
What advice would you give to a prospective student/applicant?
“Get a good support system and have good study habits!”
Vasudha Rao, OD Class of 2023
What do you love most about Berkeley Optometry & Vision Science?
“The kind, passionate, and incredibly knowledgeable attending faculty who are committed to helping you grow into a great clinician.”
What advice would you give to a prospective student/applicant?
“Don’t shy away from challenging courses or patients, because you’ll grow the most in those situations.”
For more information regarding admissions for Optometry & Vision Science, please visit the pages linked below.
Optometry Vision Science