228 College of Optometry Mission Statement The mission of the College of Optometry is to educate and train optometric physicians to practice at the highest level of proficiency, integrity, and professionalism and to provide a multidisciplinary environment that encourages and supports scholarship, community service, and lifelong learning. Administration Linda Rouse, O.D., M.B.A., FAAO Dean Cristina Llerena Law, O.D., Ph.D., FAAO Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Jamie Althoff, O.D. Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions Bin Zhang, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Dean of Research Greg Fecho, O.D. Chair, Optometric Clinical Sciences Kenneth Seger, O.D., M.Sc., FAAO Chair, Clinical Education Optometry Sight is one of our most precious gifts, and the optometric physician is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of this gift. The optometric physician, through academic and clinical training, is able to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage disorders and diseases of the visual system and associated structures. Optometry is constantly evolving as a profession to enable optometric physicians to broaden their scope as the primary eye-care practitioner. The profession of optometry offers many challenges and rewards to those willing to devote themselves to serving others through a lifetime of study and dedication to excellence. Today’s optometrists practice in urban and rural communities throughout the nation, in individual or group practices, hospital settings, centers for vision research, and in the public health service. They also take part in teaching, research, and public health. Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry stands alone as the only optometric academic institution in the state of Florida. Furthermore, the college benefits from the integrated, interprofessional health care programs of the university’s Health Professions Division, represented by optometry, osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, health care sciences, nursing, and allopathic medicine. Nova Southeastern University takes pride in the optometry degree program, which provides a strong didactic and clinical education. Professional Accreditation The Doctor of Optometry Program at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). The ACOE (243 North Lindbergh Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 631417881; telephone number 800-365-2219) is the accrediting body for professional degree programs offered by all optometric institutions in the United States. Admissions Requirements NSU’s College of Optometry selects students based on the candidate’s application content, preprofessional academic performance, Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) scores, letters of evaluation, and personal interview. The requirements are summarized below. 1. Minimum of 90 semester hours Prior to matriculation, applicants must have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours (30 of which must be taken at a four-year institution) of specified coursework at a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. Only exceptional candidates for admission will be considered without a bachelor’s degree. There is no requirement that a student must have majored in a specific area; however, a background in biological sciences is recommended. The dean is empowered to evaluate the total qualifications of every student and to consider any unusual circumstances. 2. Prerequisite course requirements The college requires the students to earn a grade of 2.0 or better in each of the following required subjects: • calculus—3 semester hours • physics, including laboratory—8 semester hours College of Optometry Linda S. Rouse, O.D., M.B.A., FAAO Dean
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDE4MDg=