Admissions Brochure (2025)

CREATE A VISION FOR TOMORROW

®

The demand for optometrists is growing. SUNY Optometry students and residents have access to a deep network of alumni, industry partners, financial advisors, and others through the Career Development Center to help them thrive after graduation. In addition to mentoring programs, the center creates opportunities for busy students and professionals to connect and: CAMPUS OPTIONS Whichever campus you choose, at SUNY College of Optometry, you’ll work alongside nationally and internationally recognized faculty while experiencing: • A highly diverse patient base • Early clinical exposure and experiences • Skill development in all specialty fields of vision care • Receive expert insight on professional development and career opportunities • Participate in engaging in-person and virtual workshops with leading experts • Build meaningful mentorships networking with alumni and industry professionals • Connect with potential employers from day one • Opportunities to engage in basic, translational, and clinical research • Robust alumni and industry networks for career development NEW YORK CITY Seated in the heart of New York City, SUNY College of Optometry offers a rigorous curriculum, state-of-the-art technology, and a diverse patient base that prepares you to develop a top career in the field. Additional opportunities include microcredentials in key sub-specialities, research, and dual-degree options like the OD/MS or OD/PhD. Students experience an engaged and supportive community that uses both lecture-style and small group-based learning to enhance their success. SYRACUSE, NY Located in the vibrant city of Syracuse, SUNY College of Optometry launched its top OD program on the campus of SUNY Upstate Medical University, bringing a unique opportunity for OD students to learn in a highly interdisciplinary setting modeling the future of healthcare delivery. Students will have access to brand-new, state-of-the-art technology, multiple training sites, select microcredential programs, and a rigorous curriculum, while enjoying a small cohort-style learning environment using synchronous in-classroom learning connecting both campuses.

The curriculum within the OD program at SUNY Optometry integrates the basic biological and vision sciences that form the foundation of clinical practice, combined with clinical experience as early as year one. Under the supervision of our clinical faculty at the University Eye Center (UEC) in NYC, Upstate University Center for Vision Care in Syracuse, and Syracuse Community Health (SCH), students gain experience with a diverse patient base. Clinical experiences in each year of the OD program include: • Year 3: Experience direct patient care in clinical settings • Year 4: Apply your education at external clinical rotations ‡ • Residency: Students may elect to apply to a residency program to further enhance their experience in primary care or specialty areas. WELCOME TO SUNY COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY ‡ In the fourth year, students from both campuses rotate through four clinical externships at approved sites nationwide, including at least one at the University Eye Center. • Year 1: Participate in clinical observations • Year 2: Scribe and complete medical records

GAIN CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

3,700+ Alumni and Mentors Worldwide

SUNY College of Optometry is a globally recognized leader in optometric education, leading-edge vision research, and exceptional patient care, proudly serving communities across New York State and beyond. With a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach, future eye care professionals become healthcare innovators, researchers, and providers who lead the field across the spectrum of practice modalities. Our programs are delivered at two dynamic campus locations: in the heart of New York City on 42nd Street, just steps from iconic landmarks, and at the SUNY Upstate Medical University Campus in Syracuse, * the vibrant hub of Central New York.

FOCUS ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

~2,000 Patient Interactions Over 4 Years

160+ Active Job Postings on Career Portal

4:1 Student-to-Doctor Ratio During Clinical Experience

* Pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

92% Average NBEO Ultimate Pass Rate

The curriculum within the OD program at SUNY Optometry integrates the basic biological and vision sciences that form the foundation of clinical practice, combined with clinical experience as early as year one. Under the supervision of our clinical faculty at the University Eye Center (UEC) in NYC, Upstate University Center for Vision Care in Syracuse, and Syracuse Community Health (SCH), students gain experience with a diverse patient base. Clinical experiences in each year of the OD program include:

The demand for optometrists is growing. SUNY Optometry students and residents have access to a deep network of alumni, industry partners, financial advisors, and others through the Career Development Center to help them thrive after graduation. In addition to mentoring programs, the center creates opportunities for busy students and professionals to connect and:

65+ 4th-Year Clinical Training Sites

• Receive expert insight on professional development and career opportunities • Participate in engaging in-person and virtual workshops with leading experts • Build meaningful mentorships networking with alumni and industry professionals • Connect with potential employers from day one

SUNY Optometry’s four-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) program prepares tomorrow’s leaders in optometry and vision science. Gain the clinical expertise and hands-on experience needed to lead in the field of optometry by creating a custom path through elective courses, advanced clinical assignments, and the opportunity to explore specialized fields. Electives and Microcredential Opportunities Students can choose from a selection of electives covering various specialty areas, as well as practice management. In the spring of their second year, students may apply to pursue a microcredential in one of several areas: Cornea and Contact Lens, Vision Rehabilitation, Pediatrics, † Low Vision / Ocular Disease, † and Glaucoma. † Other areas may be added in the future. MBA Certificate ( Online ) Qualified students working toward their OD degree may apply for the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Optometry Business Management through a partnership with Empire State College. If selected, this program can lead to an MBA in Healthcare Leadership. Summer Research Fellowship ( NYC Campus ) SUNY Optometry’s summer research fellowships, offered through the Graduate Center for Vision Research, give optometry students hands-on experience in basic, translational, and clinical vision research. This experience is open to students who have completed their first or second year in an accredited optometry program. Additional research opportunities include the OD/MS and OD/PhD dual-degree programs in vision science. † Currently offered on both campuses

• Year 1: Participate in clinical observations • Year 2: Scribe and complete medical records

• Year 3: Experience direct patient care in clinical settings • Year 4: Apply your education at external clinical rotations ‡ • Residency: Students may elect to apply to a residency program to further enhance their experience in primary care or specialty areas.

The SUNY Optometry Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to enrollment decisions. While undergraduate GPA and OAT scores are important, the Admissions Committee also weighs the following when deciding on potential students:

GAIN CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

3,700+ Alumni and Mentors Worldwide

• Quality of undergraduate institution • Type of undergraduate degree pursued • Progression of grades • Extracurricular activities

• Leadership and community involvement • Letters of recommendation • Personal interview, maturity,

APPLY FOR A DISTINCTIVE FUTURE

BECOME A DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY

‡ In the fourth year, students from both campuses rotate through four clinical externships at approved sites nationwide, including at least one at the University Eye Center.

FOCUS ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

and professionalism • Commitment to the optometry profession

~2,000 Patient Interactions Over 4 Years

160+ Active Job Postings on Career Portal

Learn more about our prerequisite and admission requirements. sunyopt.edu/prerequisites

READY TO GET STARTED? Submit your application today! sunyopt.edu/apply

4:1 Student-to-Doctor Ratio During Clinical Experience

33 W 42nd St New York, NY 10036

155 Elizabeth Blackwell St Syracuse, NY 13210

Office of Student Affairs and Admissions 800-291-3937 or 212-938-5500 admissions@sunyopt.edu

KEY DATES Submission of OptomCAS and supplemental applications

STARTING JULY 1

SEPTEMBER

Interviews begin

JANUARY

Open House

FEBRUARY 28

Deadline for OAT submission

MARCH 1

Deadline for application

submission

SEE YOURSELF AT SUNY OPTOMETRY Explore curriculum, specialty care areas, and more by scanning the QR code. sunyopt.edu/learn-more

The State University of New York College of Optometry is authorized to operate by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York (New York State Department of Education). The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Its professional and residency education programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).

The College does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, national origin, age, disability, or residence in its admission policy.

In compliance with federal regulations, the College’s Annual Security Report may be viewed at www.sunyopt.edu/offices/university_police/crime_report.

SUNY College of Optometry at Upstate has applied for and is pending Middle States Commission on Higher Education approval.