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 agencies most directly involved with accreditation of optometry programs and their different roles in the process and outcomes of accreditation are discussed briefly. Relationships between the agencies are also noted. (MSE)

The New England College of Optometry has developed a clinical curriculum that utilizes external clinical affiliates as a part of the fourth-year training process. Educational opportunities in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings provide students with a wide range of patient care experiences. (Author/MLW)

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)

The procedures of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry's Office of External Educational Programs are reviewed to show how quality assurance techniques can be categorized. The format was designed to evaluate quality assurance procedures for both the educational and service aspects of eye care. (MLW)

An optometric clinical education workshop conducted by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry for clinical administrators and faculty is reported. Major issues were: clinical education objectives; nature and setting of clinical experience; methods, techniques and responsibilities of clinical instruction; and evaluation of student…