Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science

25/07/2025

Hear from last year's ViSUR cohort as they share how the program shaped their paths in science and research! ViSUR is an immersive 8-week summer experience that pairs undergraduates with vision science labs at UC Berkeley.

In our latest testimonials, Jocelyn, Priyam, and Thelonious reflect on their time in the program and its lasting impact on their educational and career goals.

Read their stories at: https://vision.berkeley.edu/research/visur/visur-testimonials/

23/07/2025

Registration for Bay Area Vision Research Day (BAVRD) is open until September 5th!

Join us on September 12th, 2025 for this FREE, one-day research conference devoted to bringing the vision research community of the Bay Area together to present and to discuss new and exciting findings in the fields of ophthalmology, optometry, biology, neuroscience, visual psychophysics, and computer vision.

Learn More: https://vision.berkeley.edu/events/bavrd

11/07/2025

This summer, Dr. Ruth Shoge and Morgan McClure welcomed 73 undergrads to Opto–Camp 2025, a weeklong journey into the world of optometry. Campers explored career paths, tackled real-world challenges, and pitched solutions like SCOPE, a student-led pipeline to inspire the next generation. Congrats to all who completed the program, and thank you to VSP for making it possible!

Read More: https://optometry.berkeley.edu/opto-camp-2025/

09/07/2025

As the 2024–25 residency year comes to a close, we are proud to celebrate the graduation of this exceptional group of Doctor of Optometry residents! Over the past year, these talented clinicians have brought their knowledge, dedication, and compassion to every patient interaction, leaving a lasting impact on our clinic and community.

Thank you to the 2024–25 residents for your hard work and dedication. We wish you continued success in the years ahead!

Read More:
https://optometry.berkeley.edu/farewell-2024-25-residents/

03/07/2025

As part of our new Virtual Video Tour series, Associate Director of Admissions Ardi Samonte takes us on a tour of the Admissions and Student Affairs Office (ASAO).

In this video, Ardi gives an overview of ASAO, explaining how the team supports students from the admissions process through graduation with events, advising, and personalized guidance.

Watch the Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UisipUzfu30

See More:
https://optometry.berkeley.edu/about-us/experience-berkeley/virtual-video-tour/

As part of our new Virtual Video Tour series, Associate Director of Admissions Ardi Samonte takes us on a tour of the Admissions and Student Affairs Office. ...

01/07/2025

Join us for Bay Area Vision Research Day (BAVRD) on September 12, 2025! Registration is FREE and open until September 5th.

BAVRD is a one-day research conference devoted to bringing the vision research community of the Bay Area together to present and to discuss new and exciting findings in the fields of ophthalmology, optometry, biology, neuroscience, visual psychophysics, and computer vision.

Learn More: https://vision.berkeley.edu/events/bavrd/

28/06/2025

We are pleased to welcome six new students to this year’s Vision Science Undergraduate Research (ViSUR) program: Felipe Barandiaran, Michelle Lee, Charlene Li, Shruti Nemlekar, Betsy-Jane Paul-Odionhin, and Ayla Pirodan.

ViSUR is an 8-week intensive summer program in which undergraduate students are given the opportunity to work in a vision science lab with a faculty advisor on a research project.

Learn more about this year’s ViSUR students on our website, at:
https://vision.berkeley.edu/posts/2025-visur-cohort

26/06/2025

We sat down with Vision Science Class of 1997 alumna, T. Rowan Candy, PhD for a Q&A in our latest magazine.

Dr. Candy is the current Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor at Indiana University School of Optometry.

In the article, Dr. Candy talks about vision research on infants, translating basic science into clinical practice, favorite lessons to share with kids about eyes, and how Berkeley influenced her career.

Read a web version of the article on our website: https://vision.berkeley.edu/posts/making-a-lasting-impact

23/06/2025

Introducing our new student ambassadors from the Class of 2028! This wonderful group of students will work in conjunction with the Admissions & Student Affairs Office to provide prospective students with “real life” information regarding what it’s like to be an optometry student here at UC Berkeley.

Learn more about each of our student ambassadors at: https://optometry.berkeley.edu/about-us/our-students/student-ambassadors/

18/06/2025

New testimonials have been added to our website! This page celebrates the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and achievements of students at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science.

Through these first-hand accounts, you'll learn about the journeys that led them to Berkeley, how they've grown as clinicians, and what makes our community uniquely supportive and inspiring.

Read their testimonials at: https://optometry.berkeley.edu/about-us/our-students/student-testimonials/

14/06/2025

Congrats to third-year optometry student Vera Shan, winner of the 2025 Quiz Bowl! Back in April, this fast-paced, buzzer-based competition brought together students to test their clinical and academic knowledge.

We’re proud to cheer Vera on as she represents our school at the National Student Bowl during Optometry’s Meeting in Minneapolis on June 26!

Read More:
https://optometry.berkeley.edu/quiz-bowl-2025/

11/06/2025

In case you missed it: the latest edition of Optometry Magazine featured a story on remarkable individuals – some well-known, some not – who have inspired us with their achievements, resilience, and courage.

Read the full article – “Low Vision Heroes” at:
https://optometry.berkeley.edu/low-vision-heroes/