232 College of Optometry Upon approval of a transfer request, the students will be notified in writing of their standing at NSU and the requirements they must complete. Before being permitted to enter clinical rotations at NSU, the transferring student will have to complete and pass the preclinical proficiency examination administered by NSU’s College of Optometry. Decisions on transfer applications are made by the dean’s office. The decision will be based on factors that include, but are not limited to, academic record, circumstances leading to the transfer request, available space, and admissions standards. NSU’s College of Optometry will evaluate such credit and grant which is appropriate. Send documentation to • Nova Southeastern University Enrollment Processing Services College of Optometry, Office of Admissions 3300 S. University Drive, PO Box 299000 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2004 Promotion, Suspension, Dismissal, and Readmission The policies for promotion, suspension, dismissal, and readmission are outlined in the College of Optometry Student Handbook, which is revised, updated, and distributed annually to all optometry students. Requirements for Graduation In order to be eligible for the degree of Doctor of Optometry, each student shall 1. have satisfactorily completed the program of study required for the degree, including all assignments, as outlined in this catalog, with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0. 2. have satisfactorily met all financial and library obligations 3. have taken Parts I and II of the National Board Examination (international students can be exempted from taking Part II by the dean of student affairs or designee), documented by sending a copy of test scores, certified by the NBEO, to the dean or designee* 4. have obtained a baccalaureate degree** 5. attend, in person, the commencement program, at which time the degree is conferred * Students from foreign countries must sign a formal petition to be released from taking the NBEO examinations by the start of the third year, winter term. ** Upon the successful completion of the second year of optometric study, the College of Optometry may award a baccalaureate degree to those students who do not possess a baccalaureate degree, and who have completed 90 credit hours of undergraduate work. Students who entered the optometry program with a baccalaureate degree have the option of obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree as well, after successful completion of the second year of optometric study. The college reserves the right, and students, by their act of matriculation, concede to the college the right to require withdrawal at any time the college deems it necessary to safeguard its standards of scholarship, professional behavior, and compliance with regulations or for other reasons as are reasonably appropriate. Course of Study NSU’s Doctor of Optometry degree is awarded after successful completion of four years of professional study. The didactic focus of the first two years is in the basic sciences, including microbiology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, optics, and the vision sciences. Concurrently, students initiate the study of general optometric theory and methods; general pathology; and the diagnosis, treatment, and management of binocular vision anomalies and ocular disease in preparation for direct patient care in our primary care clinic. In the second and third academic years, students study contact lenses, pediatric, geriatric, and rehabilitative optometry and develop a deeper understanding and ability to diagnose, treat, and manage increasingly complex conditions concerning anomalies of vision development and ocular disease. Students also continue their clinical training in the primary care clinic by providing direct patient eye care, which begins in the winter of their second year. The fourth year of the academic program is entirely clinical, with intensive training in university-based or affiliated primary, secondary, and tertiary care facilities. These include clinics dealing with contact lenses, pediatrics, binocular vision, and geriatric issues. Students also receive training in medical/ surgical tertiary care settings. By the completion of the program, our students have been trained to be optometric physicians capable of providing quality eye care. Extended (Five-Year) Doctor of Optometry Degree NSU’s College of Optometry has instituted an extended program leading to the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. The extended program is designed for individuals who are returning to school after an absence, are changing professional fields, or who require a lighter course load initially because of family or other obligations. Students in the extended program take courses with the full-time students, but with a reduced course load. Coursework covered in the first two years of the traditional full-time program is covered in three years in the extended program. The last two years of both programs are identical. The curriculum and graduation requirements for the
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