Program Overview

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Introduction to the College of Optometry

The University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry is a professional program that leads to the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. The college is located on the South Campus complex of the University of Missouri-St. Louis and is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometry Education (ACOE).

Administration and Faculty

The college is led by a team of experienced administrators and faculty members, including:

• Larry J. Davis, Associate Professor and Dean
• Gerald A. Franzel, Associate Clinical Professor and Associate Dean for the Division of Continuing Education
• Edward S. Bennett, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Student Services and Alumni Relations
• Ralph P. Garzia, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Academic and Clinical Programs
• Jerry L. Christensen, Professor Emeritus and Dean Emeritus

General Information

The College of Optometry enrolled its first class in 1980 and has since become a leading institution for optometric education. The college is a member of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometry Education (ACOE).

The Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) Degree

The Doctor of Optometry degree is a four-year, full-time program of study that includes both classroom and clinical instruction. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the basics of optometry, including the biological, medical, vision, and optical sciences.

Center for Eye Care

The Center for Eye Care is a patient care facility that provides a wide range of optometric services, including adult primary eye care, contact lens, pediatrics, binocular vision, low vision, and eye health management. The center is staffed by experienced optometrists and provides students with hands-on clinical experience.

Student Organizations and Activities

The college offers a variety of student organizations and activities, including the Missouri Optometric Student Association (MOSA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA). These organizations provide students with opportunities for professional development, community service, and socialization.

Pre-Optometry Programs

The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers several pre-optometry programs, including a traditional 4+4 program, a 3+4 program, and a Scholars Program. These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the basics of optometry and prepare them for admission to the College of Optometry.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the College of Optometry is competitive and requires a strong academic record, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 and completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology, and English.

Admission Test

All applicants are required to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), which is a standardized test that measures a student's knowledge in the areas of natural sciences, reading comprehension, and physics.

Application Procedures

The application process for the College of Optometry includes submission of an application through the Centralized Application Service, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation. The college uses a rolling admissions process, and applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Financial Aid

The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a variety of financial aid options, including loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial aid.

Fees

The college charges a variety of fees, including educational fees, information technology fees, student facility fees, and parking fees. The fees are subject to change, and students are encouraged to check the college's website for the most up-to-date information.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for optometrists is excellent, with a high demand for optometric services and a wide range of practice opportunities. Optometrists can work in private practice, group practice, or as employees of hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare organizations.

Curricular Outcomes

The College of Optometry has established a set of curricular outcomes that are designed to ensure that graduates have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice optometry. The outcomes include:

• Basic body systems, with special emphasis on the ocular and visual system
• The impact of genes and their interaction with behavior, diet, and the environment on human health
• The various processes and causes that lead to dysfunction and disease
• The structures and processes contributing to the development of refractive error and other optical or perceptual abnormalities of the visual system
• The optics of the eye and ophthalmic lens systems
• Visual development and vision function
• Vision therapy and other rehabilitative methods
• The psychosocial dynamics of the doctor/patient relationship
• Practice management structure and strategies
• The critical elements of verbal and written communications
• The concepts of refractive surgery and its management
• The conscientious use of current best practices in patient care decision making
• A broad-based multidisciplinary understanding of patient care
• An appreciation for and a commitment to lifelong learning
• Information management and technology in the delivery of eye and health care
• An understanding of and commitment to uphold the ethical obligations imposed by the tenets of the Optometric Oath of Practice

Grades

All courses taken for credit in the professional program must be passed with a "C-" or better. The college does not recognize a "D" grade for courses taken for degree credit, and any grade lower than a "C-" will be recorded as an "F" and have "0" grade points.

Time Limitations

All required courses during the first six semesters of first course enrollment and all required courses for the O.D. degree must be completed within six years after the first course enrollment.

Continuing Education

The College of Optometry offers continuing education programs for optometrists throughout the Midwest region as well as nationwide. The programs are designed to provide optometrists with the latest information and techniques in the field of optometry.