Written tests do not project clinical optometric competence very well at present. However, the basic skills and knowledge necessary for competence can be measured, even if diagnostic and treatment skills cannot by current means. (MSE)

A 4-week course teaching interpersonal skills helps optometry students develop self-awareness in handling patients and other practice problems. Among the topics covered are questioning techniques, patient communication types, children, and difficult questions. (Author/MSE)

The procedures of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry's Office of External Educational Programs are reviewed to show how quality assurance techniques can be categorized. The format was designed to evaluate quality assurance procedures for both the educational and service aspects of eye care. (MLW)

The clinical education program at Ferris State College, College of Optometry, and the various clinics affiliated with the college are described. To ensure quality, all individuals with the responsibility of teaching the students are faculty of Ferris State. (MLW)

Barriers to success for women in optometry are reviewed including social pressures discouraging women applicants, role conflicts, access to informal networks, and discriminatory feelings of faculty. A 1968 National Center for Health Statistics survey of practice patterns of women optometrists, female enrollment, and practice preferences of women…

Since women are actively seeking admission to professional schools, a woman's counseling program is seen as imperative. The challenges of being a woman's counselor are discussed. The role of the woman's counselor, "community approach" to counseling, characteristics of the woman's counselor, and the variety of counseling programs are outlined. (MLW)

The format and production of the portable patient problem pack, a patient simulation method designed for problem-based learning, are described. Clinical and didactic applications and development of materials specifically for optometric education are discussed and additional information for designing optometry-related materials is appended.…

The Veterans Administration (VA) is a primary educator of optometry students, with each college of optometry being affiliated with at least one VA hospital. Ideally, fourth-year optometry students rotate through a specific VA facility for about 12 weeks. Guidelines are designed to provide optimum care in a rich learning environment. (MSE)

Discusses the need for education in research ethics, and outlines a course developed for the College of Optometry of the State University of New York. The ten-hour seminar course is required for graduate students. The course outline covers the objectives, processes, basic content, methods of student assessment, and instructional materials. (MSE)

The Optometric Center of Los Angeles provides students of the Southern California College of Optometry with an urban clinical environment that incorporates diversity, high levels of pathology, and community involvement. Through networking with outside agencies and with foundation help, the center provides a valuable educational setting for…

Examines the literature on minority experiences in optometry and other health professions, describing programs geared either toward increasing diversity or facilitating acceptance of diversity within the optometric profession, including affirmative action and other institutional support structures. (EV)

A new optometry-oriented program for the Macintosh computer has been written for the Neural Sciences Computer-Assisted Learning Package to include graphics and synthesized speech. It has 21 modules in 6 categories: anatomical drawings; diagrams illustrating physiological concepts; records from experiments; flow charts of neuroanatomical pathways;…

Discusses how the New England College of Optometry has expanded clinical education so graduates are equipped to handle new and advanced clinical and patient-care responsibilities and meet the changing standards of professional entry-level competency. The reform process, third- and fourth-year curriculum components, rotations, and plans for…

Describes development and design of the Comprehensive Clinical Performance Grid for Student Evaluation, created to address concerns about what constitutes a competent practitioner and to provide a useful and consistent student-evaluation tool for clinical optometric education. Development challenges are also discussed, including staff training and…

Results of a national survey of optometry schools regarding state requirements for continuing education and the use of nonprint media are reported. Both traditional and highly sophisticated media are found in most subject areas, but computers are not used at all. The most common media are photographic slides, chalkboards, and overhead…