Pieper Walton
Doctoral Student
IU School of Optometry
As a doctoral student in optometry, Pieper balances a busy schedule. She is president of the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society; vice president of the IU American Optometric Student Association, which includes networking with state associations, planning the group’s annual gala The Eyeball, and connecting students with doctors.
Walton is both an IU Optometry Student Ambassador and OptoPrep Ambassador, through which she answers questions from potential students and connects current IU optometry students with resources, clubs, and faculty. Pieper earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology from University of Arkansas and expects to graduate with her doctorate in May 2024.
Q: Even as an undergrad at University of Arkansas, you were president of the pre-optometry club. Why the eye? What led to your interest in the field, and how did you choose the IU School of Optometry?
A: Optometry gives the best of both worlds to someone seeking a career that enhances the lives of people around them and provides a work-life balance. I knew that I wanted to create a positive impact with my work and connect with people. Optometry is more than just glasses and contact lenses. There are so many systemic diseases that can manifest in the eye: diabetes, multiple sclerosis, STDs, high blood pressure, and cancer, to name a few. Optometrists work with people from 6 months old until the very end, and I consider it an honor to be able to make a difference in their lives. I truly love this profession.
I knew from my interview day at IUSO that IU felt like home. The IU campus reminded me so much of the University of Arkansas, and I appreciated walking through the picturesque buildings and manicured grounds. The people in Bloomington really sold it for me, though. The community not associated with the university was also kind, helpful, and happy.
Q: What do you like most about your program? What do you wish you had known about the program and Bloomington before you started that you now share as an ambassador for the school?
A: I am a hands-on learner, and the optometry program at IU gives us so many opportunities to learn in different ways. We have labs throughout the years that help us cultivate our craft, lectures are recorded for our convenience, and professors are available one-on-one to guide us through the material if necessary. I love that, as students, we have 24/7 access to the building to practice when it works for us.
One thing I wish that I had known before moving to Bloomington and starting optometry school is that the learning curve, no matter how you studied before, is huge. The vast amount of knowledge we are consuming is incredible, and it takes time to learn and digest it. It’s okay to give yourself grace and not feel guilty if you aren’t studying every moment. Four years isn’t very long — work hard and enjoy your study breaks!
Q: What do you wish more people knew about IU Optometry?
A: I want people to understand that the field of optometry is an incredible career path that can extend in so many different directions. There are so many ways to specialize and create your niche in the field, whether it’s vision therapy, pediatrics, concussions, neuro optometry, dry eye, disease, or contact lenses that interests you. IUSO does a great job of preparing us to provide excellent care for our patients. We have some of the best professors and clinicians in the country helping us on the journey and a top-notch research program.
Q: So many of us have dry eyes. What over the counter and home remedies do you recommend?
A: Dry eyes are even more of an issue with the increased time we spend on electronic devices. We actually blink less when we are using our computers, tablets, and phones. If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, please consult your eye doctor for the best way to manage your symptoms!
Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks:
Q: What were your first impressions of Bloomington, and what will you miss most when you become a practicing doctor?
A: I love the buzz of a big university, and while I am an SEC girl at heart, IU will always hold a special place in my memories. When I first got here, it was peak COVID, so my experience was a little muted. But over the past three years in Bloomington, I have been to a number of IU athletics games and other events and spent countless hours studying around campus. I am going to miss the beautiful trees in the fall and spring and the many incredible restaurants and coffee shops.
