A study comparing the medically relevant educational requirements of the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry to that of the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry finds that the curriculums are generally equivalent, supporting the argument for an expanded scope of optometric practice. (EV)

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)

A discussion of current changes in optometry looks at the expanding for-profit health sector, changing student characteristics and enrollment patterns, the changing scope of optometric care and technology, and the demise of professionalism and ethics. Implications for pharmaceutical education are considered. (MSE)

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)

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)

A survey of optometry faculty (n=263) produced a ranking of 77 optometric journals by the frequency respondents reported they read or scanned them. Data on whether the journal is refereed and included on the Medline database are also provided. Findings indicate that journals based on membership in an organization were read or scanned more often…

In response to optometry student complaints about group scores as an inadequate reflection of individual effort, two different procedures for assessing individual contributions to a group learning project were investigated, one based on evaluations by students outside the group and one using student evaluations of their fellow group members'…

In two Oakland (California) high schools, one urban and one suburban, an audiovisual presentation designed to enhance student interest in optometry as a career was given. Results of the presentation, measured by a questionnaire, suggest that few high school students are considering pursuing an optometry doctoral degree, but an on-site presentation…

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)

Explores cost implications of residency programs within the Veterans Administration health care system, particularly the costs and benefits of residencies in family medicine, osteopathic medicine, and general dentistry, because they resemble optometric residencies most closely. Costs of an existing vision therapy residency are examined, and…