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Â鶹ӰÊÓ College of Optometry is unsurpassed as a place to obtain an excellent didactic and clinical education from a talented and caring faculty.

Our dedicated faculty members are highly regarded teachers, clinicians and researchers who bring diverse backgrounds and multi-faceted interests to the optometry program. This provides a rich intellectual environment in which students are provided much more than the basic education and tools to become an optometrist. Students also learn the value of having an open and inquisitive mind which serves as the foundation for lifelong learning. This is an essential skill in order to grow with future technology and knowledge so that our Â鶹ӰÊÓs provide the highest quality care throughout their career.

Our students have excelled academically. Our students consistently perform above average on the National Board exams, which represent a national standard of entry-level competence to practice optometry. To view updated information regarding board scores, refer to our student accolades page.

We understand that our obligations and responsibilities are to our patients and to the greater public that we serve. The needs of the patient always come first. Our students understand these responsibilities and learn to adhere to the highest ethical and moral standards. Our Â鶹ӰÊÓs become stellar members of the communities in which they serve. Many Pacific Â鶹ӰÊÓs are in leadership positions within their communities, in corporations, in the military, in academe, and in professional organizations. We are proud of the accomplishments and contributions of our Â鶹ӰÊÓs.

Â鶹ӰÊÓ provides a rich and warm learning environment in a beautiful location. We create a sense of family that endures for life. An optometric education at Â鶹ӰÊÓ is a wise career investment.

Optometry Courses & Schedule

The full optometry curriculum, including degree requirements and course descriptions, are available in the . The 2024-2025 academic catalog is .

Clinical Patient Care

Our students gain real-world experience through our Outreach program. Upon starting the program, students have the opportunity to provide care and receive direct outreach experience with a diverse patient population. The College of Optometry operates 5 EyeClinics and EyeTrends opticals throughout the Portland area. The eye clinics give students the opportunity to practice their skills and serve their community during their academic career.

In their last year, students have the opportunity to provide supervised direct patient clinical care in hospital settings, healthcare centers, and public or private eye and vision care centers under supervision of our appointed adjunct faculty.  We have externship sites across the nation and internationally. Each of our affiliated externship sites specialize in patient care in primary care and/or specialized healthcare services unique to each site. By the time they Â鶹ӰÊÓ, they will have rotated through multiple clinics, serving a wide range of patients.

Optometry Student Resources

• Student Support
  • Optometry students have access to resources and services in the Student Affairs Office. These services are part of what makes Â鶹ӰÊÓ a great place to complete your education!
  • The College of Optometry organizes different programs and events that assist and support students. Such as scheduling and registration of all students, acting as the liaison between students and University offices, and working with the student government (Student Optometric Association). Events that we plan include New Student Orientation, White Coat Ceremony, Welcome to the Profession Ceremony and Practice Opportunity Fairs, among others.
  • The College of Optometry collaborates with the Student Affairs office to assist students with issues that may not be academic in nature, but affect academic performance. This can include personal/family stress, medical emergencies, financial hardships, etc. The Student Affairs office serves as advocates for students if they need help working out concerns or issues with faculty members or administrators. Our doors are always open, and we encourage students to stop in at any time. 
• Immunizations
  • Optometry students must be properly immunized in order to protect the health of themselves as well as their patients. Students will have contact with patients starting in the first year, therefore it is important to be current on all required immunizations. Some immunizations require multiple doses, and some require a titer to test for immunity; getting a head start on the process for required immunizations will make things easier as you start the program. 
  • International Student Services
    Accessibility & Accommodation Services
• Student Clubs & Organizations
  • Â鶹ӰÊÓ College of Optometry encourages all students to get involved and attend events. The following clubs and organizations are active.
  • Student Optometric Association (SOA)
  • (AOSA)
  • (AAO)
  • (APHA)
  •  
  • (AOA-PAC)
  • (AFOS)
  • (ASCO)
  • (BSK)
  • (FCO)
  • (NBEO)
  • (NOSA)
  • Pacific Affiliate for Vision Awareness (PAVA)
  • Professional Programs Council (PPC)
  • Sports Vision Club (SVC)