UHCO Orientation

On August 23, 2013 I saw a room full of my peers for the first time. We started the day by having our picture taken, which will accompany our name for the next four years. Only one snap from the photographer and my destiny was sealed. I am horrified that I made a goofy smile, or ended up in mid blink. The day continued, and we had chances to ask questions to older students and even some of the faculty. We even receieved our much anticipated equipment. A staple of any optometry student, we all rolled away with a smile, feeling a little bit professional for the first time. The most memorable moment was taking our very first Optometric Oath as a class.

The Optometric Oath

WITH FULL DELIBERATION, I FREELY AND SOLEMNLY PLEDGE THAT:

• I will practice the art and science of optometry faithfully and conscientiously, and to the fullest scope of my competence
• I will uphold and honorably promote by example and acction the highest standards, ethics and ideals of my chosen profession and the honor of the degree, Doctor of Optometry, which will be granted to me upon completion of all academic requirements.
• I will provide professional care for those who seek my services, with concern, with compassion and with due regard for their human rights and dignity.
• I will place the treatment of those who seek my care above personal gain and strive to see that none shall lack for proper care.
• I will hold as privileged and inviolable all information entrusted to me in confidence by my patients.
• I will advise my pateients fully and honestly of all which may serve to restore, maintain or enhance their vision and general health.
• I will strive continuosly to broaden my knowledge and skills so that my patients may benefit from all new and efficacious means to enhance the care of human vision.
• I will share information cordially and unselfishly with my fellow optometrists and other professionals for the benefit of patients and the advancement of human knowledge and welfare.
• I will do my utmost to serve my community, my country and humankind as a citizen as well as an optometrist.
• I hereby commit myself to be steadfast in the performance of this my solemn oath and obligation.

Walking up to The University Eye Institute!

I am incredibly proud to be a University of Houston College of Optometry student. We are the only optometry school in the entire country with an ambulatory surgical center. The profession is governed by the legislature so for now, in the state of Texas, optometrists are not able to perform surgeries. However, twenty years ago optometrists weren't able to dilate the eye, prescribe antibiotics, or treat glaucoma. Times changed and the laws finally caught up with the education of the profession. I am honored to be a part of a program so ahead of the time. The surgery center is equipped with the most hightech technology in the state, and maybe even the country. Any occular surgery has the ability to be peformed there, and we will have the opportunity to rotate through to observe. The hope is to show legislature the capability and the scope of learning that takes place in our program. By proving competence, hopefully the profession will continue moving in a positive direction. We are in an amazing new building. Our class will be the first to experience all four years of school there. It adds a whole new level to this experience and I am humbled.