Demographic information regarding mode of practice, income and satisfaction level is provided for 1978-82 graduates of the Illinois College of Optometry. A practice management questionnaire is appended. (Author/MLW)

The hardware used in microcomputer/videodisk systems and the applications of videodisk technology to developing and using educational modules in optometric education are outlined and discussed. (MSE)

Results of a survey of all U.S. and Canadian optometry schools regarding curriculum status and philosophy are reported, including requirements, clinical experience availability, instructor consultations, reading, optional coursework, continuous care, and student observation. The survey form is appended. (MSE)

The status of faculty evaluation in optometric education and techniques contributing significantly to teaching quality are reviewed. Institutions are encouraged to provide incentives for faculty development with a favorable organizational climate and time. (MSE)

Due to criticism that optometrists are not adequately trained to use drugs for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, the course of study taken by optometry students was compared to that taken by medical students in terms of faculty capability, courses content, and relationship to career needs.

A working definition of optometry is given, and four areas for evaluation of clinical competency are outlined: the abilities to develop professional interpersonal relationships with patients and colleagues, determine the specific procedures, and interpret and use clinical data. Student evaluation methods are noted. (MSE)

A critique of a variety of formats used in combined-response test items (those in which the respondent must choose the correct combination of options: a and b, all of the above, etc.) illustrates why this kind of testing is inherently flawed and should not be used in optometry examinations. (MSE)

A survey of optometric educational institutions, conducted by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association, is described. Information on student enrollment, academic achievement, financial aid, and student expenditures for the academic year 1980-81 is highlighted. (Author/MLW)

The Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory, with a vocational title called Optometry, was used to profile a sample of second-year optometry students and to compare them with samples of practicing optometrists. One conclusion questions these students' compatibility with older practitioners. (MLW)

Papers from a symposium probing some of the curricular elements of the program in biological sciences at a school or college of optometry are provided. The overall program sequence in the biological sciences, microbiology, pharmacology, and the curriculum in the biological sciences from a clinical perspective are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Research on the cognitive processes used by physicians during patient care (template matching, deductive logic starting with multiple hypotheses, and algorithmic logic) is examined for its applicability to optometrists and the problem-solving strategies used by optometric students in the classroom or clinic. (Author/MSE)

Vision of 116 students, ages 6-19, with Down syndrome in the Brisbane (Australia) area was screened. Non-cycloplegic retinoscopy successfully assessed all the students for refractive error. Of the 99 children in special schools, about half did not show significant refractive error but 30 percent were farsighted, 14 percent nearsighted, and 21…

Questions are raised about the effectiveness of the traditional lecture method in meeting the objectives of optometric education, and the use of problem-based learning as an alternative approach is examined. (MSE)

A study of characteristics of four classes entering the New England College of Optometry at five-year intervals were analyzed for a relationship between gender, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, and attrition. No interaction with gender was found, but lower SAT scores were found to be associated with higher attrition levels. (Author/MSE)

A specially designed patient assessment diagram is proposed as a means of helping optometric student clinicians develop integrative skills in the assessment and management of the patient's problem. A pilot study found students supportive of its use. (MSE)