Becoming a Doctor of Optometry Starts With an Education
There are currently more than twenty accredited Doctor of Optometry programs in the United States. Additionally, there are a great many schools that also offer graduate programs in Vision Science that can lead to the awarding of a Master of Science degree or a PhD. With so many choices, it can be difficult for the prospective optometry student to make a good decision about where to apply.
Thankfully there are some distinctions between the optometry programs offered at various universities in the U.S. These distinctions benefit the reputation of some programs, while making it a bit easier to weed out programs that don’t quite measure up. Read on for our description of the elite eight optometry schools in the country.
1) University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley is roundly considered to be the top school for optometry in the nation. Students can choose between a four-year OD program and graduate programs in vision science. Each summer, students can also participate in research programs sponsored by the National Eye Institute.
Additionally, the school offers multiple opportunities for hands-on training in geriatrics and primary care through off-campus community outreach centers. PhD candidates have additional opportunities to study infectious disease, neurobiology, and molecular genetics.
2) University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama offers both an OD program and a PhD program centered on vision science research. OD Students are given the opportunity train hands-on at the University’s optometry clinic, while PhD candidates spend the majority of their time in research and teaching.
3) Ferris State University
Located in Big Rapids, Michigan, the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University prepares doctoral candidates and students of optometry and vision science for careers in vision care. The school’s College of Optometry has a clinic that serves the local community, while providing students with the opportunity for hands-on learning in a variety of eye care areas.
4) Indiana University, Bloomington
Located in Bloomington, the Indiana University School of Optometry offers students comprehensive, advanced eye health education, the opportunity to conduct vision care research, and the chance to work with vulnerable populations in patient care.
5) Northeastern State University
Northeastern State University operates the Oklahoma School of Optometry out of its Tahlequah campus. The program offers students four years of intensive doctoral-level training in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of eye and vision problems.
Additionally, this school offers students the opportunity to train in a wide variety of other types of primary care, preparing them for professional careers as doctors of optometry.
The Rest of the Best
Ohio State University, the University of Houston, and the University of Missouri, St. Louis round out our list of the top eight optometry schools in the U.S. While most of these programs offer close to the same program of study in pursuit of an OD degree, research and hands-on training opportunities do vary a bit by each program.
[Photo via: Eyedolatry]