College of Optometry

INTRODUCTION

I. MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the College of Optometry is to promote excellence in vision and eye care through education, service, and research. We educate students to become highly competent practitioners, to render professional and ethical care, to understand their professional role in public service and the health care community, to analyze new information critically, and to advance vision and eye care through scientific inquiry.

II. VALUES

Because a part of our mission is to mentor our students into the optometric community, the College of Optometry values:

1. Didactic and clinical preparation in a supportive learning and patient care setting.
2. An educational experience that conveys multicultural competence, coupled with an enhanced awareness and appreciation of a diverse and changing society.
3. An intellectual community that supports collegiality, integrity, scientific inquiry, mutual cooperation, and respect.
4. A life-long professional relationship with our alumni.

III. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal 1: Pacific University College of Optometry will provide educational opportunities in a supportive setting that allow students to acquire a firm foundation in the basic and clinical sciences, together with clinical experiences that prepare students for the practice of optometry.

Goal 2: Graduates of Pacific University College of Optometry consistently will demonstrate high levels of professional competency including the ability to critically analyze information.

Goal 3: Faculty and students at Pacific University College of Optometry consistently will demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors.

Goal 4: Pacific University College of Optometry will provide service to our alumni and to the public and health care communities.

Goal 5: Pacific University College of Optometry will be active in research and scholarship in vision science and health care.

GENERAL INFORMATION
www.opt.pacificu.edu

The College supports educational programs which culminate in the awarding of the:
- Bachelor of Science in Visual Science (B.S.)
- Master of Science in Visual Science (M.S.)
- Doctor of Optometry Degree (O.D.)
- Certificate of successful completion in a post-doctoral Residency.

The College provides learning opportunities and instruction embracing the full scope of contemporary optometric science. Students are prepared to enter the modern health care system with a high level of competence and self-assurance. They are encouraged to respect public health issues. They are expected to uphold high ethical standards. They are called upon to make a commitment to serving their communities and profession.

Career Opportunities

Most optometry graduates enter private practice after taking the examinations of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and one or more state board examinations. Practice opportunities are continually increasing because of the country's expanding population and greater public recognition of the importance of vision. Direct appointments as optometry officers are available in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Public Health Service. Many optometrists pursue careers in research and development in industry, federal and civil service agencies. A critical need exists for optometrists with advanced academic training in physiological optics, the natural and behavioral sciences, and clinical optometry for teaching and research. While optometry is already a specialized field, many optometrists pursue special professional interests. Among these are vision therapy and orthoptics, contact lenses, low vision and visual rehabilitation, and industry consulting work to improve vision and job performance.

Questions about career or practice opportunities may be directed to the Assistant Director of Student Services at the College of Optometry. In addition, the College maintains a web page that lists practice opportunities. Career information also is available from the American Optometric Association, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63141, from local and state optometric associations, and from the Association of Schools & Colleges of Optometry, http://www.opted.org.