This two-part volume addresses the specific area of interdisciplinary connections within special education research. Special education has transformed as a result of legislation, new trends and current research investigations. Currently, there is no comprehensive resource that effectively covers these advances. Continuing the approach of Part A,…

A discussion of the optometric curriculum problems posed by the information explosion and technological advancement, broadening of the scope of practice, and changing societal needs looks at essential components of the curriculum and possible solutions. (MSE)

A study of characteristics of four classes entering the New England College of Optometry at five-year intervals were analyzed for a relationship between gender, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, and attrition. No interaction with gender was found, but lower SAT scores were found to be associated with higher attrition levels. (Author/MSE)

Bioscience education in optometric professional programs must be expanded in scope, raised to a higher level of academic rigor, and strengthened with new faculty and institutional learning resources. However, no single route of curriculum reform will guarantee successful innovation in the basic bioscience education of optometrists; several…

For the primary eye care practitioner in the 1990s and beyond, the basic biomedical sciences have supplanted physiological optics as the primary academic discipline underlying the practice of optometry. Several curriculum development options are available to incorporate the needed material, but a core curriculum is essential at all institutions.…

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 national conference of colleges of optometry focused on planning for optometric curricular reform and faculty development. Issues addressed included changes needed to meet entry-level professional needs, available resources, changes in optometry practice, and optometry's role in health care reform. Task forces worked together to develop a…

Educators in dentistry and osteopathy discuss efforts within their fields to diversify clinical education. Dental school changes focus on curriculum reform, closer education-care delivery relationship, patient centeredness, comprehensive care experiences, and patient care as a distinct mission of dental education. Efforts in osteopathy emphasize…

Clinical optometric education is in flux. It must meet the challenges of advances in bioscience, newer diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, a changing health care environment, and interdisciplinary learning for problem solving; engender social responsibility; promote good provider-patient relations; stress primary care; and emphasize prevention.…