A Fresh Wave of Optometrists

Jeffrey Browen

The eternal question of “what comes next?” is one that

most, if not all graduates are used to explaining away or

confronting in some capacity

But things are looking bright for a group of brilliant, bright-

eyed optometrists from the University of Missouri- St. Louis

This class of talented College of Optometry Graduates is facing a 100

percent employment rate, as reported by the University’s Blog, UMSL Daily

Several graduates are profiled in the article, including Emily Pike, who, after years of working in

public health, finally enrolled in the College and found the experience

she so desperately needed

After June’s graduation, she went on to open a practice in Missouri-

and she’s far from the only classmate to continue on to great

professional accomplishment

USML daily notes that, despite what some may think, a 100

percent job placement rate is not unusual for the college

In fact, this remarkably high, perfect percentage of graduates with

optometry related jobs has been consistent over the last five years

That’s something really incredible, and it fills one with pride knowing

that this latest group of optometrists is going into the

world with such great enthusiasm

The program director for student services, Nick Palisch, says that about one half of

the college graduates go on to hone their skills at a private practice, and another

combined 25 percent of graduates enter the military or a residency program

The other quarter continue on to work in the corporate world (think

Walmart, Lenscrafters, etc)

Two students profiled are actually representative of this

professional demographic

In fact they’re a couple, Brad and Rachel Engelbarts are moving to South Carolina, to begin work with the Navy

and a local practice, respectively

Brad loved his experience as an optometry student, and praises the atmosphere of camaraderie and companionship it provides

Pike, on the other hand, treasured the networking and professional

connections she made during her time

Whatever the reasons for their devotion to their studies, everyone can benefit and appreciate a new

wave of talented optometrists

To read full article, visit: !

http://blogs.umsl.edu/news/2014/06/11/optometry-graduates/