The burden of childhood visual impairment and disparities in access to pediatric vision care remain pressing issues in the United States. School-based vision programs (SBVPs) serve as one approach to advancing health equity. Operating at the intersection of schools and healthcare, SBVPs can increase access to pediatric vision services, improve…

This article discusses barriers to development of a system of community-based clinical training sites for optometric residencies (concerns about costs, program quality, sufficient patient care experiences, meeting accreditation standards); ways to overcome them; benefits of community-based residencies; and the role of the Association of Schools…

Guidelines of the Southern College of Optometry (Tennessee) for development and administration of student externships are outlined and discussed, including principles addressing the setting of aims, goals, and objectives; preceptor (supervisor) and site selection; preceptor training; assignment of externships; and evaluation of students,…

This final report summarizes work performed by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) to develop a plan to regionalize optometric education in the western states. WICHE worked closely with a project advisory committee and the region's three schools of optometry to develop a regional plan. Personnel supply and demand in the…