The College of Optometry is a wonderful place to obtain an exceptional didactic and clinical optometric education from a team of experienced faculty and support staff. Our faculty are highly regarded teachers, clinicians, and researchers who bring diverse backgrounds, talents and interests to the optometry program. This provides a stimulating intellectual environment in which students are provided more than the basics. At the College of Optometry we value an inquisitive mind in students, which serves as the foundation for lifelong learning.
This is essential for the graduate to grow with future professional responsibilities in patient care practices, technology and knowledge so that our graduates will always provide the highest quality eye and vision care throughout their careers. Our graduates have become leaders in their communities professional organizations. College of Optometry graduates practice throughout the country, in many different settings. We are proud of the accomplishments and contributions of all of our graduates.
Founded: 1980
Location: Marillac Hall and the Patient Care Center (south-side of campus)
Enrollment:* 168 full-time students, 40% male, 60% female
Geographic Representation:* 45% from Missouri, 55% from 11 other states with one international student
Degrees Offered: Doctor of Optometry
Faculty:* 16 full time, 86 adjunct; 100% hold highest degree in their discipline
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: approximately 8-to-1
Average Class Size: 46 – 48
Four and Five Year Program Completion Rates
National Board 1st Time Pass Rates
Ultimate Pass Rate for Graduating Classes 2012 to 2016
Graduation Career Placement and Licensure Rates
Entering Class Academic Statistics
Unique Features: Class size 30% smaller than the average of other schools and colleges of optometry; excellent and diverse clinical experience with over 80 externship sites
Scholarship and Financial Aid: Merit and need-based scholarships, Federal financial aid
Students enrolled in the professional degree program are selected from a diverse pool of applicants representing all fifty states, the District of Columbia and fourteen countries. During the rigorous four year course of study students demonstrate that they have attained competency to the level of a new practitioner within ten domains, [Patient History, Optometric Knowledge, Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Record Keeping, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Intra/Inter Professional Consultation/Practice, Professionalism, Systems-Based Practice and Practice Based Learning] assessed via a series of examinations, proficiencies and evaluations of clinical skills.