Prospective Preceptors

Application

If you are interested in becoming a preceptor for Midwestern University's Chicago College of Optometry students, please fill out this application and forward as indicated. Within a few days of your submission, you will be contacted by our Assistant Director of Rotations.

Program Description

The Chicago College of Optometry awards the degree Doctor of Optometry upon successful completion of the four-year professional curriculum in optometry. The first and second years of the curriculum emphasize basic health sciences, optics and visual science and students are introduced to clinical practice in simulation laboratories, through introductory courses and clinical experiences. Visual consequences of disease are introduced in the second year. The third year, divided between a didactic and clinical setting, emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of ocular dysfunction and disease. The fourth-year is intensive clinical training that will include both 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.

Program FAQs

Why should I become a preceptor?

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill

By becoming one of our preceptors, you get a chance to make an impact in our students' by giving them the knowledge they need not only to make a living as an optometrist, but to also love the life they have built as a clinician in the field. This would be a chance to shape the future of our optometric clinicians as well as build your own network of potential associates.

Additionally, you also have access to the following benefits:

• Appointment as clinical adjunct
• Access to Midwestern University's library resources and journals
• Priority invitation/registration to any upcoming CE events/programs
• Access to most campus facilities

What are the requirements?

To be a part of our healthcare team as one of our preceptors, you need to meet the following:

• Must possess either documented advanced training (residency or fellowship training), comparable clinical experience (3-5 years), or other verifiable expertise in their area of practice. Evidence of expertise may include publications, presentations, Fellowship/Diplomate status in the American Academy of Optometry's corresponding section, or other credentials.
• Proof of liability insurance and documentation of no adverse actions against licensure of the primary and secondary faculty are mandatory.
• Must maintain appropriate instrumentation and possess sufficient patient volume and diversity to offer a quality clinical experience; to be ensured by Assistant Director of Rotations.
• Internet access is necessary.
• Qualify through our vetting process done by our Assistant Director of Rotations 

What qualities do we look for in our preceptors?

• Motivated, enthusiastic, self-directed learners
• Optometrists developing a patient-focused practice
• Effective communicator
• Optometrists eager to advance their mentoring skills and abilities

I'm interested. How can I get involved?

Simply fill out the application. Upon receipt and review, we will get in touch with you.