2016_SUNY_Optometry_PRR

Grant Activity

0 1,000,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 4,000,000 5,000,000

In February 2013, the College established the Clinical Vision Research Center (CVRC) in response to the desire to increase clinical research called for in the 2008 ‐ 12 strategic plan. The CVRC serves as a vehicle for advancing clinical research at the institution and has successfully attracted over 25 clinical studies during the ensuing two years and shows promise to develop into a nationally recognized leader in clinical vision research within optometric education. Notably, through the creation of the clinical research program and the work of the faculty and staff who oversee and assist it, the College has new opportunities for achieving its mission through the education and scholarly development of clinical faculty, strengthening the research partnership between the College research programs and the University Eye Center, and improving patient care though evidence based practice. Key Challenges Faculty Recruitment & Retention: The College has successfully recruited a number of junior faculty over the past several years, and it has been able to offering increasingly attractive compensation packages. It has been considerably more difficult to attract highly accomplished faculty at any level into leadership positions. The College will need to continue its efforts to be competitive in the coming years to not only attract new faculty, but to also retain current faculty through compensation and development opportunities. Research Expansion: While extramural research funding has been and will continue to be a challenge, the college also sees it as an opportunity. The College has been successful at building a diverse clinical, translational and basic research program with proven success and potential for development, and has established an ambitious goal for continued growth. This will require a commitment of resources and the addition of well ‐ qualified funded research faculty. Standards 11 & 14: Educational Offerings and Assessment of Learning Professional Degree Program (OD) : The Doctor of Optometry degree program is reviewed and modified annually. While there have been adjustments to the curriculum content of the program, the actions over the past several years have focused on accommodating increased enrollment to 100 per class, increased use of educational technology including virtual reality/simulation advancements, and an increased emphasis on teaching

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