Professional program on Optometry | Graduate program in Vision Scince

There are a number of reasons why students choose to attend the SUNY College of Optometry to obtain their Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. We have listed some of them below. But without a doubt, the two most important reasons are summed up in numbers 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. We invite you to review all 17 and to consider SUNY Optometry as your choice to receive an outstanding education, both academically and clinically, in preparation to become a Doctor of Optometry.

1. Relatively small class size, only 72
2. One of the largest on-campus clinics in optometry
3. A great diversity of visual/ocular problems seen in the clinic
4. As a result of the large clinic, small class size, and the diversified patient population, students obtain a rich and comprehensive clinical experience that is second to none
5. All students rotate through and work with patients in all specialty clinics (Primary Care, Ocular Disease, Special Testing, Glaucoma Institute, Pediatrics, Contact Lenses, Low Vision, Vision Therapy, Head Trauma, Children with Special Needs, Learning Disability Unit, Infants Vision, Dispensing)
6. An on-campus Laser Center and Ambulatory Surgical Center
7. The exceptional level of our academic curriculum is reflected in the fact that over the years,  an average of 95% of our students pass the National licensing exam the first time they try, significantly above the national average
8. A state-of-the-art electronic record system connected to each examination room.
9. The College and its Clinic are located all in one 18 story building, therefore, all faculty are readily available to students
10. Completely renovated facility (as of the year 2000)
11. Over 150 Ph.D.s, O.D.s and M.D.s on the faculty (80 full and 77 part time)
12. A rich student/faculty ratio (between 2/1 to 4/1 in the clinic depending on rotation)
13. A MS and Ph.D. program in Vision Science for those interested in research
14. Being part of a large university contributes to the depth and quality of our faculty
15. College located in a great section of New York City in which students feel comfortable
16. SUNY does not discriminate against out-of-state residents for admission
17. Most out-of-state USA residents are eligible for in-state tuition after their first year
    
    For more information about the O.D. program, click here
    

The Graduate Program in Vision Science is designed for individuals holding a professional degree in a health science or a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Students in the graduate program may work towards either a Ph.D. degree or M.S. degree in Vision Science.

Ph.D. in Vision Science Program

The Ph.D. program is characterized by the following:

1. The greatest concentration of world-class vision science research faculty in New York City.
2. The ability to work one on one or in small groups through tutorials, seminars, and laboratory experiences.
3. Individualized experience in making oral presentations suitable for professional conferences and writing papers for publication.
4. Individualized experience in writing NRSA level grant proposals.
5. Ability to rotate through laboratories in-house and at external locations.
6. The largest on-campus vision care clinical facility in the country.
7. Tuition waiver, Graduate student teaching/Research stipend, support for research and attendance at scientific conferences.
8. Home to VisioNYC, the SIVR Colloquium series, and the SUNY journal club.

Combined O.D./Ph.D. in Vision Science

1. The ability to obtain both the O.D. degree and the Ph.D. degree concurrently in 6-7 years.
2. No tuition for the Ph.D. portion of the program, and a waiver of O.D. tuition for the remaining years of the O.D. program after completion of the Ph.D.
3. Graduate student teaching/Research stipend, support for research and attendance at scientific conferences.
4. A career path as an independent scientist allowing research, teaching, and clinical patient care at a College of Optometry, industry, etc.
5. Small group training and experience in specialized state-of-the art labs.

M.S. in Vision Science Program

1. Intended for students interested in a terminal M.S. degree as a full-time or part-time student.
2. Preparation for a career in research.

Combined O.D./M.S. in Vision Science

1. The ability to obtain both the O.D. degree and the M.S. degree concurrently in 4 years.
2. No tuition for the M.S. portion of the program
3. Graduate student support for research and attendance at scientific conferences
4. A career path enhancing your ability to be part of a research team, engage in  teaching, and conduct clinical research at a College of Optometry, industry, etc
5. Small group training and experience in specialized state-of-the art labs.

For more information of the graduate program, click here