Interview Formats in Optometry

Unlike some professional schools that interview only a select few, most optometry programmes interview a relatively large proportion of applicants. Interview formats vary:

  • Traditional one-on-one: 20–30 minutes with a faculty member or admissions committee member. The most common format. Conversational, focused on your motivations and experiences.
  • Panel interview: 2–4 interviewers asking questions simultaneously. More formal, but the content is similar to one-on-one interviews.
  • MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews): A series of 6–10 short stations (5–8 minutes each), each with a different scenario or question. Used by schools like Ohio State and a growing number of programmes. Tests communication, ethics, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
  • Group activities: Some schools include group discussions or team-based exercises to observe how you collaborate and communicate with peers.

Questions You Should Expect

Regardless of format, these themes appear consistently:

  • "Why optometry?" The most common question. Your answer must be specific and grounded in experience, not generic. Reference specific clinical observations from your shadowing.
  • "Why this school?" Research each programme. Mention specific clinics, rotations, faculty research, class size, or community characteristics that attracted you. Generic answers are obvious and damaging.
  • "Tell us about your clinical experience." Be prepared to describe specific patients, procedures, and observations from your shadowing hours. What surprised you? What challenged you? What confirmed your interest?
  • "How do you handle stress/failure/conflict?" Use real examples. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) works well for structuring behavioural answers.
  • Ethical scenarios: Particularly common in MMI formats. You might be presented with a scenario about patient confidentiality, colleague disagreement, or resource allocation. There's often no single "right" answer — they're evaluating your reasoning process.
  • "Where do you see yourself in 10 years?" Have a general direction — private practice, speciality focus, academic career — but don't be rigid. Show that you've thought about your career beyond just getting into school.

Preparation Strategies

  • Mock interviews. Practise with someone who will give honest feedback, ideally a pre-health adviser or an optometrist you've shadowed. Record yourself and watch the replay — body language and filler words become obvious.
  • Research each school thoroughly. Know their clinical facilities, residency programmes, class size, NBEO pass rates, and any unique features. Interviewers can tell instantly whether you've done your homework.
  • Prepare your clinical stories. Before each interview, review your shadowing notes and select 3–4 specific patient encounters or clinical observations you can describe in detail. These are your strongest interview material.
  • Dress professionally. Business formal — suit, conservative colours. Optometry is a professional programme and first impressions matter.
  • Ask thoughtful questions. When given the opportunity, ask about clinical rotations, research opportunities, mentorship, or student life. "What do your students enjoy most about training here?" is better than "What's your acceptance rate?"

After the Interview

Send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours to anyone who interviewed you or hosted the visit. Keep it professional and concise — one paragraph expressing appreciation and reaffirming your interest. Do not follow up repeatedly or ask about your status more than once.

With interviews complete, you'll face the decision of which offer to accept. Read our guide on choosing between optometry schools for a framework.