A study investigated the relationship between performance on basic science (BS) and clinical science (CS) national board examinations in optometry because many students do well on CS while failing on BS. Results indicated a high correlation between scores on the tests, underscoring the importance of the BS examination and the test's predictive…

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.

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)

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)

A survey of the professional and graduate level degrees of the deans in each discipline at major health care education institutions found some patterns. Most administrators have only a single professional or combined professional/master's degree. Optometry has the most combined professional/doctoral degrees. (MSE)

In 1972 the New England College of Optometry instituted a new curriculum that provided accelerated optometric education leading to an O.D. degree for qualified candidates with a Ph.D. degree in the sciences. That experience is summarized. (MLW)

Controversy over the issue of drug licensure for optometrists is discussed. A study to analyze optometrists in terms of academic qualifications as compared to clinicians currently licensed to use pharmaceuticals is described. (MLW)

The development of the New England College of Optometry's fourth year into an entirely clinical program is described, including its new focus on increased patient load and mix, student social awareness and conscience, and varied practice mode and management options. (MSE)