Student Handbook

Academic Faculty and Administration Students having difficulty with course material are strongly encouraged to discuss such issues with their instructor(s). Faculty may provide tutorial assistance or make recommendations and referrals to services that can assist you. The academic department chairs and the vice president and dean for academic affairs or associate dean for graduate studies and research are also available to discuss academic support issues. Clinical Enhancement Program The Clinical Enhancement Program at the SUNY College of Optometry takes an early, individualized, and structured approach to help interns reach their goals of becoming skilled and effective eye care providers upon graduation. The program usually begins during the intern's 3rd year (but can begin in the pre-clinical years) when insufficient clinical progress is identified by faculty members or requested by the intern. Resources for improvement take many forms including meeting with specially trained members of the clinical faculty to discuss clinical care and pursue interventional opportunities in areas challenging the intern. Case discussions to improve clinical reasoning ability, skills practice, video recording of exams or individual observation, improving communication with role playing, and work with a 4th year Clinic Tutor are all possible components of the program and are used or modified as indicated by the needs of the intern. Emphasizing self-reflection and independent effort paired with the support of members of the college community enhances our graduate's ability to practice Optometry independently and with confidence. Mental Health Services The office of student affairs seeks to build a vibrant college community that is healthy and supportive in al l aspects of life. We care deeply about our students’ well -being and strive to offer the services needed to be successful. We recognize that at times your academic and clinical training can be stressful. We also understand that extenuating life circumstances can add to the levels of stress experienced by our students. Mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression, often impact students’ ability to perform at their best, and have adverse effects on well-being in general, as well as negatively affect memory and learning. The College strives to foster well-rounded, compassionate health care providers who flourish in all aspects of life. There are two general rules of thumb when dealing with distress:

1. 2.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help;

Ask for help as soon as you feel the symptoms of distress.

Common symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and other common mental health illnesses, can be found here: Symptoms

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