A survey of 14 optometric schools and colleges found frequent and regular use of student ratings of instructors with a variety of methods used to ensure validity. Urges a multifaceted approach to teaching assessment to include input from those who deliver the instruction (teacher self-evaluation) and from objective colleagues (peer evaluation).…

Evaluation of optometry students in clinical settings is a complex management task involving an institutionwide feedback system requiring monitoring. Criteria and standards of demonstrable validity should be applied consistently and equitably, formal evaluation tools should use advanced technology and technique, but faculty should still be…

A computer-assisted curriculum evaluation effort at Pacific University assessed the extent to which the existing curriculum addressed the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry's (ASCO) recommendations, possible duplication of effort, and areas taught but not included in the ASCO models. (MSE)

The results of a college of optometry graduate survey, designed to gather information on how the clinical program has prepared professionals for practice during the last 10 years, are reported and the questionnaire used is included. (MSE)

The self-study process is seldom viewed as a central process of improvement and change. Experience at the Illinois College of Optometry, however, shows how the process can be regenerative to people and institutions. The process and its elements are outlined in some detail. (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…

Whether adequate levels of interrater reliability could be obtained on a national, standardized examination using one examiner per observation was studied with 101 paired candidate observations on an examination for optometry. Results indicate that psychometrically sound judgments can be obtained with one examiner. (SLD)

This article considers the visual rehabilitation of patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries. Characteristics, symptoms, and associated neuromotor difficulties of posttrauma vision syndrome are listed, as are common posture and gait adaptations. A neuro-optometric rehabilitative and orientation/mobility evaluation is recommended, as is…

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…

A two-dimensional patient management problem test was designed to measure third-year optometry students' clinical competency at Pacific University (Oregon). Results suggest this evaluation method is valid and may be useful in identifying students needing to improve their clinical thinking skills. Some issues in test administration and scoring…

At Illinois College of Optometry a peer-review committee evaluates the exams of both basic science and clinical courses to provide an objective means of evaluating a faculty member's teaching ability. Five aspects of the exam (content, construction, statistical analysis, adjusted questions, instructor's rationale) are evaluated to determine the…

In response to optometry student complaints about group scores as an inadequate reflection of individual effort, two different procedures for assessing individual contributions to a group learning project were investigated, one based on evaluations by students outside the group and one using student evaluations of their fellow group members'…