Interview expectations and experiences of women and men applying to an optometry program

Similar numbers of women and men are admitted to North American optometry programs. We question the notion that these data signify an admission process free of gender bias. This 1996 study of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry (UWSO) examines its admission interview. A written questionnaire was developed, piloted, and mailed to 157 applicants. Their expectations of an ideal optometry interview were compared with their experiences of the UWSO's interview. The response rate was 69.4% (N = 109; 62 women and 47 men). Statistical analyses involved principle component (PC) analysis and paired t-tests (p = 0.01). Women and men believed the UWSO interview was significantly inadequate in its attention to addressing public relations and verifying application information. In addition, women perceived the UWSO interview was significantly deficient in efforts to recruit candidates and gather candidate information.