Professional Optometry Degree ProgramThe Optometric Oath The Optometric OathWith full deliberation, I freely and solemnly pledge that:I will practice the art and science of optometry faithfully and conscientiously and to the fullest scope of my competence. I will uphold and honorably promote by example and action the highest standards, ethics, and ideals of my chosen profession and the honor of the degree, Doctor of Optometry, which has been granted to me. I will provide professional care for those who seek my services, with concern, with compassion, and with due respect for their human rights and dignity. I will place the treatment of those who seek my care above professional gain and strive to see that none shall lack the proper care. I will hold as privileged and inviolable all information entrusted to me in confidence by my patients. I will advise my patients fully and honestly for all which may serve to restore, maintain, or enhance their vision and general health. I will strive continuously to broaden my knowledge and skills so that my patients may benefit from all new and efficacious means to enhance the care of human vision. I will share information cordially and unselfishly with my fellow optometrists and other professionals for the benefit of patients and the advancement of human knowledge and welfare. I will do my utmost to serve my community, my country, and humankind as a citizen as well as an optometrist. I hereby commit myself to be steadfast in the performance of this my solemn oath and obligation. As adopted by the American Optometric Association and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry AdmissionApplication for Admission Application for AdmissionQualified applicants are sought from all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural groups in order to enhance the diversity of the class. The ideal candidates for the Doctor of Optometry degree should have demonstrated high scholastic ability, leadership, and a record of community and volunteer service. Applicants are judged on scholastic ability (demonstrated by college grades, high school class rank, and admission and aptitude test scores). Written and oral communication skills are extremely important. The applicants' personal characteristics are evaluated through character references, interviews, amount and kind of extracurricular and leadership activities, work experience, and the narrative explaining why they chose optometry as a career. An admission interview is arranged for those applicants with the greatest potential for success in completing the program. The interview is usually conducted at the School of Optometry. The Admissions TimetableThe IU School of Optometry does not require a bachelor's degree before admission. Students can enter the Doctor of Optometry program with or without a bachelor's degree. Those who enter without a bachelor's degree will receive the Bachelor of Science in Optometry after two years in the professional program. The regular application period for students entering with or without a bachelor's degree begins on September 1 and ends on February 1. Interviewing begins in October and continues through April. A rolling admissions process is used, and the selection process is usually completed by the end of May. A new class begins each fall. The School of Optometry also offers an "Early Decision" process for outstanding students hoping to enter with or without a bachelor's degree. In this process students apply before the regular application period begins. The "Early Decision" application period begins on February 1 and ends on August 1. Early Decision ProcessThe Early Decision admission process offers numerous advantages. If the Indiana University School of Optometry is the school that a talented student wants to attend, then an early decision can eliminate the necessity of application to multiple schools. Knowing the decision in advance gives peace of mind. A student admitted under the early decision procedure will receive regular communication from the school, can be involved in some school activities, and generally stay connected. In addition, an early decision provides more time for students to make financial arrangements to attend the Indiana University School of Optometry. Students seeking admission by this process are evaluated by the criteria listed below. The early decision admission process offers numerous advantages. If the Indiana University School of Optometry is the school that a talented student wants to attend, then an early decision can eliminate the necessity of application to multiple schools. Knowing the decision in advance gives peace of mind. A student admitted under the early decision procedure will receive regular communication from the school, can be involved in some school activities, and generally, stay connected. In addition, an early decision provides more time for students to make financial arrangements to attend the Indiana University School of Optometry. Students seeking admission by this process are evaluated by the criteria below. Students can apply anytime after they have completed 40 graded hours of credit with a minimum GPA of 3.60 and before September 1 of the year immediately prior to the year when the applicant wishes to enter. Credits acquired by examination and through pass/fail courses do not count in the 40-hour total. Thus, students can know whether they are accepted as early as the spring of their second year of college. Admission to the School of Optometry under this process (after four years of undergraduate work) is conditional upon the following:
Admission to the School of Optometry under this process (after three years of undergraduate work) is conditional upon the following:
Applicants for either Early Decision plan who fail to meet all conditions will be reevaluated by the Committee on Admissions. In such cases the Committee will consider all information and use its discretion in making decisions. The School of Optometry will make an effort to accept no more than 50 percent of the class through the Early Decision program. Students applying for an early decision who are not accepted or who do not successfully complete the conditions of the early decision requirements will be considered with the normal pool of applicants. A negative decision on an Early Decision application in no way jeopardizes a student's chances for admission through the normal admission process. Functional Standards and ExpectationsThe Indiana University School of Optometry expects that admitted students will be able to meet all of the functional standards for optometric education established by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. These standards require that students possess appropriate abilities in the following areas:
Qualified applicants to the School of Optometry who have disabilities that might hinder them in achieving these standards can, if they are admitted, receive reasonable accommodation from the School of Optometry. This accommodation will be based on an evaluation of the disability conducted by Indiana University's Office of Disability Services for Students. Admission TestEach applicant is required to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), which is designed to measure general academic ability and scientific knowledge. The test is given at various testing centers across the United States. Information concerning the test is available online at the Web site of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, www.opted.org, or by contacting the Optometry Admission Testing Program at 211 E. Chicago Avenue, Sixth Floor, Chicago, IL 60611-2678; 1-800-232-2159. Note: Applicants must take the OAT for the first time before the February of the year in which they wish to enter. Applicants must provide OAT scores by February 1. All applicants whose native language is not English are required to establish English proficiency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is preferred. For information concerning the TOEFL, write to TOEFL Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541, or visit the TOEFL Web site at www.toefl.org. Deposit PolicyStudents admitted to the Doctor of Optometry program are required to pay an enrollment deposit of $500. This fee is due as directed in admission letters before the start of the program. If the student enrolls in the IU School of Optometry, the deposit will be applied to the student's tuition. If the student does not enroll, the deposit is not refunded. Preoptometry RequirementsA total of 90 semester hours of college credit is required as a minimum for admission to the School of Optometry; however, a bachelor's degree is strongly recommended. Preoptometry requirements must be completed by the time the student enters the School of Optometry. Students who already have a bachelor's degree with a major in a science field are often fully prepared for admission to the School of Optometry. Those with degrees in nonscience fields may find additional course work required. Students may take their preoptometry course work at any accredited institution. Each course meets just one requirement. All preoptometry requirements must have been completed within 10 years from the time when the student hopes to start the Doctor of Optometry program. Students entering with a bachelor's degree must have completed the following courses:
Students entering the Indiana University School of Optometry without a bachelor's degree must have completed the following courses in addition to the above:
1 A minimum of two courses is required.
None of the specified courses may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis. The credit hours required in the individual subjects are considered absolute minimums, which must be met or exceeded. If the credit hours in any subject total less than the minimum specified, the student should complete the next higher course in that subject. Quarter hours convert to semester hours by the following scale: 3 quarter hours = 2 semester hoursFor further information, contact the Office of Student Administration, School of Optometry, Indiana University, 800 E. Atwater Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405-3680; (812) 855-1917; e-mail iubopt@indiana.edu. Transfer Admissions The student must have a minimum cumulative average of B in the optometry curriculum, be in good standing with his or her present institution, and have a compelling reason for wanting to transfer to Indiana University’s School of Optometry. No deficiencies in the Indiana University preoptometry requirements may exist at the time of admission. Candidates for transfer must submit a statement of good standing from the dean of the school from which they are transferring. A regular application for admission should be submitted along with the statement of good standing and other documents specific to the transfer request. Optometry Degree RequirementsDoctor of Optometry (O.D.) Degree Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) DegreeThe courses required for this degree are listed in the section of this bulletin entitled “Optometry Curriculum.” All of the courses except those identified as electives must be completed. A baccalaureate degree is required prior to receiving the O.D. degree. The curricular requirements for preoptometry are described in the section of this bulletin entitled Preoptometry Requirements. Students are responsible for understanding all requirements for graduation and for completing them by the time they expect to graduate. Return to Optometry Degree Requirements Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Optometry DegreeStudents who enter the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program without an undergraduate degree will receive the B.S. in Optometry upon successful completion of the first two years of the four-year professional degree program. The following requirements, in addition to the preoptometry requirements and the courses in the first two years of the professional degree program, must be satisfied by the student seeking this degree:
Optometry CurriculumThe curriculum includes instruction in all of the clinical and practical phases of optometry as well as in the theoretical and fundamental aspects of vision science. It requires four years of professional degree courses, including at least a three-week summer assignment before the third year.1 The university schedules two regular academic semesters and two summer sessions. The regular fall semester includes 14 weeks and two days of instruction plus one week for final examinations; the spring semester includes 15 weeks of instruction plus one week for final examinations. Most optometry courses are scheduled for a full academic semester. Some, however, are scheduled for three, six, or eight weeks, and will be scheduled back-to-back with other courses that will be taken in the remaining weeks of the semester. The first summer session lasts six weeks; the second summer session lasts eight weeks. First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Note: This curriculum is currently in revision, and changes will be phased in over several years. 1 Elementary school vision-screening program assignments will be arranged. 2 Students in the final year of the program will spend 12 weeks at each of their four clinic assignments (V885, V887, V888, and the Fourth Clinical Assignment). Three of these four assignments are at various external locations.
Academic RegulationsRegistration and Counseling Registration and CounselingDesignated staff members of the School of Optometry’s Office of Student Administration serve as advisors to optometry students in the school. Students are required to meet with their advisors before registration to arrange their programs. All students are required to register at the appointed time each semester. Return to Academic Regulations A student is not permitted to enroll in fewer than 12 credit hours during a fall or spring semester except with special permission from the dean. Return to Academic Regulations Withdrawals from CoursesWithdrawals during the first eight weeks of a semester, first four weeks of a half-semester course, or first two weeks of a summer session are automatically marked W (Withdrawn). Withdrawals that would reduce a student’s enrollment below 12 credit hours ordinarily will not be authorized. Petitions for withdrawal after the periods specified above will not be authorized by the dean except for urgent reasons related to extended illness or equivalent distress. The desire to avoid a low grade is not an acceptable reason for withdrawal from a course. If a student withdraws with the dean’s consent, the grade in the course will be W if the student is passing at the time of withdrawal and F if the student is not passing. The grade will be recorded on the date of withdrawal. Failure to complete a course without authorized withdrawal will result in the grade F. Return to Academic Regulations Addition of CoursesNo course may be added by students after the first two weeks of a semester or first week of a summer session or half semester unless the instructor of the course petitions that an exception be made and the request is approved by the dean. Return to Academic Regulations GradesThe quality of a student's work is indicated by the following grades and numerical values:
A student must complete work required to have the Incomplete removed within one calendar year from the date of its recording, although the dean may authorize adjustment of this period in exceptional circumstances. An Incomplete that still stands after one calendar year is replaced by a grade of F. Once a student has graduated, nothing in these regulations will prohibit the Incomplete from remaining on the record. Return to Academic Regulations Absences from Scheduled ClassesIllness is usually the only acceptable excuse for absence from class. Other absences must be explained to the satisfaction of the instructor, who will decide whether omitted work may be made up. The names of students who are excessively absent are to be reported by their instructors to the dean. Return to Academic Regulations Absences from Final ExaminationsA student who fails to attend the final examination of a course and who has a passing grade up to that time may be given a grade of Incomplete if the absence is explained to the instructor’s satisfaction. A missed final examination for which there is no satisfactory excuse will be assigned a grade of F. When called upon, the Academic Review Committee of the School of Optometry will assist an instructor in weighing an excuse concerning absence from a final examination. Return to Academic Regulations
Academic StandingIt is the intent of the School of Optometry that its professional students be able to graduate after four years of instruction (but in six years at the maximum). Although primary responsibility rests with the student, the school will work to help all students maintain good academic standing and will seek out and attempt (within limits) to provide remedial help for students who are having academic difficulties. Good Standing The minimum standard for academic good standing is a semester and cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00, that is, a C average, which is also the minimum standard for graduation from Indiana University and the School of Optometry. A student who has repeated a course and received a grade of D+ or below both times is not in good standing, irrespective of the semester and cumulative GPA (see below: Ineligible to Continue, Item 4). Included in the final GPA presented for graduation may be no more than one grade of D+ or below in each of the academic areas listed under Grades. ProbationAcademic probation results when the semester or cumulative GPA is below 2.00. Academic ReviewIf any student is placed on probation or receives grades of D+ or below, the Academic Review Committee will make recommendations about help and remedial work that will make it possible for the student to achieve better academic performance. If a student has received two or more grades of D+ or below in any one academic area defined under Grades, the Committee will decide which course may count toward graduation and which must be repeated. A student repeating a course must register for the course a second time. If any course to be repeated is a prerequisite to another course, the other course may not be taken until the prerequisite course is satisfactorily repeated. Clinical CompetenceAt the end of the second year, students are required to pass a competency examination in preparation for the course V 680 Introduction to Clinic. A student who fails the competency examination must complete remediation and take the examination again. If the student fails any part of the competency twice, the student must petition the Academic Review Committee in a timely way for permission to retake it a third time. The chair of competency examinations will then consult with faculty and make a written recommendation to the Academic Review Committee. A student who fails it three times will be ineligible to continue. RemediationIn the event that an intern receives a D grade in any clinical rotation in the third or fourth professional year, the clinic faculty will offer a remedial program to assist the intern in addressing areas of weakness and improving clinical and/or didactic skills. If an intern receives a second D grade in any third- or fourth-year clinic course, the student must accept remediation and must enroll in either V 780 Clinical Skills Enhancement–3rd Year or V 880 Clinical Skills Enhancement–4th Year. A student who fails to complete V 780 or V 880 with a grade of C– or better will be ineligible to continue. If an intern is unable to continue with a clinical rotation for academic or clinical performance reasons, the grade of F will be assigned. Policies and procedures are explained in detail in the most recent Indiana University School of Optometry Eye Care Centers Student Orientation Manual. Return to Academic StandingNational Board RequirementPart I Basic Sciences of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examination represents the comprehensive assessment of basic sciences education in optometry. Competency in the basic sciences is a foundational prerequisite and must be demonstrated prior to graduation from the IU School of Optometry. Therefore, students must pass part I before they will be allowed to graduate. Ineligible to ContinueA student is ineligible to continue when one or more of the following conditions hold:
Dismissal and ReinstatementA student dismissed for the first time may petition the Academic Review Committee for reinstatement without delay. If granted, the student will be expected to attain a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the first semester of reinstatement. A student whose petition has been denied may not petition for reinstatement until the lapse of at least one semester of a regular academic year. A student who is dismissed for the second time may not petition for reinstatement until the lapse of at least one full academic year. Depending on the circumstances, a dismissed student may be allowed to retake specific courses in which the previous grades were low, but unless officially reinstated to the curriculum, this student may not take courses that represent progress toward the degree. The Academic Review Committee may recommend additional conditions or restrictions to precede reinstatement of a student. Academic MisconductAcademic integrity is fundamental to the intellectual life of the university and to the education of each student. The following acts of academic dishonesty are prohibited: cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, interference, and facilitating academic dishonesty. Proven academic misconduct is grounds for dismissal. Professional MisconductMaintaining standards of professional conduct is essential to the integrity of the profession. Professional misconduct is strictly prohibited. This includes dishonest conduct (including, but not limited to, false accusation of misconduct; forgery; alteration or misuse of any university document, record, or identification; and giving to a university official any information known to be false) and use or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on university property or during a university activity. In addition, fraud and patient endangerment and abandonment will be grounds for dismissal. Standards for patient care procedures and for professional behavior in a clinical setting are detailed in the most recent Indiana University School of Optometry Eye Care Centers Student Orientation Manual. Additional rules and regulations of the university are available in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct published by Indiana University. It is each student's responsibility to be aware of these regulations. Violation of the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct may result in dismissal. Academic Fairness CommitteeThe charge of the committee is to consider, arbitrate, and adjudicate grading disputes in cases of procedural errors and in cases where evaluation on nonacademic grounds is alleged. The Academic Fairness Committee is composed of three students and three faculty members, chosen by the dean of the School of Optometry. Issues dealing with substantive quality of the student’s academic performance and involving intrinsic, professional, academic judgments by a faculty member lie outside the Committee’s jurisdiction.
Courses in OptometryThe number of credit hours given a course is indicated in parentheses following the course title. The abbreviation “P” refers to the course prerequisite(s). The abbreviation “C” refers to courses that are corequisite(s). Unless otherwise noted, the prerequisites for all courses include enrollment in the School of Optometry and permission of the instructor. V 511 Human Gross Anatomy (4 cr.) Regional study of anatomy using human specimens. Emphasizes head and neck, axilla, abdomen, and thorax. V 512 Ocular Anatomy (2 cr.) A detailed study of the normal anatomy and embryology of the eye and its adnexa. The organization of the various components of the eye is studied at the light and electron microscopic level and this organization is related to the molecular structure where it is known. V 514 Neuroanatomy (1.5 cr.) C: V 511. Functional anatomy of the human brain, with emphasis on the visual system. V 515 Medical and Ocular Biochemistry (4 cr.) Medical and biochemical principles that relate to understanding and treatment of disease. V 516 Ocular Physiology (2.5 cr.) C: V 512. Vegetative physiology of the eye, with attention to the chemical constitution, intermediary metabolism, regulation of hydration and intraocular pressure, transparency of the ocular components, and retinal physiology. V 517 Histology (3 cr.) Microscopic anatomy of human cells, tissues, and organs. V 521 Geometric Optics I (3.5 cr.) Optics of lenses, prisms, and mirrors; properties of light. V 522 Geometric Optics II (3.5 cr.) P: V 521. A continuation in the study of optics of lenses, prisms, and mirrors; properties of light. V 540 Ocular Microbiology (2 cr.) Biology of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that infect ocular tissues. Host response to infections and epidemiology will be presented. V 542 Systemic Physio-Pharmacology I (4 cr.) P: V 515. Integrated pharmacology and physiology of organ systems, including cellular-level activity and intercellular communication. V 543 General Pathology (5 cr.) P: V 511 and V 517. General concepts in inflammation, immunology, neoplasia. Infectious, genetic, systemic diseases and diseases of organs and systems studied. V 550 The Clinical Interview and Health History Taking (1 cr.) .) Introduction to interview techniques, health history content, and medical record documentation as applies to the optometric setting. The course will include optometric and medical terminology, interview techniques for special populations, legal aspects of medical records, and differential diagnosis of visual symptoms. Requirements include completion of outside health history assignments. V 551 Clinical Optometry I (2 cr.) Introduction to visual examination techniques and evaluation of results as they relate to subjective symptoms, visual performance, and health. Study of the principles involved in the measurement and treatment of ametropia, oculomotor imbalances, and associated conditions. V 553 Diagnostic Procedures I (3.5 cr.) P: V 521. C: V 543 and V 551. Vision examination techniques, theory and application of instrumentation, and ocular diagnostic procedures. V 569 Selected Studies (elective, cr. arr.) Items of current scientific interest. Consideration given to student's special interests. May include writing of abstracts and reviews of current vision science literature. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. V 578 Public Health Policy and the Optometric Profession (2 cr.) .) Introduction to the fundamentals and principles of public health and epidemiology; an overview of public and community health problems, planning, and care, with special attention to optometric and other visual aspects of variously identified segments of the community. Includes methods of epidemiological investigation and study design, plus considerations of quality, efficiency, economics, and regulation of vision and health care delivery and utilization. V 631 Ophthalmic Optics I (3 cr.) P: V 521 and V 522. Design and application of ophthalmic materials; study of the physical and optical characteristics of ophthalmic single vision and multifocal lens designs, ophthalmic prism, absorptive lenses, and the measurement and fitting of lenses and frames. Includes related laboratory exercises. V 632 Ophthalmic Optics II (2.5 cr.) P: V 521 and V 522. A continuation in the design and application of ophthalmic materials; study of the physical and optical characteristics of ophthalmic single vision and multifocal lens designs, ophthalmic prism, absorptive lenses, and the measurement and fitting of lenses and frames. Includes related laboratory exercises. V 633 Contact Lenses I (3 cr.) Theory and practice of contact lenses. Includes contact lens terminology, ocular anatomy and physiology as it applies to contact lens wear, general principles of lens materials, lens design, contact lens optics, lens care systems, the prefitting examination, basic fitting principles, and aftercare problems as they apply to contact lens practice. V 642 Systemic Physio-Pharmacology II (5 cr.) P: V542. Integrated pharmacology and physiology of organ systems, including blood, immune, digestive, renal, respiratory, circulatory, and central nervous systems. V 644 Ocular Disease I (3 cr.) P: V543. A detailed discussion of the signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis, and management of ocular diseases of the anterior segment. V 646 Ocular Pharmacology (3 cr.) P: V 642. Medications used in treatment of ocular disease. Ocular effects of systemic medications. V 648 Neurophysiology of Vision (1 cr.) Introduction to the functional organization of the visual system and the physiological basis of vision. This course treats the visual system as a biological image processor to reveal how the structure and function of the retina and brain determine visual performance and constrain the quality of vision. V 652 Clinical Optometry II (2 cr.) P: V 551. Introduction to visual examination techniques and evaluation of results as they relate to subjective symptoms, visual performance, and health. Principles involved in the measurement and treatment of ametropia, oculomotor imbalances, and associated conditions are studied. V 654 Diagnostic Procedures II (3.5 cr.) P: V 551, V 553, V 543. C: V 642 and V 652. Advanced diagnostic techniques stressing differential diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate interpretation. Emphasis on binocular vision examination techniques, theory, and application of instrumentation along with advanced disease detection. V 656 Diagnostic Procedures III (2 cr.) P: V 553 and V654. C: V 644 and V 646. Advanced clinical analysis, procedures, and protocols for examinations of patients in the clinical setting, and comprehensive eye examinations with scheduled patients. Requirements include completion of outside practice examinations, clinical observations by arrangement, and the Clinical Competency Examination. V 663 Physiological Optics I: Visual Optics (3.5 cr.) P: V 522. The eye as an optical instrument. V 664 Physiological Optics II: Visual Function (3 cr.) The basic aspects of monocular vision, including light and dark adaptation, color vision, and both spatial and temporal resolution. The science of measuring visual performance and its application to clinical optometry. V 665 Physiological Optics III: Ocular Motility (2.5 cr.) Characteristics, control, and deficits of the five somatic eye-movement systems (convergence, saccadic version, pursuit version, fixation maintenance, vestibular reflex) and the autonomic systems subserving accommodation and pupillary diameter and reflexes. V 666 Physiological Optics IV: Binocular Function (2 cr.) Binocular sensory mechanisms of vision. Summary of the geometry of 3-dimensional space and stereo vision, underlying neuroanatomy and physiology of binocular vision, prerequisites for normal stereopsis, and commonly encountered anomalies of binocular vision. V 670 Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Optometry (1 cr.) Introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics, principles of epidemiological inquiry and research design, and the application of statistical methods to clinical data. V 680 Introduction to Clinic (2.5 cr.) P: V 551, V 553, V 631, V 632, V 633, V 644, V 652, V 654, V 656, and a passing score on the Clinical Competency Examination in V 656. Introduction to clinical practice in visual analysis, optometric procedures, case conference; discussion and patient care for three 40-hour weeks during the summer, or the equivalent by arrangement. V 745 Ocular Disease II (3 cr.) P: V 644. A detailed discussion of the signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis, and management of ocular diseases of the posterior segment. V 746 Ocular Disease III (Neuro-Optometry) (2 cr.) P: V 745. A detailed discussion of the signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis, and management of neurological diseases affecting the eye. V 748 Principles and Methods of Physical Assessment and Medicine (3 cr.) P: V 680 or comparable clinical experience. Comprehensive health history, physical examination with emphasis on HEENT and neurological screening, and their relationship to ocular health conditions and medical management; clinical chemistry and interpretation of clinical laboratory tests; criteria for referral to other providers; principles of CPR and emergency office procedures. V 749 Applied Ocular Therapeutics (3 cr.) P: V 646, V 745. The use, in clinical optometric practice, of legend drugs, lasers, and other therapeutic devices in the treatment and management of ocular disease. V 751 Low Vision and Rehabilitation (1 cr.) P: V 652 and V 654. Special examination procedures and patient management techniques for the visually impaired. Evaluations and prescriptions of optical, nonoptical, and electronic devices. Overview of rehabilitative services. V 752 Contact Lenses II (3 cr.) P: V 633. Applications of contact lenses. This course covers the fitting and care of patients requiring specialty contact lenses and more difficult cases including, but not limited to, correcting astigmatism, tinted and cosmetic lenses, fitting the presbyopic patient, fitting infants and children, fitting keratoconic patients, fitting postsurgical and other distorted corneas, haptic lenses, cosmetic shells, and prosthetic eyes. V 753 Optometric Gerontology and Geriatrics (1 cr.) The purpose of the course is to impart knowledge and understanding fundamental to comprehensive and primary vision care of older adults. Discussions will include the functional consequences of vision and aging, interdisciplinary aspects of care and community resources. V 755 Basic Visual Therapy (3 cr.) Diagnosis, prognosis, and orthoptic treatment of anomalies of binocular vision, including the optical, motor, sensory, integrative, and perceptual systems. V 756 Clinical Assessment I (2 cr.) P: V 6 80. C: V 745. Introduction to clinical reasoning and formulation of differential diagnostic protocols for investigation of various visual problems. V 757 Clinical Assessment II (1 cr.) P: V 756. A continuation in the clinical reasoning and formulation of differential diagnostic protocols for investigation of various visual problems. V 758 Advanced Visual Therapy (elective, 2 cr.) Advanced levels of topics dealt with in V755 Basic Visual Therapy. V 774 Socioeconomic Aspects of Optometry (2 cr.) Optometry education; prevalence of visual anomalies; care of the blind, near-blind, and low-income groups; vision cults and propaganda; optometric careers; practice management. V 780 Clinical Skills Enhancement—Third year (2-2.5 cr.) Increased supervision provided by clinical faculty for students having difficulty in areas of clinical performance. V 781 Pediatric Optometry (1.5 cr.) P: V 755. Specialized diagnosis and management strategies for the infant and child. Topics to include refractive and binocular vision anomalies, disease, and pharmacology. V 782 Visual Perception and Learning Disabilities (1.5 cr.) P: V 755. Optometrist's role in assessment and management of visual perception, learning disabilities, and reading problems. Communication with parents, educators, and other professionals will be emphasized. V 786 Optometry Clinic (2 cr.) P: V 680. Clinical practice in visual analysis, patient care, and optometric procedures. Case discussion and student evaluation on a daily basis. Patient care includes assisting patients with selection of suitable eye wear. V 787 Optometry Clinic (2 cr.) P: V 786. A continuation of V 786. Clinical practice in visual analysis, patient care, and optometric procedures. Case discussion and student evaluation on a daily basis. Patient care includes assisting patients with selection of suitable eye wear. V 788 Optometry Clinic (2 cr.) P: V 787. Clinical practice in visual analysis, patient care, and optometric procedures. Case discussion and student evaluation on a daily basis, case presentation by student interns. Patient care includes assisting patients with selection of suitable eye wear. V 789 Optometry Clinic (2 cr.) P: V 788. Continuation of V 788. Clinical practice in visual analysis, patient care, and optometric procedures. Case discussion and student evaluation on a daily basis, case presentation by student interns. Patient care includes assisting patients with selection of suitable eye wear. V 880 Clinical Skills Enhancement—Fourth year (5-10 cr.) Increased supervision provided by clinical faculty for students having difficulty in areas of clinical performance. V 884 Optometry Clinic—Arranged (5 cr.) P: V 680, V 786, V 787, V 788, and V 789, as well as completion of all lecture and laboratory courses through the third professional year of study. Advanced clinical optometric training with emphasis on optometric specialties such as contact lens care, ocular disease diagnosis/ management, binocular vision analysis/therapy, and pediatrics. V 885 Optometry Clinic (10 cr.)1 P: V 680, V 786, V 787, V 788, and V 789, as well as completion of all lecture and laboratory courses through the third professional year of study. Advanced clinical optometric training with emphasis on optometric specialties such as contact lens care, ocular disease diagnosis/ management, binocular vision analysis/ therapy, and pediatrics. V 887 Extension Clinic (10 cr.)1 P: V 680, V 786, V 787, V 788, and V 789, as well as completion of all lecture and laboratory courses through the third professional year of study. An intensive, hands-on patient care experience at a large urban optometry clinic in Indianapolis. Includes experience in primary care as well as specialty services. V 888 External Clinic (10 cr.)1 P: V 680, V 786, V 787, V 788, and V 789, as well as completion of all lecture and laboratory courses through the third professional year of study. An intensive, hands-on patient care experience at an affiliated external clinical site such as a military hospital, Veterans Administration medical facility, or referral eye center. V 889 Special Projects (2 cr.) Research and writing of a paper in a style suitable for publication in a scientific journal.
1 V885, V887, and V888 may be taken in nonsequential order.
Student Honors and AwardsGraduation with Honors Graduation with HonorsThe Doctor of Optometry degree is awarded with honors to students who have demonstrated laudatory scholarship in their professional studies. Similarly, the Bachelor of Science in Optometry degree is granted with distinction. The specific honor is noted on the graduate’s diploma. The cumulative grade point averages and the corresponding citations are 3.70, with honors; 3.80, with high honors; 3.90, with highest honors. Corresponding levels prevail for the B.S. and B.A. degrees. Return to Student Honors and Awards Awards and RecognitionsEach year, many awards are presented to School of Optometry students. Periodically, students will receive notices regarding eligibility and application deadlines. Inquiries should be directed to the School of Optometry’s Office of Student Administration or to the faculty chairperson of the Awards and Honors Committee. It is especially important for students to explore grants, scholarships, or other financial support available from their home states. The following list describes a representative sample of the awards; it should be noted, however, that the actual list of awards may vary from year to year and that not all awards are automatically presented each year. The awards are listed according to eligibility categories. A complete listing is available at www.opt.indiana.edu. First-Year O.D. Students Third-Year O.D. Students Fourth-Year O.D. Students Return to Student Honors and Awards Competitions and GrantsAmerican Optometric Association: Dr. Seymour Galina Grant Many state affiliates of the American Foundation for Vision Awareness offer scholarships to students who are residents of that state. In addition to the awards listed here, scholarships, fellowships, and loans are available through the School of Optometry’s financial aid administrator. Return to Student Honors and Awards
Student OrganizationsThe principal organizations open to, and governed by, students in the School of Optometry are the following: American Optometric Student Association, Indiana University School of Optometry Chapter (AOSA) Indiana University Optometric Student Association (IUOSA) Indiana University National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) Beta Sigma Kappa Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) Fellowship of Christian Optometrists Financial AidFederal Financial Aid Federal Financial AidTo apply for federal financial assistance, students need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1 and March 1 each year. They may also file after March 1, but may not be considered for all the aid possible, depending on funding. Students may file the FAFSA at the Web site www.fafsa.ed.gov. In order to be eligible for federal financial aid, a student must:
BorrowingFinancing an optometric education can be a long-term investment if a student needs to borrow money. Students must understand the implications of receiving student loans, such as the obligation to repay them with interest once they obtain their degrees. There are several student loan programs available to doctoral optometric students:
Other ProgramsOther federal aid programs include Federal Work-Study, Veterans Benefits, and Military Health Professions scholarships. In addition, other options include:
A free search for other scholarships, not from the school, is available online at www.fastweb.com. Please contact the School of Optometry's Associate Director of Financial Aid with questions or concerns at School of Optometry, 800 E. Atwater Avenue, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405-3680; e-mail iuoptfa@indiana.edu for in person or telephone appointments, which can be scheduled by calling the Office of Student Administration at (812) 855-1917. Information regarding other sources of financial aid is available on the School of Optometry's Web site at www.opt.indiana.edu.
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