Ryan S. Wally, OD Oxford Eye Clinic/Vision Source! 2167 South Lamar Blvd. Oxford, MS

How I got here University of Alabama at Birmingham, Doctor of Optometry 2008 University of Mississippi, Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude 2004

What the public thinks we do….

What we really do…… Optometry defined: “Doctors of Optometry (ODs) are the independent primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.” -American Optometric Association

What we really do…… Outlook for the profession: According to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Statstics, job opportunities should be very good over the next decade. Why? Favorable work conditions Regular hours Minimum emergency calls

Types of Optometric Practice: Individual/Group Private Practice Retail/Optical Settings Optometric/Ophthalmologic Professional Settings Military/Public Health Academic/Research

Optometry Areas of Emphasis Family Practice Optometry Primary Eye Care Cornea Contact Lenses Geriatric Optometry Pediatric Optometry/Vision Therapy Low Vision Rehabilitation Ocular Disease Refractive and Ocular Surgery (LASIK/LASEK)

Pictures of a typical day

Herpetic Keratitis :

Pictures of a typical day Diabetic Retinopathy :

Pictures of a typical day Diabetic Retinopathy :

Pictures of a typical day Macular Degeneration :

Pictures of a typical day Macular Degeneration :

Pictures of a typical day Hypertensive Retinopathy :

Where do I start? Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) Download OAT Guide Test Fee: $270 Computerized examination Administered at Prometric Testing Centers Nearest in Tupelo, MS

Where do I start? Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) Scope of examination: The OAT is a standardized examination designed to measure general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information. Four Subtests: Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry) Reading Comprehension Physics Quantitative Reasoning

Where do I start? Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) Scored on a scale of Average Score is between 300 and 310. Testing is available year-round, and examinees are allowed to take the computerized OAT an unlimited number of times. However, you must wait at least 90 days between testing dates.

Where do I start? OptomCAS-Optometry Centralized Application Allows optometry applicants to use a single web-based application and one set of materials to apply to multiple schools and colleges of optometry. Applicants will pay a fee of $150 to enter the system and apply to one school or college of optometry. An additional $50 fee will be charged for each additional school or college to which the student wishes to apply.

OptomCAS University of Alabama at Birmingham(UABSO) Birmingham, AL $75 Supplemental fee Deadline to submit OptomCAS and supplemental applications is March 1, Source:

OptomCAS University of Houston College of Optometry Houston, TX $50 Supplemental fee Deadline to submit OptomCAS is February 17, 2014 and supplemental applications is March 17, Source:

OptomCAS Southern College of Optometry Memphis, TN $50 Supplemental fee Deadline to submit OptomCAS and supplemental applications is March 1, Source:

Admissions Profile

SREB Contracts Southern Regional Education Board Allows out-of-state students to pay in-state tuition Some states require a service commitment (Mississippi)

SREB Contracts University of Alabama at Birmingham (UABSO) Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) contract positions presently are available to students from the following states: Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Applicants must be certified as residents of the states from which they apply. Students accepted for the SREB contract program pay in-state tuition. Number of positions vary by state.

SREB Contracts University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) Non-Resident Competitive Tuition Waiver (Awarded by UHCO Scholarship Committee) Non-Resident Service Contract Tuition Waiver (MS, NE Residents only)

SREB Contracts Southern College of Optometry (SCO) Offered to residents of Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia Must be legal-resident of state Number of positions vary by state.

Important links Association of Colleges and Schools of Optometry: OptomCAS: OAT: UABSO: UHCO: SCO:

Ryan S. Wally, OD Phone: