Nearly 100 prospective students and guests received a preview of life at the University of Houston College of Optometry through several summer outreach events including UHCOpen House, the HBCU Summit, and a visit from the South Texas ISD Medical Professions High School.

Hosted by UHCO’s Office of Student Services, these events gave the participants opportunities to tour the college’s academic and clinical spaces, explore the anatomy of the eye through immersive activities, connect with current students, faculty, staff and alumni, and participate in panel discussions focused on mentorship, professional development, and the journey to becoming an optometrist.

While many prospective students who attend these recruitment showcase events get answers to their questions about GPA requirements, prerequisite coursework, letters of recommendation, or admissions logistics, perhaps the most valuable part of visiting UH Optometry lies with the interpersonal connections forged during in-person visits.

“These events allow prospective students to experience UH Optometry as a welcoming community where they can build meaningful relationships, grow personally and professionally, and prepare for a career in service to others,” said Dr. Lucy Kehinde Darnell, Clinical Associate Professor & Assistant Dean for Student Services. “We attract students who seek academic rigor and practical experience, and we keep our door open to celebrate successes and help navigate any obstacles along the way.”

For the incoming Class of 2030 – many of whom attended similar events –  Dr. Darnell hopes that the sense of community established at campus visits will continue to flourish throughout their journey at UHCO, creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and support is always within reach.

“We attract students who seek academic rigor and practical experience, and we keep our door open to celebrate successes and help navigate any obstacles along the way.”

– Dr. Lucy Kehinde Darnell, Clinical Associate Professor & Assistant Dean for Student Services

The class of 97 students, selected from more than 600 applicants, class comes to UHCO with an average GPA of 3.7, and admission scores well above the 90^th percentile nationally. Beyond traditional academic metrics, they also impressed the admissions committee with their passion for optometry and patient care, as well as their individuality and wide-ranging interests outside of optometry – from entrepreneurship and the arts to environmental and public health.

“Our most successful students display a strong sense of self-awareness, leadership, compassion, and a clear understanding of their purpose," Dr. Darnell said. "They are intrinsically motivated, curious, and committed to lifelong learning. They view challenges as steppingstones rather than roadblocks and continually seek deeper understanding of their course material through their clinical experiences."

Those qualities reflect UH Optometry’s core values of growth and learning, integrity, reason, and humanity – the same values showcased during this summer’s outreach events. This fall, members of the Class of 2030 will experience them firsthand as they begin their journey to leading the future of vision care.