Doctor of Optometry

Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage disorders of the visual systems and diseases of the eye and associated structures. The scope of optometric care ranges from vision testing and correction to managing complex eye and vision problems and diagnosing the presence of systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. In addition to our four-year O.D. program, we offer a combined O.D.M.S. program available for enrolled optometry students.Four academic years and two summer terms comprising 177 semester credit hours of study are required to complete the program successfully. During the fall semester of second year, students shadow third and fourth-year student clinicians in the UH Health – Eye Care clinic. Students then begin clinical patient care as second-year students in the spring semester. Patient encounters will approximate 1,500 per graduate as they complete family practice, specialty pediatrics, low vision, cornea and contact lens, medical eye rotations and externships. Students also have the opportunity for experience in specialty services such as pre- and post-op surgical care, dry eye, myopia control, vision therapy, neuro-optometric care and special populations.