Academic Program

The School of Optometry provides a full four year professional program leading to the degree of Doctor of Optometry. The program provides ample knowledge in its basic and clinical science department and a patient care department in which primary diagnosis, treatment and eye care management is emphasized.

Graduates of the school are elegible for licenses in Puerto Rico, all 50 states and the District of Columbia and in many other countries around the world. They also qualify for admission to all graduate and residency programs in the United States and many enter military services as an officer.

What is a Doctor of Optometry?

A Doctor of Optometry is an independent primary health care professional that is educated and trained to diagnose, treat and manage disorders and diseases of the visual system, eye and associated structures. An OD is also able to diagnose related systemic conditions.

The Doctor of Optometry examines the eye for refractive conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia, eye movement and focusing abilities, diseases of the eye such as glaucoma and cataracts, and systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

They prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and pharmaceuticals for the management of eye diseases. They may also perform certain surgical procedures.

A Doctor of Optometry is an integral member of the primary health care team and an entry point in the health care system. As such they also co-manage diseases that affect eye health and may refer to other health care professionals.

A Doctor of Optometry is trained and capable of:

• Determine the prescription a patient needs for vision correction
• Determine if a patient could benefit from using contact lenses
• Treat and correct eye deviations, using lenses, prisms or visual therapy
• Prescribe loupes, telescopes and other instruments for the low vision patient
• Determine if the patitent has a visual condition that could affect learning
• Use and prescribe drugs to treat eye diseases

Can work in:

• Private practice
• Associated with other ODs and eye health professionals
• Hospitals
• Universities

A Doctor of Optometry can specialize in:

• Contact Lenses
• Geriatrics
• Pediatrics
• Occupational Vision
• Visual Therapy
• Subnormal Vision (Low Vision)
• Sports Vision

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