Dr. Ryan Corte interviews fourth-year optometry student Josh Reese, who shares his journey into the field of optometry, his experiences with the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), and the challenges faced by current students. Josh discusses his passion for vision therapy, the importance of creating educational content for pre-optometry students, and the need for transparency from the NBEO regarding exam processes. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of optometry education and the importance of engaging future optometrists in the profession.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Optometry Journey

03:04 Navigating Blood and Guts in Optometry

05:04 Exploring the Optometry Field

07:37 Residency Aspirations and Specializations

09:18 Creating Educational Content for Future Optometrists

12:15 Challenges Faced by Current Optometry Students

20:24 Trust Issues with the NBEO

21:23 Navigating the NBEO Score Changes

24:15 Emotional Impact of NBEO Exam Changes

26:24 Calls for Transparency and Improvement with the NBEO

30:17 The Role of Optometry Schools with NBEO Results

35:58 Financial Burdens of NBEO Board Exams

39:23 Attracting Future Optometry Students

Takeaways

- Josh Reese shares his journey into optometry, emphasizing his initial aversion to blood and guts.

- He highlights the importance of gaining exposure in the field before committing to a career in optometry.

- Josh's passion lies in vision therapy and neuro rehabilitation, which he aims to pursue in residency.

- He started creating educational content for pre-optometry students out of a desire to help others navigate the process.

- The NBEO has faced challenges with transparency and communication regarding exam scores and formats.

- Josh discusses the impact of COVID-19 on optometry education and student anxiety.

- He emphasizes the need for more relevant and clinically applicable NBEO board exams.

- The conversation touches on the financial burden of NBEO board exams and the need for reform.

- Josh encourages more students to create content and share their experiences in optometry.

- The episode concludes with a call for optimism and engagement in the optometry profession.