The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry's Gerontology Curriculum Development Committee summarizes the results of a survey of institutional practice and presents its recommendations for implementing a comprehensive optometric gerontology curriculum at each member institution. (MSE)

The use of standardized course syllabi and behavioral objectives requires the commitment and acceptance of faculty and administrators, but it can also help schools of optometry establish standards for evaluating students and improving instructional quality. Classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction all lend themselves to writing clear…

A discussion of the optometric curriculum problems posed by the information explosion and technological advancement, broadening of the scope of practice, and changing societal needs looks at essential components of the curriculum and possible solutions. (MSE)

High-impact trends in optometric practice are examined including looks at several different approaches to practice (narrow scope, broad scope, primary care, and specialty practice), alternatives and predictions, and specific curricular recommendations. (MSE)

The movement to shift the optometric testing focus from traditional visual sciences to the biomedical sciences is fortunate, but the optometric curriculum should also be carefully evaluated and redesigned to integrate the sciences better. (MSE)

The success of the profession is seen to hinge on the success of the private practitioner. The need for adequate education in business management in the optometric curriculum and optometric continuing education programs is stressed. A high sense of ethics is thought to be aided by competent business ability. (MLW)

As optometry expands its science curriculum, teaching methods must be examined. Instructional modalities must fit teaching needs, facilitate and improve student learning capacity, and be efficient; the student must participate as much as possible; and faculty must be aware of what colleagues are teaching and be receptive to new methods. (MSE)

Bioscience education in optometric professional programs must be expanded in scope, raised to a higher level of academic rigor, and strengthened with new faculty and institutional learning resources. However, no single route of curriculum reform will guarantee successful innovation in the basic bioscience education of optometrists; several…

For the primary eye care practitioner in the 1990s and beyond, the basic biomedical sciences have supplanted physiological optics as the primary academic discipline underlying the practice of optometry. Several curriculum development options are available to incorporate the needed material, but a core curriculum is essential at all institutions.…

A national survey of schools of optometry suggests that acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) needs to be more thoroughly addressed in some curricula. Suggestions are made for curriculum development in the areas of public health, basic coursework, immunology, clinical medicine, psychology, ocular manifestations, and contact lenses. (MSE)

Recommendations for a program in rehabilitative optometry include discussion of its need, development of the plan, and competency objectives and their relationship to practice. Also discussed is a plan for program implementation, including organizational and administrative considerations, required resources, residencies, and curriculum goals. (MSE)

The author argues that any new curricular model for optometric education must be responsive to evolving scientific and societal trends and consistent with the long-term goals of the profession. Some of these trends are outlined, including advancing technology and related improvement in health care and health care reform. (MSE)

Discusses the status of optometric residency education, looking briefly at its history, accreditation, growth, comparison with other professions, program content and enrollment, use of residency as a qualification, entry-level competence, potential for program expansion, and financial resources and pressures. Concludes that much development of…

Educators in dentistry and osteopathy discuss efforts within their fields to diversify clinical education. Dental school changes focus on curriculum reform, closer education-care delivery relationship, patient centeredness, comprehensive care experiences, and patient care as a distinct mission of dental education. Efforts in osteopathy emphasize…