MSCHE/ACOE Self Study

are required to attend at least 6 Journal Clubs and Schnurmacher Institute for Vision Research (SIVR) colloquia every year and are encouraged to present their findings at international and national conferences. Most students present at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), American Academy of Optometry (AAO) or Vision Science Society (VSS). Each OD/MS student must write a paper of publishable quality based on his/her research activities. Students take graduate courses and participate in research during elective time in the regular academic year and summers, permitting most to fulfill OD and MS degree requirements within four years of study. For 2010- 2011, six new students were enrolled in the program. The total number of OD/MS students is currently 28 . Curricular Evaluation and Program Assessment The most recent comprehensive review of the OD/MS curriculum was undertaken in 2008 by an ad hoc committee appointed by the associate dean for research and graduate studies (Strategic Plan Goal 2.5). A copy of the committee’s report is in Appendix B-17. Most of the implemented changes are in response to revisions in the OD curriculum and the migration from a quarter to semester system. (Graduate program assessment is discussed in more detail on page 42.) Combined OD/PhD in Vision Science Goals and Overview The primary goal of the OD/PhD program is to prepare optometrists for careers in academia and research. Students commence graduate training concurrent with enrollment in the OD program. At the end of his/her third year, the student works full-time on graduate studies, receiving a $30,000 graduate assistantship stipend and tuition waiver. Following 2-3 years of fulltime PhD work, the student re-enters the optometry program to complete his/her final clinical year while also completing requirements for the PhD. By its nature the OD/PhD program is highly demanding and selective and attracts a limited number of applicants. The goal is to enroll 1 new student per year, but even this goal has been difficult to attain. No students are currently enrolled in this program. The OD/MS program provides an opportunity to recruit optometry students into the OD/PhD program. Curricular Evaluation and Program Assessment Please refer to section above on PhD in Vision Science .

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