Optometry Schools Research Articles

Local validity of OCAT as a predictor of professional school grade point average.

Studies of the validity of the Optometry College Admission Test (OCAT) were carried out nationally by the Psychological Corporation, the test administrator, until 1979. Since then there have been no published national studies and only two local (school-based) validity studies. This paper analyzes the statistical relation between OCAT scores and performance in professional school for the 1981, 1982, and 1983 entering classes at the State College of Optometry, State University of New York (SUNY). The results are compared with the findings of previously published studies of OCAT validity at three other schools of optometry. For the classes entering in 1981 and 1982, there were significant correlations between Quantitative Ability (QA), Study Reading, and Physics subtest scores and both 1 and 2-year grade point averages (GPA's). These findings are, for the most part, consistent with those reported in previous studies.

A perspective on training for academic leadership in geriatrics.

A perspective on training for academic leadership in geriatrics.

An analysis of the papers presented at the annual meetings of the American Academy of Optometry for the last twelve years.

The papers read at the annual meetings of the American Academy of Optometry by representatives from the schools of optometry for the last 12 years were analyzed. We tabulated the papers presented in the Sections and in the General Program. Topics were subdivided into binocular vision, ocular health, contact lenses, optics and refraction, etc. Some schools maintained a consistent level over the years whereas others varied in the number of papers read at the Academy meetings. The emphasis of some schools of optometry on certain fields of optometry became apparent.

The History of Optometric Research in Australia The Newham Waterworth Memorial Lecture Jubilee ANZAAS Congress, Adelaide, May 12–19, 1980

This paper presents an overview of research by optometrists in private practice, in schools of optometry and in research units or institutions. It briefly considers the position of the Australian Journal of Optometry, the influence of research training on political thinking, and the further support the profession might afford to optometric research.

Costs, benefits, and management considerations of a prepaid student dental health plan.

Abstract The Student Dental Health Program (SDHP) is an open panel, prepaid dental insurance plan at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. The program was developed primarily to provide optimal dental health service; however the SDHP also serves educational and research functions that are consistent with the objectives of the university. The student bodies of the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Optometry constitute the enrollee population. Total cost rose from $18,418 in 1969–70 with 862 enrollees, to $70,930 in 1975–76 with 1,618 enrollees. During the same period the number of procedures completed increased from 2,868 to 6,796, with the average cost per procedure increasing from $6.42 to $10.44. The number of restorative services declined and preventive services increased. In 1976–77 benefits per student treated were estimated at $80 as compared to the annual fee of $48. The value of unmet needs upon entrance to the program averaged $59 per enrollee in 1974–75. By 1976–77 this figure was reduced to $26 due to implementation of an initial screening. The program is self-supporting due to a variety of cost containment measures. On balance, the program can be considered successful and beneficial to all parties concerned.

Optometric education in Nigeria.

A 3-year optometry program was established at the University of Benin, Nigeria in 1973. The program is considered from the standpoint of curriculum, faculty, clinical instruction, and grading. Some background is given about Nigeria itself. Present eye care facilities are reviewed as well as the increasing requirements of a developing nation. The need of strong support from established optometry schools is indicated.

A national optometric-student attitudinal survey.

This paper contains the results of a survey of 1549 optometry students who responded to a questionnaire that was sent to all optometry schools and colleges in the United States. The results reflect student attitudes and opinions about such issues as commercial optometry, malpractice suits, price advertising of glasses and professional services, and the cost of professional education. In addition, the survey results disclose the reasons students enter the profession, their anticipated modes of practice and their expected incomes. We believe that the issues encompassed in this survey will affect the future practice of optometry.

Congresses on Colour and Colour Vision

Ken Bowman, Senior Clinical Associate and Director of Contact Lens Clinics at the Victorian College of Optometry, recently completed a five week conference trip to Europe and the United States. A particular purpose of the tour was to visit contact lens and pharmaceutical manufacturers in addition to research institutions and schools of optometry to examine progress in the contact lens and related fields. During his trip Mr. Bowman also attended two conferences relating to colour vision. In Parma, Italy, he presented a paper at the Fourth Symposium of the International Research Group on Colour Vision Deficiencies. The paper entitled “The effect of illuminance on colour discrimination in senile macular degeneration” was among several presented by the 140 members of this multi-disciplinary group attending the conference. Following the conference he journeyed to France and England to visit research laboratories in these countries before continuing to Troy, New York, to attend the Third Congress of the International Colour Association, Color 77. Before returning, Mr. Bowman spent some days visiting the school of optometry at the University of California, Berkeley.

Synopsis of Health Science Terminology for Optometrists

This paper presents information on the available support of optometric education and research by several agencies of the Federal Government. A brief history of federal support of research and education since World War II is presented reflecting an increase in emphasis toward the support of manpower and the delivery of health care. The organizational structure and programs of the National Institutes of Health are discussed including the National Eye Institute and the Bureau of Health Manpower Education. Grant awards to schools of optometry (construction, educational, scholarship, and loan grants) since the inception of the Health Professions Educational Assistance Program in 1963 are reviewed. Expenditure of special project grant funds by schools of optometry are compared with other health professions. Programs of the National Science Foundation related to optometry are reviewed and projections of future legislation are discussed in relation to the current fiscal situation.

Manpower Needs in Optometry

At present there is one optometrist to 12,300 population, a ratio which will decline to 1: 20,000 by the year 2001 if the three Australian schools of optometry retain their present capacity of about 35 graduates per year. In the period 1976 to 2001 there should be an average of 60 graduates a year to maintain the present ratio. Preferably there should be an average of 85 graduates a year to improve the ratio of ophthalmic practitioner (optometrist plus ophthalmologist) to population from its present 1: 9,500 to 1: 8,000. Arguments for and against establishing a fourth school are given.

ACHIEVEMENT AND APTITUDE TESTS IN SELECTION OF OPTOMETRY STUDENTS

Available scholastic aptitude tests, professional aptitude tests, and character-personality tests can be valuable adjuncts to grade point averages, interviews, letters of recommendation, and other personal data in predicting the academic, but probably not the professional, success of applicants to optometry schools. Recommendations are made for the inclusion of certain available tests in a nationwide program for selection of optometry students, and for the development of new tests, to be included in this program, for the prediction of professional success.

Schools of Optometry in Australia and New Zealand

Schools of Optometry in Australia and New Zealand

Hearing aid spectacles and optometrists.

Division of Optometry, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana *Report of a survey started while the author was president of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Submitted on October 1, 1957, for publication in the March. 1958, issue of the American Journal of Optometry and Archives of American Academy of Optometry. †Optometrist. Ph.D., Director of school. Fellow, American Academy of Optometry.

ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES OF OPTOMETRY

*Summary of Reports presented at the annual meeting of the Association, Seattle, Washington and Forest Grove, Oregon, June 23–25, 1954. Submitted on December 29, 1954, for publication in the March, 1955, issue of the American Journal of Optometry and Archives of American Academy of Optometry. †Gerald Westheimer, Ph.D., School of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Chairman; Charles Abel, O.D., Los Angeles College of Optometry; Merrill J. Allen. Ph.D., Indiana University, Division of Optometry; O. N. Cole, O.D., Southern College of Optometry and Carel C. Koch, O.D., Chicago College of Optometry.

Optometry Students and Schools

Optometry Students and Schools

How Many Schools of Optometry?

How Many Schools of Optometry?

Optometry's Claim to Recognition Valid Only in Recognition of its Education

This frank and candid presentation of facts, by Dr. William B. Needles, of The Northern Illinois College of Optometry, relative to the present status of The Northern Illinois, and Optometry schools in general, brings a dire warning, fraught with portentous dangers, to Optometry the profession…No thinking optometrist will question the truth of the Doctor's opening lines, when he states, “If leaders in our profession can remain complacent in the face of these dangers, then they must hold to the opinion that surviral of our colleges is a matter of no great importance to Optometrists.” Those intimately acquainted with Dr. Needles, know that he is not given to idle prophecies. He says, “…We haw two enrollment periods before we reach the bottom of the cycle, one in September of this year, and another in September, 1943…IT WILL DEPEND UPON THE SIZE OF THE CLASSES WE ENROLL IN THESE TWO GROUPS, WHETHER OR NOT WE CAN SURVIVE. IF WE ARE FORCED TO CLOSE WE PROBABLY COULD NEVER REOPEN.”

A Study of the Professions Testing Ocular Refraction

SUMMARY A study of 1,416 students has revealed that 37.8 per cent. examined by the Optometrist and 19 per cent. by Oculist did not have normal vision with glasses as determined by the Snellen test. After deducting those cases with marked change in visual acuity within the last year there still remained 32.3 per cent. examined by the Optometrist and 6.7 per cent. by the Oculist who had defective vision with glasses. After deducting those students with visual changes since their last examination by the Oculist and Optometrist there remained 1.9 per cent. and 11.1 per cent. respectively, of the students with symptoms related to ocular disorders. Practically three-fourths of the students were unable to differentiate the Oculist from the Optometrist. The average cost of the ocular examination and glasses was about 10 per cent. greater in the Oculist group than in the Optometrist group. There is need for better medical regulations to determine the proficiency, and for the registration and licensing of physicians representing themselves as specialists. The Class-A schools of Optometry have raised their requirements to a four-year course. Several of these schools are attempting to teach pathology and diagnosis. Examples of the curricula are given. In the light of existing circumstances it would seem that much of the teaching is “futile”. Since a knowledge of general medicine is a necessary foundation for the study of the etiology, pathology, and diagnosis of ocular disease, and there exists such a limited number of capably staffed postgraduate institutions, Optometrists according to their present preparation can never serve the public as efficiently as can the Ophthalmologists. Eventually, if the practice of Optometry is to continue in the direction it is now pursuing, the medical schools may find it necessary to absorb the teaching and control the practice of this profession. Otherwise, when and if the professional standards and ethics for the practice of Optometry reach a higher plane, it may be possible that the same cooperation may exist between the medical and Optometry professions as is now present between the practices of medicine and dentistry in serving the public efficiently.

A Study of the Professions Testing Ocular Refraction

SUMMARY A study of 1,416 students has revealed that 37.8 per cent. examined by the Optometrist and 19 per cent. by Oculist did not have normal vision with glasses as determined by the Snellen test. After deducting those cases with marked change in visual acuity within the last year there still remained 32.3 per cent. examined by the Optometrist and 6.7 per cent. by the Oculist who had defective vision with glasses. After deducting those students with visual changes since their last examination by the Oculist and Optometrist there remained 1.9 per cent. and 11.1 per cent. respectively, of the students with symptoms related to ocular disorders. Practically three-fourths of the students were unable to differentiate the Oculist from the Optometrist. The average cost of the ocular examination and glasses was about 10 per cent. greater in the Oculist group than in the Optometrist group. There is need for better medical regulations to determine the proficiency, and for the registration and licensing of physicians representing themselves as specialists. The Class-A schools of Optometry have raised their requirements to a four-year course. Several of these schools are attempting to teach pathology and diagnosis. Examples of the curricula are given. In the light of existing circumstances it would seem that much of the teaching is “futile”. Since a knowledge of general medicine is a necessary foundation for the study of the etiology, pathology, and diagnosis of ocular disease, and there exists such a limited number of capably staffed postgraduate institutions, Optometrists according to their present preparation can never serve the public as efficiently as can the Ophthalmologists. Eventually, if the practice of Optometry is to continue in the direction it is now pursuing, the medical schools may find it necessary to absorb the teaching and control the practice of this profession. Otherwise, when and if the professional standards and ethics for the practice of Optometry reach a higher plane, it may be possible that the same cooperation may exist between the medical and Optometry professions as is now present between the practices of medicine and dentistry in serving the public efficiently.

University and Professional Standards in the U.S.A.

THE formulation of standards in respect of such matters as entrance and graduation. requirements, staff, equipment and financial resources, and the accrediting of educational institutions with reference to them, are undertaken in the United States by voluntary national and regional associations and by State universities and departments of education. Lists of accredited institutions are published from time to time and the situation is reviewed by the United States Office of Education once in every four years. Bulletin No. 16, “Accredited Higher Institutions, 1938” (Supt. of Documents, Washington, D.C., ppl 212; 20 cents) brings together the latest available lists and standards of both voluntary and State accrediting agencies. The most noteworthy development of the past few years is the drawing up by the Engineers' Council for Professional Development of a statement of principles (reproduced in the Bulletin) for accrediting engineering curricula with the object of improving the status of the engineering profession. Other national associations have published lists of accredited professional and technical schools of law, theology, medicine, pharmacy, osteopathy, optometry, music, architecture, business, librarianship, journalism, forestry, social work and teaching. A National League of Nursing Education is conducting a survey with the intention of issuing a list of accredited schools on its completion. Of the university accrediting agencies, the chief and most exclusive is the Association of American Universities, which regards as the principal ground for the inclusion of a college in its approved list, evidence of success “in stimulating scholarly interest in its students and in preparing them for more advanced scholarly endeavour”.