Analyzes student loan debt at the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Optometry, showing the need for a comprehensive debt management program. Presents a model for determining manageable amounts of student loan debt developed from conventional lending criteria and data on earnings for optometrists. (EV)

Reports data from three consecutive classes of first- year optometry students at the Southern California College of Optometry, who were tested preceding and following completion of a patient communication course. Findings indicated that students improved their ability to respond to patients and were better able to discriminate among various levels…

A mechanism for using personal computer spreadsheet software to generate unique laboratory and problem assignments in optics for each student and provide corresponding solutions that can be checked quickly is described. The method minimizes some students' tendency to inspect others' solutions without solving problems themselves. Another…

Describes the innovative content and structure of an introductory course on clinical patient care at the Illinois College of Optometry. Critiques its success based on student grades and feedback, concluding that it was successful in imparting skills of data analysis but had minimal impact on students' ability to empathize with patients. (EV)

A curriculum assessment of the 17 schools of optometry in the United States found much variability in the number and proportion of clock hours assigned to various curriculum tracks in the didactic curriculum. Most schools, however, assigned a similar proportion of clock hours to clinical experience. (Author/DB)

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…

A discussion of innovation in optometry instruction emphasizes the need for careful consideration of new methods and technologies and for a strategy for measuring the innovation's effect. The process of curriculum reform, role of pedagogy and technology in that process, and use of outcomes assessment to monitor change are examined. (MSE)

The impetus and focus of quality improvement efforts in higher education are examined, and a corporate grant program supporting the use of total quality management strategies in optometric education is described. Subsequent articles on grant-supported projects are previewed. (MSE)

The American Optometric Association's current review of procedures for accrediting optometric residencies is discussed. Reasons for the review (projected growth of programs and revised standards) are discussed, procedures currently in place for accrediting programs in osteopathy, dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry, and optometry are summarized; and…

Examines data from annual surveys of member institutions of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry concerning cost of education, student financial assistance, and student indebtedness. Twelve tables and six figures detail cost and indebtedness factors from 1989/90 through 1996/97. Finds costs and indebtedness have gone up…

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,…

Explores cost implications of residency programs within the Veterans Administration health care system, particularly the costs and benefits of residencies in family medicine, osteopathic medicine, and general dentistry, because they resemble optometric residencies most closely. Costs of an existing vision therapy residency are examined, and…

The design and evaluation of an optometry practice management course at Hong Kong Polytechnic are described. The course includes lectures and small group projects on specific ethics and management topics. A survey of participants found they preferred group projects, with elements of peer teaching and seminar approaches, to traditional lectures.…

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…

Compares the 1995-96 curricula of U.S. optometry schools, focusing on clock hours and proportion of curriculum devoted to specific content areas. Results indicate greater variation in some areas than in others, and changes in curricular emphasis since a previous study, particularly consolidation in hours devoted to basic sciences and expansion in…