Optometry in Glendale

Fast Facts

Degree

Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)

General Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Completion of course prerequisites with a grade of C or higher
• Minimum overall cumulative GPA and science GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
• OAT must be taken and scores submitted by April 30, 2011.
• Two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a practicing optometrist.

Length of Program

4 years, full-time

Class Size

50

Curriculum

• Basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences
• Preclinical simulations
• Community Clinical rotations

Career Opportunities

• General optometry practice
• Graduate education and residencies
• Armed services (military)
• Public Health Service or Indian Health Service
• Veterans Health Administration Optometry Service
• Optometry industry
• Optometry education
• Administration

US Employment Projections through 2018

• With a greater prevalence of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma in the aging population, the demand for optometric services is expected to increase significantly — at least 24% — during the next decade, as this population increases.

Mean Annual Salary (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009)

• $106,960

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to AZCOPT must submit the following documented evidence:

1. Possess a minimum cumulative GPA and science coursework GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
2. Complete a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. A BA degree is acceptable, but a BS degree is preferred.
3. Submit the results of the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). A minimum Academic Average and Total Science standard score of 300 are recommended of all applicants. In order to be considered for the class to be admitted in the Fall of each academic year, the OAT must be taken and results submitted by April 30th. OAT scores older than five years are not acceptable. Additional information on the OAT may be found online at www.opted.org
4. Complete the necessary course prerequisites. All required prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. Pass/fail courses are not acceptable for prerequisite courses. Only courses designed for science majors or pre-professional students are acceptable for the science prerequisites.
5. Provide two letters of recommendation.
6. Have a good understanding of optometric medicine. Candidates are strongly encouraged to shadow and observe a practicing optometric physician in the clinical setting.
7. Participate in extracurricular and/or community activities that indicate a well-rounded background and demonstrate a service orientation.
8. Have interpersonal and communication skills necessary to relate effectively with others.
9. Pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
10. Have a commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.

Application Deadline

Students must apply for admission via OptomCAS by April 1st. Due to the
large number of applicants and the limited number of seats available, students
are strongly encouraged to complete application early in the cycle. AZCOPT
will consider completed applications on a first-come, first-served basis until all
seats are filled.

Additional Application Information

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Program Description

Midwestern University's Arizona College of Optometry (AZCOPT) awards the degree Doctor of Optometry upon successful completion of the four-year professional curriculum in optometry. The first and second year of the program emphasizes basic health sciences, optics, and visual science, and students are introduced to clinical practice through clinical simulation laboratories and introductory clinical courses in clinical settings. Visual consequences of disease are introduced in the second year. The third year, divided between a didactic and a clinical setting, emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of ocular dysfunction and disease. The fourth year is intensive clinical training that will include on-campus and off-campus externship rotations. Clinical settings for external rotations may include military facilities, veteran administration hospitals, public health service hospitals, and specialty and/or private practices or clinics. Satisfactory completion of the curriculum will qualify the graduate to take the National Board Examination that is a requirement for licensure in each of the 50 states.

Optometry Profession

A Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) is an independent primary health care professional who is educated and trained to diagnose, treat, and manage disorders and diseases of the visual system, eye, and associated structures. Doctors of Optometry are also able to identify related systemic conditions that affect the visual system. They examine the eye for refractive conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia, eye movement and focusing abilities, diseases of the eye such as glaucoma and cataracts, and systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Doctors of Optometry prescribe eyeglasses and provide services such as contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, and vision therapy. They may also prescribe medications for the management of eye diseases and perform certain surgical procedures.

Doctors of Optometry are integral members of the primary health care team. As such, these professionals also co-manage diseases that affect eye health and may refer to other health care professionals. The degree is also an entry point into the health care system. Although optometrists provide primary eye care services, they may also dedicate themselves to specialized areas such as low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, and advanced contact lens care.

In terms of job satisfaction, length of training, prestige and job outlook optometry is considered to be a career with a very bright future. With a greater prevalence of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma in the aging population, the demand for optometric services is expected to increase significantly during the next decade, as this population increases.

Mission

The mission of Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry is to educate optometrists and residents in an interdisciplinary healthcare environment.  The College fosters professional attitudes and behaviors that encourage life long learning, and scholarship to serve the needs of the public and improve the health and well-being of society.

Program Improvements

Planned improvements include development of courses in the second year of the curriculum, embedded assessments for program improvement, and planning for the experiential components of the curriculum.

Accreditation

AZCOPT has been granted the pre-accreditation classification of "Preliminary Approval" by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), of the American Optometric Association (AOA), 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141-7881. "Preliminary Approval" is granted to a professional degree program that has clearly demonstrated it is developing with Council standards. "Preliminary approval" is the only classification available to a new professional program.

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission/A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.

Related Links

Optometry as a Career

American Optometric Association (AOA)

American Optometric Student Association (AOSA)

Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS)