Fact Sheet
Founded in 1971, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a public, fully accredited, 4-year professional college of optometry and vision science. Located in New York City, the College has been a leader in the education of optometrists, research in vision science and comprehensive patient care.
Mission
The State University of New York College of Optometry excels, innovates and leads in Optometry and Vision Science by:
Education: Developing outstanding optometrists and vision scientists
Research: Making new discoveries that advance vision science and patient care
Patient Care: Improving patients’ lives by providing exceptional general and specialized optometric care
Service: Enhancing public health through education and service to a broad range of communities
At a Glance
Students and Admissions
Degrees awarded: OD, PhD, MS/OD and OD/PhD, MS in vision science
Enrollment: 330
Applicants (OD class entering in 2016): 598 applicants; 87 enrolled
Students from New York State: approximately 50%
Female/male ratio: approximately 75%/25%
Typical GPA of entering OD classes: average of 3.5
Graduate Students: 15 PhD, 28 OD/MS
Alumni: 2,515
Faculty
Faculty: 124 PhDs and ODs
Full-time faculty: 62
Part-time faculty: 65
Research
National Eye Institute grants: 12
External grants: $3.9 million (projected 2012-13)
Clinical Education
Typical number of patient encounters by a student over four years: 1,500
National Board pass rates: 99% passed Part I (2012), 97% passed Part II (2011) and 100% passed Part III (2011) on first attempt
International affiliation: Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China; LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
Residency Programs
Residents: 33
Residency areas: Cornea and Contact Lenses; Family Practice; Low Vision Rehabilitation; Ocular Disease; Pediatrics; Primary Eye Care; Acquired Brain Injury; Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation
Patient Care
The University Eye Center (UEC) is one of the largest optometric outpatient facilities in the nation offering both primary and specialized vision-care services.
Patient visits on-site (2011): 75,795
Patient visits in affiliated clinics around metro area: 60,000
Patients referred from area physicians, optometrists and healthcare providers: 7,297
In addition to primary care, the following specialized vision services are offered:
- Contact Lenses
- Dry Eye Services
- Glaucoma Institute
- Head Trauma Rehabilitation
- Laser Eye Surgery
- Learning Disabilities Unit
- Low Vision Services/Rehabilitation
- Ocular Disease and Special Testing
- Pediatrics, Children with Special Needs and Infant Vision Clinic
- Social Work Services
- University Eyewear Center
- Vision Therapy/Rehabilitation
- Sports Vision
Community outreach: Indigent Patient Fund; Homebound Program; partnerships with psychiatric centers, hospitals and diagnostic and treatment centers affiliated with the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation.
Optometric Center of New York (OCNY)
Founded in 1956, the OCNY is the nonprofit allied and endowing foundation of the College.
Volunteer trustees: 22
Assets: $8.6 million
Scholarships awarded in 2011- 2012: $274,050 to 125 students
Finances
In-state tuition: $19,900 (OD Program)
Out-of-state tuition: $38,210
Annual operating budget: $31,611,555
Payroll: $23.6 million (364 faculty and staff)
Capital construction: $5.82 million
Patient care: $8.6 million in gross revenue
Location
All classrooms, library, research laboratories and patient care clinics of the College are located in a 298,000 square foot, 18-story building on 42nd Street.
Last updated: October, 2012
