Pupillary Pathways

Studying for big exams can be nothing but boring. Especially after a long day, sitting down and trying to retain information can be the toughest thing you have to do. Even though I don’t have many “life hacks” on how to reduce study time, I can tell you how I made my days more interesting when I was studying for boards and other exams.

I would like to begin by saying that I really put in the work with standard study materials, such as lecture notes and textbooks. However, those were not my favorite things to read when I was drained from a long day of studies and lectures. This is probably the toughest part of the board prep journey: learning how to prioritize studying specifics for class vs. reviewing for boards. Though studying for classes and boards go hand-in-hand, it’s easy to argue that they require different methods of studying.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Optometry school was no walk in the park. Just like any graduate program, just when you think you couldn’t possibly take on one more task, you’re hit with even more things to do. Sometimes it’s hard to even catch a break.

Third year is also a bittersweet milestone. Most students are excited because they are halfway through their optometry school experience. However, this is also when things become much more serious. Third year is when the curriculum gets tougher, expectations in clinic become greater and, to top it all off, you’re studying for boards.

By now you should know the importance of seeking reliable information on the internet. Unfortunately, unreliable information is everywhere, even when it comes to study materials. Though it’s important to research content regularly, this is especially true when studying for boards.

You have many choices on study materials, methods and supplements. In the digital world, you now have access to an endless amount of resources online that can be found with the click of a button. In fact, you can get an answer to a question in seconds with a quick web search. Though it may be tempting to click on the first link when you search “NBEO® Part I study questions”, here are some examples of unreliable vs. reliable information you can use to filter your study materials and content.

You’ll be surprised that some of these resources may be websites you’re using on a daily basis.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. The time of year when optometry students feel as if we have to turn over a new leaf. The time when we imagine that the arrival of a year will provide us the motivation and persistence we need to make some serious changes in our lives. 

Traditionally, New Year’s Day is thought to be the ideal time to kick start a new phase in your life and the time when you must make your all important new year’s resolution. Don’t start off the new year setting yourself up for failure by vowing to make huge changes that will be hard to keep.