History and Mission

History

Founded in 1970 by an act of the New York State Legislature, the College admitted its first students in 1971. The College also includes the University Eye Center, its clinical facility, the Schnurmacher Institute for Vision Research and the Center for Vision Care Policy.

Mission Statement

The State University of New York College of Optometry excels, innovates and leads in Optometry and Vision Science by:

• Developing outstanding optometrists and vision scientists;
• Making new discoveries that advance vision science and patient care;
• Improving patients’ lives by providing exceptional general and specialized optometric care;
• Enhancing public health through education and service to a broad range of communities.