A Distinguished Faculty
Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry's academic success is directly connected to its highly respected faculty, who are leaders in optometric education. Faculty are encouraged to pursue innovative instructional strategies and engage in cross-disciplinary research The university fosters a supportive academic culture that promotes inquiry, discovery, and knowledge sharing to benefit students and the profession.
Graduates are trained to work in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, clinics, and group practices. With a Doctor of Optometry degree, they are prepared to assist patients in maintaining and improving their eye health and visual function throughout their careers
A Diverse Student Body
Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry maintains a selective admissions process that values academic preparedness and a student’s background and experiences In 2024, out-of-state students comprised 26 6% of the class, while 2 1% came from international backgrounds. Over the past five years, students from more than thirty U.S. states have chosen to study at the College, reflecting its wide-reaching appeal and inclusive culture
The Optometric Rehabilitation Program at Western’s College of Optometry
Founded in 2008, the Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry launched its OD program with a strong commitment to optometric rehabilitation, a growing area of expertise. The program is structured to provide care for individuals dealing with visual and perceptual impairments due to conditions such as brain injury, stroke, neurological disease, or physical disability Students also learn to address vision therapy, developmental disabilities, and low vision rehabilitation as part of this comprehensive approach to optometric care
Treating Patients at WesternU Health Eye Care Institute
Clinical education plays a critical role in the optometry program. Students develop essential skills at the WesternU Health Eye Care Institute, a modern clinical teaching center in Pomona Under the guidance of experienced faculty and mentors, students gain real-world experience managing a broad spectrum of eye and vision issues.
Interns and faculty doctors offer services ranging from essential eye exams to advanced treatment options These include neuro-optometric rehabilitation, diabetic eye disease management, low vision rehabilitation, and vision therapy Through patient care, students practice adapting clinical knowledge into effective care strategies that restore and enhance visual function
Low vision rehabilitation is dedicated to enhancing residual vision through custom optical devices, assistive technologies, visual training, and modified daily activities
Neuro-optometric rehabilitation provides therapy for visual dysfunction related to events such as head trauma, surgeries, or strokes. The WesternU Health Eye Care Institute is a collaborative hub with rehabilitation professionals, including occupational and physical therapists, neuropsychologists, and other health providers across Southern California.
Fourth-Year Externship Program
The program's capstone is the fourth-year externship, which provides comprehensive clinical training in diverse practice settings Students complete full-time rotations in various locations that mirror real-world optometry practice, offering extensive hands-on experience. These externship opportunities include placements in:
● Private Optometry Offices
● Ophthalmology Practices
● Veterans Administration Clinics
● Indian Health Service Facilities
● Armed Forces Medical Centers
● WesternU Specialty Clinics
During the externship year, students are expected to deliver care to over 1,700 patients, exposing them to various ocular conditions and clinical settings. This training strengthens their diagnosis, treatment, and communication skills while promoting interprofessional collaboration Alongside clinical rotations, students complete a Practice Management course through distance education. This course introduces essential business and operational principles for managing an optometric practice, preparing students for clinical excellence and professional leadership
College of Optometry’s Core Values
Per westernu.edu, the core values of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry are grounded in a rich humanistic tradition, with commitments to collaboration, integrity, accountability, community service, and mutual respect
These values are embraced across four primary perspectives:
● Public Perspective: The College works to close gaps in access to advanced optometric care, particularly for underserved populations
● Profession Perspective: The College fosters unity within the profession and aims to connect with health policy leaders
● Student Perspective: Students are supported in pursuing their clinical goals and ethical development as future optometrists.
● Faculty Perspective: Faculty are viewed as bridges, connecting cutting-edge knowledge to students, patients, and the broader community
Through these guiding principles, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry continues to shape compassionate and capable eye care professionals ready to meet society's complex needs The College remains committed to advancing the profession and improving lives through vision care.
