MSCHE Self Study April 2021

Standard III: Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience

Institutional Priorities The increasing scope of optometric practice places burdens on an already crammed curriculum, making it ever ‐ more challenging to provide a dynamic curriculum that promotes student success. The following two goals from the College’s Strategic Plan 2013 – 2018 were selected as strategic priorities in the self ‐ study design process and are addressed, along with other strategic goals, in this broad standard:  Enhance the student experience through programs that promote student and alumni success  Deliver a dynamic curriculum that engages students and advances contemporary optometry The College’s mission, goals and objectives are the basis of the goals of the optometry program, which are to graduate optometrists who are (1) knowledgeable, clinically competent, professional and ethical and (2) prepared to think critically as life ‐ long learners who understand the scientific basis of the profession and apply the fundamentals of evidence ‐ based practice to patient care. 3 Our optometry program provides several opportunities to customize learning to student interests in advanced topics through elective courses and the selection of advanced clinic assignments, including the completion of our new micro ‐ credential program. These goals, in turn, are used to generate the Professional Program Learning Objectives (curricular learning objectives) and Core Clinical Competencies , which serve as the basis for curriculum development. The Dean’s Council and Curriculum Committee periodically review curricular learning objectives to ensure they adequately support the independent practice of contemporary optometry. The curriculum uses various teaching, delivery, and assessment methods to help students meet its program learning objectives and apply them for effective patient care. Characteristics of the curriculum include the following:  Each course in the OD curriculum identifies course and lecture/unit learning objectives that support attainment of the program learning objectives.  A variety of course and clinic assessments, including written quizzes and examinations and laboratory practical examinations are conducted throughout the curriculum to evaluate student knowledge and competencies in support of attaining program learning objectives. 3 According to the American Optometric Association, optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. Optometrists are licensed to prescribe medications, and in certain states, perform surgical procedures, including laser surgery. Doctor of Optometry (OD) Program Overview

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