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.
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.
