Program Overview

College of Optometry

The University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry enrolled its first class in 1980 and graduated 32 students in May 1984. The College is located on the South Campus complex of the University of Missouri-St Louis at One University Blvd. A five-story building houses the College's classrooms, laboratories, research facilities, and administrative offices.

General Information

The Patient Care Center, located on the South Campus, is open to the public, as well as to the faculty, staff, and students at the University. The Center serves to provide patients with the highest quality eye and vision care. The second floor of the Patient Care Center also houses laboratories, classrooms, and study spaces.

The College of Optometry is a member of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).

The Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) Degree

A student who satisfactorily completes all four years of the professional curriculum will be eligible to receive the Doctor of Optometry degree. The training and clinical experience optometry students receive at UMSL qualifies graduates to practice optometry in any state in the nation.

Program Curricular Outcomes

The faculty has approved the following optometric Entry-level Standards:

• Doctors of Optometry must have an established knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences in order to provide quality eye and vision care to their patients.
• The academic foundation must be broad and include the biological, medical, vision and optical sciences, as well as a basic understanding of the health care delivery system.
• Doctors of Optometry must recognize the dynamic nature of knowledge and possess the commitment and skills needed to responsibly assess and apply new information and treatment strategies throughout their career.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Identify, record, and analyze pertinent history and problems presented by the patient.
2. Use evidence-based practices to examine and evaluate the patient, arrive at an appropriate diagnosis, and formulate a rational treatment and management plan.
3. Provide patient care which includes detection, diagnosis, treatment, and management for each unique patient encounter.
4. Perform necessary examination techniques competently and efficiently and have the capacity to adapt the administration of clinical tests to meet the needs of the patient.
5. Demonstrate proper documentation in the electronic health record, including proper use of abbreviations and appropriate notation of clinical observations.
6. Provide relevant patient education and counseling, including culturally sensitive communications, both oral and written, with other professionals and patients.
7. Apply knowledge of interprofessional collaborative care, ethics, medico-legal aspects, and culturally sensitive communication in the delivery of optometric care.
8. Articulate the need for a commitment to uphold the ethical obligations of the Optometric Oath including provisions to guarantee patient privacy, medical record security, and inter-professional values.
9. Describe the practice management, broad-based, multidisciplinary nature of the health care delivery system and the role of the optometrist as a primary health care provider.
10. Describe current best practices in patient care decision making, a commitment to lifelong learning, and knowledge of information management systems and technology used in the delivery of eye and health care.

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission requirements, application procedures, and all related information are located on the College of Optometry website.

Academic Program

The curriculum leading to the Doctor of Optometry degree is a four-year, full-time program of study. The first year of the professional program emphasizes optical principles, the biomedical sciences, and an introduction to the optics of the visual system. The second year pertains to vision science and instruction in clinical examination techniques. The third year emphasizes patient care and introduces the student to specialty areas within optometry. The fourth year requires the completion of rotations in various areas.

Courses

The College of Optometry offers a wide range of courses, including:

• OPTOM 8010: Anatomy, Physiology and Disease Processes I
• OPTOM 8020: Basic and Clinical Optics I
• OPTOM 8030: Introduction to Optometry
• OPTOM 8040: Neuroanatomy
• OPTOM 8050: Basic and Applied Immunology
• OPTOM 8060: Biochemistry
• OPTOM 8080: Clinical Optometry I
• OPTOM 8090: Case Based Discovery for the Developing Clinician
• OPTOM 8110: Anatomy, Physiology and Disease Processes II
• OPTOM 8120: Basic and Clinical Optics II
• OPTOM 8160: Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye
• OPTOM 8180: Clinical Optometry II
• OPTOM 8190: Introduction to Clinical Diagnostic Reasoning
• OPTOM 8220: Ophthalmic Optics
• OPTOM 8230: Interpersonal Communications
• OPTOM 8240: Ocular Motility
• OPTOM 8250: Monocular Sensory Processes
• OPTOM 8260: General and Ocular Pharmacology
• OPTOM 8280: Clinical Optometry III
• OPTOM 8320: Ophthalmic Dispensing
• OPTOM 8340: Binocular Vision and Space Perception
• OPTOM 8370: Foundations of Ocular and Systemic Disease and Management I
• OPTOM 8380: Clinical Optometry IV
• OPTOM 8390: Specialty Clinic Laboratory
• OPTOM 8391: Clinical Topics in Contact Lenses
• OPTOM 8392: Clinical Topics in Binocular Vision and Pediatric Optometry
• OPTOM 8393: Clinical Topics in Low Vision
• OPTOM 8400: Directed Readings
• OPTOM 8410: Directed Research
• OPTOM 8450: Introduction to Primary Care Clinic
• OPTOM 8460: Foundations of Ocular and Systemic Disease and Management III
• OPTOM 8480: Pharmaceutical Management in Patient Care
• OPTOM 8500: Primary Care Clinic I
• OPTOM 8520: Contact Lenses I
• OPTOM 8540: Diagnosis and Management of Binocular Vision Anomalies
• OPTOM 8550: Low Vision
• OPTOM 8560: Epidemiology and Public Health
• OPTOM 8570: Advanced Topics in Ocular and Systemic Disease and Management
• OPTOM 8600: Primary Care Clinic II
• OPTOM 8615: Combined Clinical Applications
• OPTOM 8620: Contact Lenses II
• OPTOM 8630: Practice Management I
• OPTOM 8640: Pediatric Optometry and Visual Perception
• OPTOM 8645: Neurologic Disorders of the Eye and Visual System
• OPTOM 8650: Geriatric Optometry
• OPTOM 8660: Contact Lens Specialty Clinic
• OPTOM 8670: Comprehensive Case Review and Analysis
• OPTOM 8680: Ophthalmic Lasers and Advanced Procedures
• OPTOM 8700: UM-St. Louis Pediatric/Binocular Vision Patient Care
• OPTOM 8710: UM-St. Louis Contact Lens Patient Care
• OPTOM 8720: UMSL Eye Health Management Patient Care
• OPTOM 8770: External Rotation in Clinical Care III
• OPTOM 8780: External Rotation at VA or Hospital Based
• OPTOM 8790: External Rotation in Ocular Disease Patient Care
• OPTOM 8810: External Rotation in Contact Lens Patient Care
• OPTOM 8812: External Rotation in Geriatric Patient Care
• OPTOM 8813: External Rotation in Ophthalmic Sports Vision
• OPTOM 8814: External Rotation in Clinical Care I
• OPTOM 8817: External Rotation in Rehabilitative Patient Care
• OPTOM 8830: External Rotation in Clinical Care II
• OPTOM 8870: Practice Management II
• OPTOM 8880: Practice Management III

Faculty

The College of Optometry has a diverse and experienced faculty, including:

• Keshia Elder, Dean and Clinical Professor
• Carl J. Bassi, Professor and Curators' Distinguished Teaching Professor, Director of Research
• Julie Ott DeKinder, Clinical Professor, Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Director of Residency Programs and Co-Chief of Contact Lens Service
• Vinita A. Henry, Clinical Professor and Associate Dean of Clinical Operations
• Thomas Landgraf, Clinical Professor
• Erin Brooks, Associate Clinical Professor and Grand Rounds Coordinator
• Lunda Du, Associate Clinical Professor and Director of 4th Year Clinical Rotations
• Aaron S. Franzel, Associate Clinical Professor (Part Time)
• Linda Marks, Associate Clinical Professor and Chief of Pediatrics/Binocular Vision and Coordinator of Screenings
• Tareq Nabhan, Associate Clinical Professor
• Casey Peterson, Associate Clinical Professor and Chief of Primary Care, Coordinator of IEP
• Angel Novel Simmons, Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean of Student Services and Alumni Relations and Coordinator of Continuing Education
• Patrick Stark, Associate Clinical Professor
• Jessica Tu, Associate Clinical Professor, Co-Chief of Contact Lens Service and Cornea Contact Lens Residency Coordinator
• Coral Dundon, Assistant Clinical Professor
• Emily Gum, Assistant Clinical Professor
• Keyur Savla, Assistant Clinical Professor
• John Szewczyk, Assistant Clinical Professor
• Ashley Tary, Assistant Clinical Professor and Urgent Care Coordinator
• Brian Brunig, On-Campus and Assistant Adjunct Professor
• Sarah Sweeney Dohrman, On-Campus and Assistant Adjunct Professor
• Jamal Fox, On-Campus and Assistant Adjunct Professor
• Beth Henderson, On-Campus and Assistant Adjunct Professor
• Jeffrey Lant, On-Campus and Assistant Adjunct Professor
• Paul Luong, On-Campus and Assistant Adjunct Professor
• Brendan Mulqueeny, On-Campus and Assistant Adjunct Professor
• Theresa Nguyen, On-Campus and Assistant Adjunct Professor
• Emily Pike, On-Campus and Assistant Adjunct Professor
• Mary Beth Rhomberg, On-Campus and Associate Adjunct Professor
• Amy Schaag, On-Campus and Assistant Adjunct Professor
• Annie Dong, Resident in Cornea and Contact Lens
• Brandon Merrill, Resident in Cornea and Contact Lens
• Meagan Anderson, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Amjad Badwan, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Gina Borgnini, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Simran Brar, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Julie Bricker, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Kristen Buskirk, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Chad Carter, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Carmen Castellano, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Joseph Castellano, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Nicholas Castellano, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Alicia Chacon, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Mary Chivetta, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• John Chrisagis, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Candis Clark, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Shannon Cummings, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• James Cutler, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Brent Davidson, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Cheryl Davidson, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Keri Dennis, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Michelle Dent, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Jill Dillon, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Kyle Dohrman, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Melinda Farley, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Brian Fisher, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• John Galanis, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Angella Gentry, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Robert Goerss, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Melinda Gruszka, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Jessica Hanson, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• James Hoekel, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Catherine Hogan, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Jordan Jones, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Marla Kennard, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Deborah Kerber, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Sean Knaak, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Bryce Krehbiel, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Candice Law, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Jeffrey Leipholtz, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Katherine Lockwood, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Katheryn Mau, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Andrea McCann, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Dusty McIver, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Jaime Mendez, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Brandon Menke, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Kristen Moyer, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Sean Mulqueeny, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Ramya Natarajan, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• My-Chau Nguyen, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Kendra Null, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Adam Paddock, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Nathaniel Pelson, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Sara Petska, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Elizabeth Phillips, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Morgan Poore, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Thomas Porter, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Julia Pulliam, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Jennifer Qayum, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Qadium Qayum, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• James Rieger, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Andrew Rixon, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Katherine Sanford, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Steven Sargent, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Allison Schafers, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Kelli Shaon, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Dalaram Shirazian, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Peter Simone, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Matthew Simpson, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Megan Slate, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Tracey Strombeck, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Jennifer Sutter, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Mary Theresa Taormina, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Sara Taylor, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Scott Tomasino, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Christine Tran, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Nathan Tuttle, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Christina Twardowski, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Jennifer Vickers, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• John Volosin, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Vito Vricella, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Amy Waters, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Jeffrey L. Weaver, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Michael White, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Jim Williamson, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Savannah Winkel, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Bruce Wojciechowski, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Julia Wolfe, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty
• Ryne Wood, Off-Campus and Adjunct Faculty

Emeritus Faculty

• Edward S. Bennett, Professor Emeritus
• Jerry L. Christensen, Professor Emeritus and Dean Emeritus
• Carol K. Peck, Professor Emeritus
• Timothy A. Wingert, Professor Emeritus
• Raymond I. Myers, Clinical Professor Emeritus
• William G. Bachman, Associate Professor Emeritus
• Larry J. Davis, Associate Professor Emeritus and Dean Emeritus
• Ralph P. Garzia, Associate Professor Emeritus
• William F. Long, Associate Professor Emeritus
• W. Howard McAlister, Associate Professor Emeritus