A statement of the Council for Optometric Education (COE) defines and characterizes educational outcomes, outcomes assessment, and outcomes data, and explains the reasons for outcomes assessment, its relationship to curricular design, and its function in accreditation of optometry programs. Stated COE standards and expectations of optometry…

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…

Research on professionals' interpersonal skills is reviewed as a basis for selecting material for inclusion in an optometry program. Specific recommendations are made about skills necessary for enhancing patient relationships, obtaining information from patients, and providing information to patients. (MSE)

An approach to teaching optometry combining didactic and problem-based teaching is described, highlighting course procedures that have evolved over a number of years. Problems are organized so students learn portions of required content, building a knowledge base while solving a succession of problems. Cases are usually presented and discussed in…

The Pennsylvania College of Optometry's experience in implementing problem-based learning, usually used in small classes, in a large group instructional situation in a traditional, subject-based optometric curriculum is described. Development of a modified approach, simulated patient problems, weekly quizzes, patient notes, large- and small-group…

Results of a survey of U.S. and Canadian optometry programs concerning curriculum design, clinical and residency training programs, continuing education, and research projects planned or under way in geriatric optometry are presented and discussed. (MSE)

The rationale and development of the University of Houston College of Optometry's revised practice management curriculum are discussed, and the curriculum is outlined. It focuses on development of competence in communications, data management, ethics, practice management, and public health practice. (MSE)

The first attempt at optometric education in the Middle East, a program developed at King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), is described. The university's second class of optometrists is being trained in the College of Applied Medical Sciences. Professional identity, limited faculty, and development of resources have been problems. (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)

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…

Issues of quality in clinical education that have emerged in the evaluation of colleges of optometry according to new Council on Optometric Education standards are reviewed. Specific standards and problems are cited, and common areas of weakness are summarized. (MSE)

A review of optometry's twentieth-century history looks at curriculum standardization and recognition of the doctorate in Optometry, federal legislation, public health movement, optometry in universities, use of pharmaceuticals, the primary care concept, Optometry in group health care, growth of professional publications, and entry into health…

Three optometric educators provide separate perspectives on how and why to increase the amount of clinical experience in the optometry program, addressing such issues as how many patient encounters are enough to provide adequate training, salient factors in clinical experience outside patient encounter numbers (facilities and equipment, preceptor,…

A curriculum for disorders of oculomotor control, binocular vision, and visual perception, adopted by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, is outlined. The curriculum's 14 objectives in physiology, perceptual and cognitive development, epidemiology, public health, diagnosis and management, environmental influences, care delivery,…

Factors supporting excellence in optometric residency programs are discussed, including initial student contact and orientation, instructional quality, teacher as resource, student quality, admission procedures, curriculum design, levels of clinical training, resources that expand the resident's experience, stature of the program within the…