Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Vision Science at UIWRSO is a pre-optometry pathway program that provides students with a solid foundation in vision care. Through hands-on experience in clinical settings, students gain practical skills in optometric techniques and develop a comprehensive understanding of the human visual system. Graduates are well-prepared for further education in optometry or careers in related fields such as contact lens companies, optical lens frame manufacturers, and pharmaceutical sales.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Science in Vision Science at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry (UIWRSO) is a pre-optometry pathway program. It is the only undergraduate program in the country where students receive substantial hands-on experience under the guidance of clinical and academic faculty in both classrooms and outpatient clinical settings. The program's primary objectives are to provide students with a solid foundation in the biomedical and clinical sciences relevant to vision care and to prepare them for further education in optometry or other health-related professions. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function, and disorders of the human visual system and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to diagnose and manage vision disorders.
Outline:
The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Vision Science includes coursework in basic and clinical sciences, including:
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Visual System
- Neuroscience of Vision
- Optics
- Pharmacology
- Contact Lens Theory and Fitting
- Clinical Internship Students complete three rotations in the university's outpatient facility, working alongside professional optometry interns.
Teaching:
Students in the Vision Science program are taught by Doctors of Optometry, many of whom hold Doctorates of Philosophy in vision science-related fields. Faculty members are committed to providing challenging and contemporary didactic courses, fostering a supportive learning environment, and guiding students in their professional development.
Careers:
Graduates of the B.S. in Vision Science are well-prepared to pursue further education in optometry or other health-related fields. The program also provides a strong foundation for careers in:
- Contact lens companies and corporations (sales, development, research)
- Optical lens frame manufacturers (sales, development, research)
- Pharmaceutical sales and research
- Low vision rehabilitation training and technology
- Vision insurance
- Ophthalmic office management
- Optical project management
- Biomedical or physical research
