NEW YORK—Graduation season is officially upon us, with countless students across the country graduating from high school, college, professional schools and more. This season of celebration extends to the optical industry, too, as most Schools and Colleges of Optometry in the U.S. celebrate commencement in the month of May, welcoming hundreds of new ODs into the community. This weekend, we’re honoring these new graduates with a look at graduation ceremonies and celebrations from a number of optometry schools around the country.

The New England College of Optometry celebrated commencement at the Boston Symphony Hall this May. Image via neco_optometry on Instagram.


The University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry celebrated on May 6 with a commencement ceremony that included a fun photo op for graduates. Image via UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry on Facebook.


On May 19, the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry celebrated its class of 2023. Image via UAB School of Optometry on Facebook.


The University of Houston College of Optometry’s commencement ceremony in May included guest Thomas Pruett, OD, who graduated from the school’s very first class. Image via uh_optometry on Instagram.


Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry shared a special message with this year’s graduates on Instagram. Image via nsuoptometry on Instagram.


Ohio State Optometry graduates had some fun at commencement with giant glasses. Image via ohiostateoptometry on Instagram.


Marshall B. Ketchum University looked back on this year’s graduates’ long journey, from COVID through to commencement. Image via ketchumuniversity on Instagram.


Chicago College of Optometry celebrated commencement on May 24, 2023. Image via midewesternuniv on Instagram.


Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry welcomed 27 new ODs. Image via NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry on Facebook.


Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University celebrated its commencement on May 5. Image via Michigan College of Optometry on Facebook.


The University of Missouri—St. Louis College of Optometry shared some commencement photos from campus photographer Derik Holtmann. Image via umsleye on Instagram.


SUNY Optometry New York's 49th commencement for the Class of 2023 took place on May 25 at NYC's Gotham Hall. This year's class gave diplomas to 96 ODs and 4 Ph.D.s along with several MS degrees. Image via sunyopt2023 on Instagram.