Results of a survey of all U.S. and Canadian optometry schools regarding curriculum status and philosophy are reported, including requirements, clinical experience availability, instructor consultations, reading, optional coursework, continuous care, and student observation. The survey form is appended. (MSE)

The status of faculty evaluation in optometric education and techniques contributing significantly to teaching quality are reviewed. Institutions are encouraged to provide incentives for faculty development with a favorable organizational climate and time. (MSE)

Due to criticism that optometrists are not adequately trained to use drugs for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, the course of study taken by optometry students was compared to that taken by medical students in terms of faculty capability, courses content, and relationship to career needs.

A survey of optometric educational institutions, conducted by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association, is described. Information on student enrollment, academic achievement, financial aid, and student expenditures for the academic year 1980-81 is highlighted. (Author/MLW)

The Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory, with a vocational title called Optometry, was used to profile a sample of second-year optometry students and to compare them with samples of practicing optometrists. One conclusion questions these students' compatibility with older practitioners. (MLW)

Papers from a symposium probing some of the curricular elements of the program in biological sciences at a school or college of optometry are provided. The overall program sequence in the biological sciences, microbiology, pharmacology, and the curriculum in the biological sciences from a clinical perspective are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Research on the cognitive processes used by physicians during patient care (template matching, deductive logic starting with multiple hypotheses, and algorithmic logic) is examined for its applicability to optometrists and the problem-solving strategies used by optometric students in the classroom or clinic. (Author/MSE)

A national survey of optometry schools (n=10) concerning the status of basic biological science instruction provides insight into manpower, curriculum, learning resources, and budgetary support currently available. Results indicate that major changes must occur and that a national effort will be needed to support them. (Author/MSE)

Evaluation of optometry students in clinical settings is a complex management task involving an institutionwide feedback system requiring monitoring. Criteria and standards of demonstrable validity should be applied consistently and equitably, formal evaluation tools should use advanced technology and technique, but faculty should still be…

The curriculum design, philosophy, and innovation of four programs in geriatric optometry are described: the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and the colleges of Optometry at the State University of New York, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and University of Houston. (MSE)

The agencies most directly involved with accreditation of optometry programs and their different roles in the process and outcomes of accreditation are discussed briefly. Relationships between the agencies are also noted. (MSE)

Although there is some geriatric content in optometry curriculum, such as pathology and diseases associated with aging, the emphasis would be better placed on aging as a normal process. Further education about the elderly population as a whole and further legislation for comprehensive care are needed. (MSE)

The Vision Educational Foundation, an independent organization of programs and projects to meet the challenges of the optometric profession, is described. The foundation provides long-range support to educational institutions, builds an endowment fund, generates funding, and fosters educational projects. (MLW)

The success of the profession is seen to hinge on the success of the private practitioner. The need for adequate education in business management in the optometric curriculum and optometric continuing education programs is stressed. A high sense of ethics is thought to be aided by competent business ability. (MLW)

The New England College of Optometry has developed a clinical curriculum that utilizes external clinical affiliates as a part of the fourth-year training process. Educational opportunities in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings provide students with a wide range of patient care experiences. (Author/MLW)