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With more than 750 student organizations currently active on the IU Bloomington campus, you’re sure to find the one for you. Some student orgs were even founded for optometry students, by optometry students.

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A day in the life of an IUSO optometry student

Take a peek inside a day in the life of Indiana University student, Claudia Hernandez. Claudia at the time was a third-year optometry student and holds the title of Miss Indiana University 2019.

Description of the video:

[Video: Two individuals in doctors office. The doctor is doing an eye examination on a patient.]

[Words appear: One Day/One Hoosier, October 30th, 2019, with Claudia Hernandez]

Claudia Hernandez speaks in voice over: I’m Claudia Hernandez and I’m a third year at the IU School of Optometry.

[Video: Hernandez and another person are walking together.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: And I am also Miss Indiana University 2019.

[Video: Hernandez is sitting on a chair.]

Hernandez speaks: My senior year of undergrad I knew I wanted to come to the optometry school and I applied to all of the schools around Texas because I’m from Texas.

[Words appear: Claudia Hernandez, Third-year optometry student, Miss Indiana University 2019]

[Video: Hernandez sitting at a table using a tablet.]

[Words appear: Meet Claudia! Claudia is a 3rd-year student in @iu_optometry. This morning she’s prepping for an exam in her physical assessment class. Follow our story today for a glimpse into a day in the life of this Hoosier.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voice over: and I had one particular school in mind in San Antonio, but

[Video: Hernandez walking down a hallway. School of Optometry sign in the hallway as well.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voice over: One day I just applied to IU

[Video: Hernandez is doing an eye examination on a patient]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: I don’t know what was telling me to apply, but I did and I am glad I did.

[Video: Hernandez continues doing an eye examination on a patient.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: It’s a very well established school, there’s a lot of great research that has come out of it. All the professors and faculty really made me feel like

[Video: Hernandez standing in front of IU Optometry sign.]

[Words appear: Ask Claudia a question! What extracurriculars are you involved in? Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, Lions Club in Bloomington, Kiwanis Club]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: I was going to be a part of a family and be a great contributor to the school.

[Video: Hernandez is standing in front of IU Optometry sign.]

[Words appear: Ask Claudia a Question! How/Why did you choose IU over other optometry schools?]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: So there are only 23 optometry schools in the country and IU is one of the most established and oldest ones and they have really great research and a lot of great doctors that have graduated from here. 

[Video: Hernandez is walking outside with an umbrella.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: I’ve tried to reinforce my

[Video: Hernandez sitting at a table with a tablet, books and notes.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: Platform as much as I can with the little amount of time that I have left.  

[Video: Hernandez sitting at desk.]

[Words appear: What are some of your duties as Ms. IU? Competed in Miss Indiana, make various appearances on campus, use her platform for good!]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: So something recently I did was I went to a

[Video: Hernandez and three others are standing behind a table.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: Visually impaired preschool services event and there’s families there that have children that

[Video: Table with pens, Uno cards, glasses cases and a pumpkin on it]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: Are visually impaired or legally blind and I actually got Matell which is the company that makes gameboards

[Video: Hernandez is holding a box of braille Uno cards.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: to donate some of their new braille Uno cards for our event so we can give them out.

[Video: Hernandez standing outside with an umbrella.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: So now I’m going to go home and get ready for CrossFit and I will see you there.

[Video: Inside of gym. Workout equipment is everyone and people are exercising.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: So I never thought that

[Video: Hernandez doing pull ups.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: I would love another place like I love Texas

[Video: Hernandez lifting weights.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: But now I can say that I really do love Indiana. Right here feels like a second home away from home.

[Video: Hernandez is at a desk with a tablet, books, and notes.]

[Words appear: Studying for boards. Optometry students take their boards during the spring period of their third year.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: I came knowing only one person

[Video: Hernandez and two others sitting in lecture hall talking.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: and now I know hundreds of people because of the school because of Miss IU

[Video: Hernandez posing in a crown and holding her optometry jacket.]

Hernandez continues speaking in voiceover: because of the University, I’m just really happy to be here now.]

[Video: Black screen with text.]

[Words appear: Indiana University iub.edu]

Experience Claudia Hernandez's full day

Read Claudia Hernandez's whole story here: oneday.indiana.edu/claudiah.html and you can experience Claudia's enitre day including, going to optometry classes, investigating impact of 'vision training' on sports performance and as Miss Indiana University 2019.

Diversity Champion Award-Winning Campus

For six consecutive years, IU Bloomington has received the INSIGHT into Diversity’s Diversity Champion Award. Known for visionary leadership, Diversity Champions are institutions that exceed everyday expectations and create successful strategies and programs that serve as models of excellence for other institutions. Only a very limited number of colleges and universities across the nation are selected for this prestigious honor.

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A diverse group of students lay on the ground in front of the art museum, lit by the famous Light Totem.
A beautiful spring day on campus.

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Contact the Office of Student Administration

For Doctor of Optometry program admission questions or to schedule an advising appointment, please contact:

Office of Student Administration
Indiana University School of Optometry
800 E. Atwater Avenue
Second Floor
Bloomington, IN 47405

Phone: 812-855-1917
Fax: 812-855-4389
Email: iubopt@indiana.edu


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