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The School of Optometry (Doctor in Optometry). Andrés Pagán, OD, MPH Dean of The School of Optometry Inter American University of Puerto Rico. The IAUPR School of Optometry. Founded in 1981 as part of the Metropolitan Campus, autonomy unit since 1993.
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The School of Optometry(Doctor in Optometry) Andrés Pagán, OD, MPH Dean of The School of Optometry Inter American University of Puerto Rico
The IAUPR School of Optometry • Founded in 1981 as part of the Metropolitan Campus, autonomy unit since 1993. • New school building since 2007, dorms available for students since 2008. • The School operates 5 optometric clinics called “InstitutoInteramericano del Ojo” that are the practical educational center for our students in a 75% of their total clinic time scheduled. The main clinic is located here in the School building. • MSA accreditation since 1982; ACOE first accreditation in 1985.
Special Characteristic of the School of Optometry… • One of 22 accredited School of Optometry in USA. The only accredited bilingual program (spanish/english) in USA and Caribbean. • All lectures, examination and written material are presented in English language. Spanish is used for the clinical practice. • For the current academic year, 9 out of 10 students come from outside of Puerto Rico. • Inter-religious ecumenical principles.
The Mission of the School of Optometry • To educate, develop and train, within a bilingual environment and supported by committed and competent collaborators a diverse student population from Puerto Rico, the United States and the rest of the world to become Doctors of Optometry who are knowledgeable, skilled and ethical primary health providers, dedicated to community service. In addition, the School promotes lifelong learning and provides support services to the profession in and outside Puerto Rico.
The Profession of Doctor of Optometry in USA… • According with the American Optometric Association (AOA): • Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.
Accreditations of the Optometric Program • Accredited since 1985 from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), belonging to the American Optometric Association. • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), accredited since 1982.
The Academic Program Description… • Four years academic program composed by 8 semester and 2 summer sections • First Year: • 2 semester (fall and spring) • 1 summer section (June) • Second Year: • 2 semester (fall and spring) • Third Year: • 1 summer section (July) • 2 semester (fall and spring) • Fourth year: • 2 semester ( fall and spring)
Admission Requirement • To be considered for admission, an applicant must have successfully met the following criteria: • Minimum of 90 credits approved from accredited University with General Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 or greater. • Have approved 54 prerequisites credits with 2.50 (GPA) or grater: general biology, microbiology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, physics, statistics, biochemistry, psychology, social science and English) • Optometry Admission Test of 300 • Interview
Graduation Requirements • To receive the degree of Doctor of Optometry (OD) the students must: • Pass all courses comprising the curriculum with an overall grade point average of 2.00 or better. • Submit to the faculty advisor a publishable research manuscript which must also be approved by the Dean for Academic Affairs • Transfer Students must complete at least two years in studies at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry. • Approve part I (ABS) of the National Board Examiner in Optometry (NBEO)
Students… • Our current student body is 228 • The School admit only 60 students per year, this current year we had 4.48 application by available seat • We promote the student’s diversity
DiversityCurrently, we have an student’s representation of among 20-25 nationalities…
Student’sServicesActivites… • Orientation Week
Student’sServicesActivities… • White Coat Ceremony
Student’sServicesActivities… • Wellness Program
Communities Projects… • ASVO/VOSH • Eye exam and delivery of eyeglasses to poor communities of Dominican Republic. • Happy Children Tour • Eye screening, teaching values and pet therapy • Vision in contrast • Exhibition and sale of works of arts