1st year equipment

[PreOptometry2020]

Good morning,

I had recently been accepted into my top two Optometry schools, located in Chicago.
I have been comparing cost of tuition, cost of living and materials.
It does not appear that equipment/ books are included in any estimates for either school (ICO & CCO)
How much should I consider when calculating the costs of diagnostic kits and books?
When do you typically purchase diagnostic kits?
Thank you.

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[optsuker]

Each school should be able to give you a good estimate.

Equipment is bought as a group and ensures the best rate.
The vendors will demo their stuff to your class and then you'll choose between several brands.
Minor equipment can be bought thru the school's bookstore after you arrive.

Just like undergrad, don't buy the book until the prof says its necessary to do so.

 

[evorage]

I think first year equipment was about 5-6k. We showed up and they gave us everything we needed for first year. I haven’t bought a single book, every book we need at AZCOPT is on the library website for download. I would think it’s the same for most schools.
I know that second year has a BIO fare so you can test out various models.
On a side note, make sure you label all your stuff!