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)

A survey of 1,775 Ohio health care providers in 5 disciplines concerning the demand for professional continuing education is reported. Results indicate that program content, date, time, and location are the most important factors influencing program attendance. Specific comparisons are made between optometry and other health care professions. (MSE)

A new optometry-oriented program for the Macintosh computer has been written for the Neural Sciences Computer-Assisted Learning Package to include graphics and synthesized speech. It has 21 modules in 6 categories: anatomical drawings; diagrams illustrating physiological concepts; records from experiments; flow charts of neuroanatomical pathways;…

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…

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…

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…

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…

A study investigated the percentage of optometry students successfully completing the four-component National Board of Examiners in Optometry examination at graduation between 1995 to 1997. Ultimate pass rates for all four components ranged from 87.0% to 90.9%. Results are discussed in relation to the 1993 test-sequence expansion and to the number…

A serious decline in the optometry schools' applicant pool argues forcefully for increased and aggressive student recruitment, particularly of black, Hispanic, and native Americans, who are underrepresented in the profession. Financial aid and financial management assistance for these groups are also needed. (MSE)

This discussion of factors to consider in planning a successful public presentation highlights multimedia presentations; verbal skills; proper use of visual materials; an explanation of vision measurements; lettering size and style; screen size; level of illumination; and machine handling. (LRW)

A national survey of schools of optometry suggests that acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) needs to be more thoroughly addressed in some curricula. Suggestions are made for curriculum development in the areas of public health, basic coursework, immunology, clinical medicine, psychology, ocular manifestations, and contact lenses. (MSE)

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)

Results of a national survey of optometry schools regarding state requirements for continuing education and the use of nonprint media are reported. Both traditional and highly sophisticated media are found in most subject areas, but computers are not used at all. The most common media are photographic slides, chalkboards, and overhead…

Recommendations for a program in rehabilitative optometry include discussion of its need, development of the plan, and competency objectives and their relationship to practice. Also discussed is a plan for program implementation, including organizational and administrative considerations, required resources, residencies, and curriculum goals. (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…