2016_SUNY_Optometry_PRR

Research  In support of the College’s strategic goal of expanding clinical and translational research, the Center for Clinical Vision Research was established in 2013 helping to attract more than $2M in new research revenue.  In response to assessments of faculty and student needs, shared imaging (including confocal and multiphoton microscopes), histology and cell culture core research facilities have been established.  To offset decreasing federal research funding and support the continued growth of research at the College, the amount of research support obtained from industry has increased significantly.  To complement existing student and faculty research interests, the College is currently recruiting an ocular physiologist. Facilities  To meet student needs for on ‐ campus relaxation space and increased study space, as revealed in student exit surveys, the Center for Student Life & Learning was constructed. This $10M project was completed in 2013.  In support of the College’s strategic goal of expanding its research program, improvements and needed repairs to the research space on Floors 16 and 17 were completed in 2013 at a cost of approximately $2.6M.  To fulfill the College’s 2011 enrollment management plan, the first ‐ floor lecture halls were gutted and reconstructed to accommodate the increased enrollment and enhance the teaching/learning environment. The cost for this project, which was completed in 2014, was $2.6M.  Projects are underway to upgrade the lobby and electrical and mechanical building systems at a cost of $18.5M. Student Affairs  As a result of survey results revealing that some students chose not to attend SUNY College of Optometry based on their campus experience on interview day, the nature of the interview day experience was substantially revised to make it more welcoming and informative.  In an effort to increase the admissions yield (matriculation to acceptance), a concerted effort was made to educate all individuals who have contact with applicants (Admissions Committee members, Student Affairs staff and student guides) regarding the importance of their interactions with applicants in affecting applicants’ choice of program. The yield has improved from 54% (2014) to 58% (2015) with the current 2016 YTD yield being 71%. University Eye Center (UEC)  As a result of a 2013 ‐ 14 review of clinical systems, a new integrated electronic medical records system that enables attestation to meaningful use, facilitates the documentation process for providers, enables e ‐ prescribing, and enhances communication with other health care providers was purchased and implemented.  Following a 2012 ‐ 13 review by the Quality Assessment and Improvement Committee that found low referral rates for low vision services, an internal education program was implemented that resulted in substantially higher referral rates.

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