Pre-Optometry / Optometry Internships with IMA
Program Overview
International Medical Aid’s Pre-Optometry / Optometry Internships focus on vision care and ocular health in global settings. Tailored for pre-optometry students, optometry students, and recent graduates, this program places you in eye clinics, hospital eye units, and community screening campaigns.
You’ll observe comprehensive eye exams, refraction, and management of conditions ranging from refractive error and cataracts to diabetic eye disease and infections. Interns may support visual acuity screenings, patient flow, and health education under supervision, but do not prescribe or independently manage patients.
You will also see community outreach initiatives that address preventable vision loss, including school-based screenings and campaigns to increase access to basic eye exams and glasses.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Exclusions
Quick Details
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- Fall
- Health Sciences
Updated Oct 21, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Ecuador
- Kenya
- Peru
- Colombia
- Tanzania
- Haiti
- Rwanda
- Uganda
Types & Subjects
- Fields
- Health Sciences
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Couples, Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- High School Freshman (1st Year)
- High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
- High School Junior (3rd Year)
- High School Senior (4th Year)
- High School 5th Year or More
- Some high school, no diploma
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Some college credit, no degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
Accommodation Options
- Group living
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
- Resume
- Transcript
Age Requirement
14+
Duration
- Summer
- Winter
- Short Term
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- Fall
Starts At
- 2 weeks + $995 Program Deposit ($4,690 total): $3,695
Payment Terms
- Payment Plan
- Scholarships
- Upfront Deposit
Refund Policy
Refund with conditions
View Refund Policy
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about International Medical Aid (IMA).
Who is the Pre-Optometry / Optometry program for?
Pre-optometry students, current optometry students, and recent graduates planning careers in eye care or vision science are best suited for this track.
Will I conduct eye exams or prescribe glasses?
No. Clinical decision-making and prescribing are reserved for licensed providers. Interns observe exams and may assist with supervised screening and education tasks.
What conditions will I see?
You may observe refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, infections, and trauma-related eye problems, depending on your site and local case mix.
Is there a community outreach component?
Many sites offer school or community vision screenings and basic eye health education, enabling you to see how early detection can impact long-term outcomes.
How will this help with optometry school?
You’ll return with clear, specific experience in eye care, stronger insight into patient communication, and compelling examples for essays and interviews.
Recognitions & Awards
Awards and accreditations earned by this provider
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