Program Overview

Vision Science Program

The Vision Science program is a Master of Science (MS) degree offered by the School of Optometry.

Program Description

Vision scientists have an in-depth knowledge of the eye's inner workings and how it connects with the rest of the body. Through this degree program, students can study problems such as dry eye disease, myopia, retinal degeneration, and more, which can prepare them for teaching, research, policy, and other jobs.

Program Structure

The program begins with three 10-week lab rotations to determine what field and mentor is most suitable. Before starting research, students sit down with their faculty mentor to discuss their goals and determine which courses and lab experiences are best for them. The program focuses its research on ocular biology, systems neuroscience, biomedical optics, and patient-based vision research. Classes include:

• Optical Imaging
• Ocular Biology
• Mechanisms of Ocular Disease
• Visual Neuroscience Students also take non-vision courses, such as Statistical Methods I and Principles of Scientific Integrity. Finally, students complete their degree by defending a thesis based on their proposed research topic.

Delivery Methods

The program delivers most of its content via on-campus, in-person meetings.

Program Director

The Program Director is Dr. Lawrence Sincich.

About the Program

The optimal way to begin optical education is with the lab rotations, which help determine the most suitable field and mentor. The program's research areas include ocular biology, systems neuroscience, biomedical optics, and patient-based vision research.

Related Programs

Students may also be interested in other programs, including:

• Optometry OD
• Vision Science PhD
• Public Health / Optometry (Coordinated Degree) MPH / OD
• Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate
• Biology MS
• Biomedical and Health Sciences MS