A national survey of optometry schools (n=10) concerning the status of basic biological science instruction provides insight into manpower, curriculum, learning resources, and budgetary support currently available. Results indicate that major changes must occur and that a national effort will be needed to support them. (Author/MSE)

A survey of 16 optometry schools found 12 had a required course or portion of a required course dedicated to teaching ethics. Classroom hours varied from 0 to 60; the median was 7. Topics covered varied. Courses were usually offered in the first and third years. Faculty were typically, though not exclusively, optometrists. (MSE)

This article translates research from the fields of optometry, ophthalmology, neurology, and medicine on the efficacy of tinted lenses for students with reading disabilities into understandable information for lay people. The paper concludes that the treatment does not significantly improve reading, although some reports indicate improvement in a…

The Perfect Eye model simplifies solutions to a wide variety of optometry instructional problems by facilitating student understanding of the interaction among lenses, objects, accommodation, and ametropia. The model is based on the premise that inside every eye is a perfect (emmetropic) eye, and that the physiological eye is a combination of the…

Study investigated whether poor performance on the case history portion of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry clinical skills examination was due to candidates' failure to inquire about major issues or explore issues thoroughly. Data from tests administered to 1,266 candidates were analyzed. Results indicate candidates generally…

A color microfiche containing ocular tissue section images was developed and introduced into an ocular history and embryology course to enhance student access to such images. Students found that the materials enhanced their ability to learn. Faculty found that the materials allowed students to prepare in advance for the laboratory, freeing class…

This paper investigates whether there is a correlation between a poor Visual Attention Span (VAS) and the child's optometric status. Convergence excess impacts most upon a male achieving a VAS-3 more than 75 per cent of the time. Fifty per cent of females with eye-teaming problems are unlikely to achieve a VAS-3 more than 25 per cent of the time.…

The State University of New York's innovative summer internship program bringing together 18 students between their third and fourth years to study functional vision care and vision therapy is described. Its history, program structure, recruitment and selection, and evaluation are highlighted. (MSE)

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…

The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry's plan for the scope and direction of optometric education in the year 2000 is outlined, including recommendations for general training, basic and clinical sciences, and specialty training. (MSE)

The evaluation of a tutorial program for a college of optometry that provides both group reviews and individual instruction and a discussion of the need for such services are presented. (MSE)

The curriculum design, philosophy, and innovation of four programs in geriatric optometry are described: the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and the colleges of Optometry at the State University of New York, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and University of Houston. (MSE)

The history, organization, function, holdings, regulations, and services of the International Library, Museum and Archives of Optometry, a section of the American Optometric Association, are outlined. (MSE)

The agencies most directly involved with accreditation of optometry programs and their different roles in the process and outcomes of accreditation are discussed briefly. Relationships between the agencies are also noted. (MSE)