Curriculum for the Doctor Of Optometry Degree

Curriculum for the Doctor Of Optometry Degree

Year of Study Credits Lecture Hours Laboratory Hours Conference Laboratory Screening Hours Clinic Hours
First Year 44.5 450 255 82.5 0 40
Second Year 41.10 (43.10) 465 228 (228) 22.5 60 20
Third Year 38.66 277.5 60 142.5 0 390
Fourth Year 26 15 0 0 0 1600
Program Totals 150.26 (152.26) 1,207.5 543 (603) 247.5 60 2,050
Total Program Hours 4,108-4,168
Term Opto Course Credits
1st Year: Fall BMS1 Systemic Biomedical Sciences 1 4
OPT1 Applied Optics 1 4
IOA1 Integrative Ocular Anatomy and Physiology 1 2.5
GCP0 General Concepts in Pharmacology 1
PPO1 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 1 1
PPL1 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 1 Laboratory 1
EPH0 Epidemiology and Public Health 2
POE0 Profession of Optometry and Ethics (1)
DCC1 Human Development and Cultural Competency in Optometry 1 2
CSC1 Conversational Spanish Communication Laboratory 1 (1)
1st Year: Spring BMS2 Systemic Biomedical Sciences 2 4
OPT2 Applied Optics 2 4
IOA2 Integrative Ocular Anatomy and Physiology 2 3
APH1 Applied Pharmacology 1 3
PPO2 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 2 1
CCL2 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 2 Laboratory 1
DCC2 Human Development and Cultural Competency in Optometry 2 2
CSC2 Conversational Spanish Communication Laboratory 2 (1)
CLK0 Clinical Clerkships .50
1st Year: Summer (June) PFCO Perception of Light, Form and Color 3.5
OMO0 Ocular Motility 2
Term Opto Course Credits
2nd Year: Fall BMS3 Systemic Biomedical Sciences 3 4
OPT3 Applied Optics 3 4
BVP0 Binocular Vision and Perception 3
DIS1 Ocular Diseases 1 3
APH2 Applied Pharmacology 2 3
PPO3 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 3 2
PPL3 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 3 Laboratory 1.50
ICD1 Integrative Optometric Case Discussions 1 0.50
CSC3 Conversational Spanish Communication Laboratory 3 (Elective) (1)
SCR0 Vision Screening 0.50
2nd Year: Spring CMO0 Clinical Medicine Optometry 1.50
OPT4 Applied Optics 4 1.50
PCL0 Primary Care Contact Lenses 3
DVT1 Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy 1 3
DIS2 Ocular Diseases 2 3
GDT0 Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment 2
PP04 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 4 3
PPL4 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 4 Laboratory 1.50
ICD2 Integrative Optometric Case Discussion 2 .50
CSC4 Conversational Spanish Communication Laboratory 4 (Elective) (1)
SCK0 Vision Screening and Clerkship 0.50
CSA0 Comprehensive Clinic Skills Assessment 0.10
Term Opto Course Credits
3rd Year: Summer (July) VIR0 Optometric Research 2
 
  PCO1 Patient Care 1 0.66
 
3rd Year: Fall CLA0 Advance Contact Lenses 1.50
 
  DVT2 Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy 2 3
 
DIS3 Ocular Diseases 3 2
 
PLV0 Primary Care Low Vision 3
 
NOP0 Nutrition in Optometry 1
 
ICD3 Integrative Optometric Case Discussion 3 1
 
DOP0 Diversity in Optometry 2
 
PCO2 Patient Care 2 4
 
3rd Year: Spring AVT0 Advanced Vision Therapy (Elective) 1.50
 
  ALV0 Advanced Low Vision (Elective) 1.50
 
NOR0 Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation (Elective) 1.50
 
AEP0 Advanced Electrophysiology (Elective) 1.50
 
SSV0 Sports Vision (Elective) 1.50
 
PMN0 Publishable Manuscript Submission (Elective) 1.50
 
COD0 Complex Case Discussion (Elective) 1.50
 
ODM0 Ocular Disorders Management 2
 
ILS0 Injections, Lasers and Ocular Surgical Care 2
 
EBO0 Clinical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Optometry 1
 
RSM0 Review Seminar 0.50
 
PRM0 Practice Management 1.50
 
PCO3 Patient Care 3 4
 
Term Opto Course Credits
4th Year Clinic Program OGR1 Optometric Clinic Grand Rounds 1 – First Semester 0.50
OGR2 Optometric Clinic Grand Rounds 2 – Second Semester 0.50
PC40 Primary Eye Care Services and Specialty Clinics 2.5
PC41 COSSMA Cidra Clinic 2.5
PC42 Caguas Clinic 2.5
PC43 Santurce Clinic 2.5
PC44 Hato Rey Clinic 2.5
PC45 Juana Diaz Clinic 2.5
PC46 Bayamón Mobile Unit 2.5
PC47 San Juan Mobile Unit 2.5
PC48 Extended Bayamón Clinic: 8 Weeks 5
PC49 Extended Bayamón Clinic: 4 Weeks 2.5
PC50 Extended COSSMA Cidra Clinic: 4 Weeks 2.5
PC51 Extended Caguas Clinic: 4 Weeks 2.5
PC52 Extended Santurce Clinic: 4 Weeks 2.5
PC53 Extended Hato Rey Clinic: 4 Weeks 2.5
PC54 Extended Juana Diaz Clinic: 4 Weeks 2.5
LE01 Local Externship Site 1 2.5
LE02 Local Externship Site 2 2.5
LE03 Local Externship Site 3 5
LE04 Local Externship Site 4 5
EA01 Abroad Externship Site 1 2.5
EA02 Abroad Externship Site 2 2.5
EA03 Abroad Externship Site 3 5
EA04 Abroad Externship Site 4 5
Program Total Credits 150.26

Integrative teaching is emphasized in both the Academic Department (didactic teaching) and Patient Care Department (clinical instruction) in the new curriculum. The concept is to provide students with a clinical perspective in basic science concepts, thereby developing conceptually based clinical reasoning skills applicable to entry-level practice.

The Academic Department is no longer differentiated into a Basic Science Department and a Clinical Science Department. Hence, courses under this curricular structure are not to be defined as purely basic science courses or clinical science courses. They are assembled and taught in one of the following three manners:

• as conceptually-inclined courses with clinical relevance
• as clinically-inclined courses with conceptual significance
• as a parallel–corresponding courses with equivalent conceptual and clinical relevance

Common denominators among courses in these categories are intended to facilitate the students’ ability to develop clinical reasoning with a conceptual background. Based on this model, emphasis on concept and application varies depending on the course modality.

Presentation of material will be cohesive and synchronized by either integrating or correlating basic and clinical concepts. Conceptually inclined courses and clinically inclined courses require an integrative presentation, whereas parallel-corresponding courses are presented correlatively. Integrative
presentations of conceptually inclined courses involve discussion of clinical associations that are pertinent to the predominant basic science topic taught. In the same manner, clinically inclined courses are taught providing basic science concepts related to the clinical topic
discussed to provide background comprehension.

Parallel-corresponding courses consist of proportioned presentations of health concepts related to primary ocular diseases and ocular diseases secondary to systemic conditions, with their respective clinical applications utilizing a complementary approach. Elective courses also form part of the new curriculum. The purpose of these courses is for optometric student to further enhance their knowledge in specific areas within optometry
in order to encourage the students to apply for optometric residency programs. All these electives are to be offered in the spring term of the third year and all will be evaluated on a pass/no pass basis. The optometric third-year student must enroll in five elective courses.

Residency Program

Primary Eye Care Residency – IAUPR

Mission

The program expects to provide post-graduate training so that the resident can develop proficiency in areas of primary care optometry, gain experience with multidisciplinary settings, and obtain training in pre-and-post -ophthalmic operative care. The program also will provide the resident with experience in teaching and scholarly activities, so that he or she may further pursue a career in education and research.

Program Goals

  • Provide post-graduate training, which develops the proficiency necessary to become a full-scope primary care practitioner
  • Develop quality clinical educators and clinical researcher

Program Description

  • One-year residency program (beginning by the third week of August)
  • A yearly stipend of $40,000 with benefits
  • Health Insurance benefits from IAUPR
  • Professional Liability Protection from IAUPR
  • Vacations as stipulated by the Academic Calendar of the IAUPRSO
  • Sick leave: According to the Faculty Manual, page 38, section 4.6.1.1 Full time faculty accumulates sick days of 1-1/2 days per month, that is 18 days per year. Sick absences of greater than two days requires a note from a physician.
  • No tuition or fees
  • Position: One
  • Workload: 80% (32 hours per week) in Clinical, 20% (8 hours per week) in Didactical
  • Accreditation status: Accredited by ACOE
  • Bilingual School’s Setting with Spanish’s speaking patients

Residency Experience

  • Scholarly and teaching experience
  • Clinical experience Worksites:
    • IAUPR’s Clinic Sites (Own transportation strongly recommended)
    • External Rotations at ophthalmology sites
    • Specialty areas rotation in Contact lenses, Pediatrics, Visual Training, Low Vision, Electro-diagnostics, Prothesis
  • Library and research resources
  • Administration time

Requirements for Completion:

  • The resident will demonstrate the necessary proficiency to become a full scope primary eye care practitioner through six outcomes.
  • The resident will demonstrate knowledge and skills as an educator and clinical researcher through three outcomes.
  • Optometry License in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
  • Completion of Part I, II, III, and TMOD of National Boards Examination in Optometry (NBEO).
  • Successful Clinical & Didactic evaluations.
  • Publishable quality paper.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Applicant must have successfully completed parts I, II, III, and TMOD of National Boards of Examiners in Optometry as a requisite for admission to the residency program.
  2. Candidates must be eligible to be licensed as an optometrist in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
  3. Recommendation letters: Three (3) are requested. One should be from the clinical director of graduating institution or chief academic officer. Two others from full-time faculty members have been involved with the applicant’s education.
  4. A brief essay stating reasons for applying to a program that is addressed to primary eye care is requested.
  5. Applicant should submit Curriculum Vitae and be available for interview.
  6. Knowledge of basic conversational Spanish language is required to communicate with the majority of the patient population although the English language is the official written language.
  7. Candidates must earn the degree of Doctor of Optometry from a school or college of optometry accredited by the Council on Optometric Education prior to the starting date of the residency program.
  8. IAUPR affirms that all candidates are evaluated without regard to sex, race, color, creed, origin, or disabilities.

Application Process

  1. Candidates must complete the application through the ORMatch. Deadline: February 1.
    For more INFO, refer to the ORMatch Webpage.
  2. All serious applicants are encouraged to arrange a site visit.

Contact information

For additional information contact

Coordinator name: Ariette Acevedo
Telephone: 787-765-1915
Fax: 787-756-7351
Email: aacevedo@opto.inter.edu
Accreditation Council on Optometric
Education (ACOE)

243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Suite 301, St. Louis,
MO 63141 | 1-800-365-2219
Email: accredit@theacoe.org

Academic Calendar

INTER AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO

SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY

Academic-Administrative Calendar for First Semester
Academic Year 2025–2026

FOURTH YEAR STUDENTS
(2026-11, Part of Term 1)

PeriodAcademic and Fiscal Event
May 22 to June 20, 2025“Disbursement Memo”
May 202522 – 23Thursday – FridayRegistration of fourth year students
 23FridayBook Advance to eligible student*
 26MondayLast day for students to decline the Advances
 26MondayHoliday: Memorial Day
 31SaturdayLast day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees not included)
 31SaturdayLast day for withdrawal from all clinic rotations with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees included)
June 20252MondayLate registration
 2MondayFirst day of the Fourth Year Clinic Program for the completion of weeks 1 – 20
 4WednesdayLast day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 75% of tuition cost
 6FridayCancellation of clinic rotations to students who have not paid registration
 6FridayLast day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 50% of tuition cost
 19ThursdayHoliday: Juneteenth National Independence Day
 20FridayLast day for faculty to enter the AW to the “Interweb Roll Book”
 21SaturdayLast day for the Administration to make registration changes. Cut-off Date/ENRL Process
 27FridayFirst payment extension due
July 20251TuesdayAccreditation of financial aid to students and Refund Process**
 2 – 3Wednesday – ThursdayCheck delivery to students and direct deposit
 4FridayHoliday: Independence Day of the United States of America
 22TuesdaySecond payment extension due
 25FridayHoliday: Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Day
 28MondayHoliday: José Celso Barbosa Birthday
July 30 – August 3Wednesday – Sunday NBEO ABS study days: only for those taking NBEO ABS session August 4, 2025, who present evidence to the fact
July 31 – August 4Thursday – Monday NBEO ABS study days: only for those taking NBEO ABS session August 5, 2024, who present evidence to the fact
August 20254MondayNBEO ABS ***: only for those taking NBEO ABS who present evidence to the fact
 5TuesdayNBEO ABS ***: only for those taking NBEO ABS who present evidence to the fact
 18MondayThird payment extension due
September 20251MondayHoliday: Labor Day
October 20252ThursdayLast day for students to apply removal of incomplete grades of the previous semester
 13MondayHoliday: Columbus Day. For interns in in-house rotations
 31FridayLast day to complete first term of Fourth Year program

* Advances checks delivery to eligible students during the first week of classes.

** After this date, there will be accreditation every Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday there will be an accreditation and Refund Process until June 19, 2026. Check delivery will be made not later than three (3) days after refund.

*** To be excused from the School duties (clinic) the student must present evidence of NBEO exam to the Director of Patient Care and Module Chief at least one month (1) before the board exam. Once the student finishes the board examination, he/she must report back to the scheduled duties the day after the board exam was taken.

Jacqueline Álvarez Peña, PhD
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
 Camille Lamboy Díaz, BBA
Acting Vice President for Management,
Finance and Systemic Services
Original publication date: June 2, 2025

INTER AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO

SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY

Academic-Administrative Calendar for First Semester
of the Academic Year 2025–2026

FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD YEAR STUDENTS
(2026-11, Part of Term 0)

PeriodAcademic and Fiscal Period
May 1 to August 29, 2025“Disbursement Memo”
August 20251 – 4Friday – MondayRegistration for 2nd and 3rd year students
 1FridayBook Advance to eligible students
 5TuesdayLast day for students to decline Advance*
 7ThursdayStudent account update to decline de Advance
 8FridayLast day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees not included)
 8FridayLast day for withdrawal from all courses with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees included)
 11MondayFirst day of classes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year
 11MondayLast day to pay tuition and fee
 11 – 15Monday – FridayLate registration and class changes
 13WednesdayLast day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 75% of tuition cost
 18MondayCancellation of courses to students who have not paid registration
 18MondayLast day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 50% of tuition cost
 29FridayLast day for faculty to enter the “AW” to the “InterWeb Roll Book”
 30SaturdayLast day for the Administration to make registration changes. “Cut-off Date/Enrollment Process”
September 20251MondayHoliday: Labor Day
 2TuesdayFirst accreditation of aid to students and Refund Process**
 3 – 4Wednesday – ThursdayCheck delivery to students & Direct Deposit
 5FridayFirst payment extension due
October 20251WednesdayMidterm grades
 1WednesdaySecond payment extension due
 13MondayHoliday: Columbus’ Day
 14TuesdayLast day for students to apply for removal of incomplete grades of the previous semester
 24FridayLast day for partial withdrawal with “W”
November 20253MondayThird payment extension due
 11TuesdayHoliday: Veterans Day
 19WednesdayHoliday: Discovery of Puerto Rico
 25TuesdayLast day for complete withdrawal with “W”
 25TuesdayLast day of classes
 26 – 30Wednesday – SundayAcademic Recess: Thanksgiving
December 20251MondayStudy day final examinations
 2TuesdayFinal examinations period begins
 17WednesdayFinal examinations period ends
 18ThursdayLast day to enter grades to the “InterWeb Roll Book”
December 20, 2025 to January 6, 2026Academic and Administrative Recess

* Advances check delivery to eligible students and direct deposit during first week of classes.

** After this date, there will be accreditation every Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday there will be an accreditation and Refund Process until June 19, 2026. Check delivery will be made not later than three (3) days after refund.

Note: Weekly class schedule may include Saturdays and Holidays.

Jacqueline Álvarez Peña, PhD
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
 Camille Lamboy Díaz, BBA
Acting Vice President for Management,
Finance and Systemic Services
Original publication date: June 2, 2025

INTER AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO

SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY

Academic Calendar for Second Semester
of the Academic Year 2025–2026 for

FOURTH YEAR STUDENTS
(2026-31, Part of Term 1)

PeriodAcademic and Fiscal Event
October 27 to November 21, 2025“Disbursement Memo”
October 202524FridayBook Advance to eligible students*
 27MondayLast day for students to decline the Advances
 27MondayRegistration fourth year clinic
 31FridayLast day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees not included)
 31FridayLast day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees included)
November 20253MondayFirst day of second semester of Fourth Year Clinic Program for completion of weeks 21 – 44
 3MondayLate registration
 5WednesdayLast day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 75% of tuition cost
 11TuesdayHoliday: Veterans’ Day
 13ThursdayCancellation of clinic rotations to students who have not paid registration
 14FridayLast day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 50% of tuition cost
 19WednesdayHoliday: Discovery of Puerto Rico
 21FridayLast day for faculty to enter the AW to the “InterWeb Roll Book”
 22SaturdayLast day for Administration to make registration changes. Cut-off-Date/ENRL Process
 24MondayFirst accreditation of financial aid to students
 25TuesdaySecond accreditation of financial aid to students and refund***
 26 – 27Wednesday – ThursdayCheck delivery to students and direct deposit
 26 – 30Wednesday – SundayThanksgiving Recess: For in-house clinic interns
 28FridayFirst payment extension due
December 20251MondayPAM study day recess: only for those taking NBEO PAM who present evidence to the fact Session 1
 2TuesdayNBEO PAM **: only for those taking NBEO PAM who present evidence to the fact Session 1
 3WednesdayPAM study day recess: only for those taking NBEO PAM who present evidence to the fact Session 2
 4ThursdayNBEO PAM **: only for those taking NBEO PAM who present evidence to the fact Session 2
 12FridayLast day of fourth year clinic before Christmas recess
 13SaturdayBegin Christmas recess for in-house fourth year interns
Dec 20, 2025 to Jan 6, 2026 Academic-Administrative Recess
January 20267WednesdayResume administrative duties and fourth year clinic
 19MondayHoliday: Martin Luther King
 19MondayThird payment extension due
 23TuesdaySecond payment extension due
February 202616MondayHoliday: George Washington Birthday, President’s Day and the Day of Illustrious Puerto Ricans
March 20262MondayLast day to apply for graduation
 12 – 16Thursday – MondayNBEO ABS study recess: only for those taking NBEO ABS on March 16 who present evidence to the fact
 13 – 17Friday – TuesdayNBEO ABS study recess: only for those taking NBEO ABS on March 17 who present evidence to the fact
 14 – 18Saturday – WednesdayNBEO ABS study recess: only for those taking NBEO ABS on March 18 who present evidence to the fact
 16 – 19Monday – ThursdayNBEO ABS study recess: only for those taking NBEO ABS on March 19 who present evidence to the fact
 23MondayHoliday: Abolition Day: For in-house clinic interns
March 30 – April 5Monday – Sunday Holiday: Easter recess for in-house interns
April 20266MondayNBEO PAM study day recess: only for those taking NBEO PAM who present evidence to the fact
 7TuesdayNBEO PAM **: only for those taking NBEO PAM who present evidence to the fact
May 202619TuesdayLast day fourth year clinic: satisfactorily complete all 40 weeks of clinic rotations before commencement
 22FridayLast day to enter grades to the “InterWeb Roll Book”
 25MondayHoliday: Memorial Day
June 20261MondayFirst day of the Fourth Year Clinic Program for the completion of weeks 1 – 20 for 2026–2027 academic year.

* Advances checks delivery to eligible students during the first week of classes.

** To be excused from the School duties (clinic) the student must present evidence of NBEO exam to the Director of Patient Care and Module Chief at least 1 month before the board exam. Once the student finishes the board examination, he/she must report back to the scheduled duties the day after the last board exam was taken.

*** After this date, there will be accreditation every Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday there will be an accreditation and Refund Process until June 19, 2026. Check delivery will be made not later than three (3) days after refund.

Jacqueline Álvarez Peña, PhD
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
 Camille Lamboy Díaz, BBA
Acting Vice President for Management,
Finance and Systemic Services
Original publication date: June 2, 2025

INTER AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO

SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY

Academic-Administrative Calendar for Second Semester
Academic Year 2025–2026

FIRST AND SECOND YEAR STUDENTS
(2026-31, Part of Term 0)

Period Academic and Fiscal Event
January 7 to 30, 2026“Disbursement Memo”
December 202520 – Jan 6Academic-Administrative Recess
January 20267WednesdayResume administrative duties
7–8Wednesday–ThursdayRegistration for 1st and 2nd year students
7WednesdayBook Advance to eligible students*
8ThursdayLast day for students to decline Advance*
9FridayStudent account update to decline Advance
10SaturdayLast day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees not included)
10SaturdayLast day for withdrawal from all courses with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees included)
12MondayFirst day of classes for 1st and 2nd year students
12–15Monday–ThursdayLate registration and class changes
15ThursdayLast day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 75% of tuition cost
15ThursdayLast day to pay tuition and fee
16FridayCancellation of courses to students who have not paid registration
19MondayHoliday: Martin Luther King, Jr.
20TuesdayLast day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 50% of tuition cost
30FridayLast day for faculty to enter the “AW” to the “InterWeb Roll Book”
31SaturdayLast day for the Administration to make registration changes. Cut-off Date/ENRL Process.
February 20262MondayFirst accreditation of aid to students
3TuesdaySecond accreditation of aid to students and Refund Process**
4–5Wednesday–ThursdayCheck delivery to students and Direct Deposit
6FridayFirst payment extension due
16MondayHoliday: George Washington Birthday, President’s Day and the Day of Illustrious Puerto Ricans
March 20263TuesdaySecond payment extension due
6FridayMidterm grades
12ThursdayLast day for students to apply for removal of incomplete grades of the previous semester
23MondayHoliday: Abolition Day: For interns in in-house clinics
24TuesdayLast day for partial withdrawal with “W”
March 30 – April 5Monday–SundayEaster Recess
April 20261WednesdayThird payment extension due
May 20265TuesdayLast day for complete withdrawal with “W” for 1st and 2nd year students and to submit any complaints related to the grades of the previous term
5TuesdayLast day of classes for 1st and 2nd year students
6WednesdayStudy day final examinations 1st and 2nd year students
7ThursdayFinal examination period starts for 1st and 2nd year students
22FridayFinal examination period ends for 1st and 2nd year students
25MondayHoliday: Memorial Day
28ThursdayLast day to enter grades to the “InterWeb Roll Book”

* Advances check delivery to eligible students and direct deposit during first week of classes.

** After this date, there will be accreditation every Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday there will be an accreditation and Refund Process until June 19, 2026. Check delivery will be made not later than three (3) days after refund.

Jacqueline Álvarez Peña, PhD
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Camille Lamboy Díaz, BBA
Acting Vice President for Management,
Finance and Systemic Services
Original publication date: June 2, 2025
Amended: June 27, 2025

INTER AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO

SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY

Academic Calendar for Second Semester
of the Academic Year 2025–2026 for

THIRD YEAR STUDENTS
(2026-31, Part of Term 03)

Period Academic and Fiscal Event
November 2, 2025 to January 30, 2026“Disbursement Memo”
December 202520 – January 6Academic-Administrative Recess
January 20267WednesdayResume administrative duties
7–8Wednesday–ThursdayRegistration for 3rd year students
7WednesdayBook Advance to eligible students*
8ThursdayLast day for students to decline Advance*
9FridayStudent account update to decline de Advance
10SaturdayLast day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees not included)
10SaturdayLast day for withdrawal from all courses with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees included)
12MondayFirst day of classes for 3rd year students
12–15Monday–ThursdayLate registration and class changes
15ThursdayLast day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 75% of tuition cost
15ThursdayLast day to pay tuition and fee
16FridayCancellation of courses to students who have not paid registration
16FridayLast day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 50% of tuition cost
19MondayHoliday: Martin Luther King
30FridayLast day for faculty to enter the “AW” to the “InterWeb Roll Book”
31SaturdayLast day for the Administration to make registration changes. Cut-off Date/ENRL Process.
February 20262MondayFirst accreditation of aid to students
3TuesdayAccreditation of aid to students and Refund Process**
4–5Wednesday–ThursdayCheck delivery to students and Direct Deposit
6FridayFirst payment extension due
16MondayHoliday: George Washington Birthday, President’s Day and the Day of Illustrious Puerto Ricans
March 20263TuesdaySecond payment extension due
6FridayMidterm grades
9–13Monday–FridayStudy recess for NBEO Part I (ABS) for 3rd year students: only for those taking NBEO ABS who present evidence to the fact
12ThursdayLast day for students to apply for removal of incomplete grades of the previous semester
16–19Monday–ThursdayNBEO Part I (ABS)***: only for those taking NBEO ABS who present evidence to the fact
23MondayHoliday: Abolition Day
24TuesdayLast day for partial withdrawal with “W”
March 30 – April 5Monday–SundayHoliday: Easter Recess
April 20261WednesdayThird payment extension due
May 202612TuesdayLast day of classes for 3rd year students
12TuesdayLast day for complete withdrawal with “W” for 3rd year students
13WednesdayStudy day final examinations 3rd year students
14ThursdayFinal examination period starts for 3rd year student**
25MondayHoliday: Memorial Day
27WednesdayFinal examination period ends for 3rd year students
28ThursdayLast day to enter grades to the “InterWeb Roll Book”

* Advances check delivery to eligible students and direct deposit during first week of classes.

** After this date, there will be accreditation every Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday there will be an accreditation and Refund Process until June 19, 2026. Check delivery will be made not later than three (3) days after refund.

*** Once the student finishes the board examination, he/she must report back to the scheduled duties the day after the board exam was taken.

Jacqueline Álvarez Peña, PhD
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Camille Lamboy Díaz, BBA
Acting Vice President for Management,
Finance and Systemic Services
Original publication date: June 2, 2025

UNIVERSIDAD INTERAMERICANA DE PUERTO RICO

CALENDARIO ACADÉMICO-ADMINISTRATIVO

PRIMERA SESIÓN VERANO – JUNIO 2026
(2026-50)

Periodo Eventos Académicos y Fiscales
4 de mayo al 5 de junio de 2026“Disbursement Memo”
4 de mayo al 3 de junio de 2026Selección de cursos y pago de matrícula*
Mayo25LunesFeriado: Día de la Recordación
30SábadoÚltimo día para darse de baja parcial con reembolso del 100% del costo de los créditos (sin incluir cuotas)
30SábadoÚltimo día para darse de baja total con reembolso del 100% del costo total de la matrícula (incluyendo cuotas)**
Junio1LunesInicio de clases
1–3Lunes a MiércolesPeríodo de matrícula tardía y cambio de clases
2MartesÚltimo día para darse de baja parcial con reembolso del 75% de los derechos de matrícula
4JuevesCancelación de cursos a los estudiantes que no hayan pagado la matrícula
4JuevesÚltimo día para darse de baja parcial con reembolso del 50% de los derechos de matrícula
5ViernesÚltimo día para que los profesores entren la “AW” en el registro electrónico, si aplica
6SábadoÚltimo día para que la Gerencia registre cambios a la matrícula de los estudiantes. “Cut-off Date/Enrollment Process”
8LunesPrimera acreditación de ayuda económica para los estudiantes
9MartesSegunda acreditación de ayuda económica para los estudiantes y proceso de reembolso***
10MiércolesÚltimo día para la solicitud de graduación al final de las sesiones de verano
11–12Jueves–ViernesEnvío de cheques y depósito directo
19ViernesFeriado: “Juneteenth” Día de Independencia Nacional
25JuevesÚltimo día para darse de baja parcial o total con la anotación de “W” y para presentar cualquier reclamación relacionada con los informes de calificaciones de la sesión anterior
25JuevesÚltimo día de clases
26ViernesExámenes finales
27SábadoÚltimo día para la entrada de calificaciones al Registro Electrónico

* Cada unidad utilizará los días que estime necesarios.

** Para bajas totales aplique la Política y Procedimiento Institucional de Reembolso y Repago.

*** A partir de esta fecha habrá acreditación todos los martes y jueves, y los viernes habrá acreditación y reembolso hasta 19 de junio de 2026. La entrega de cheques a estudiantes se hará no más tarde de tres (3) días después del proceso de reembolso.

Los sábados están habilitados para clases.

Nota: La Institución se reserva el derecho de realizar cambios en ese calendario sin previo aviso, por razones administrativas o condiciones climatológicas.

Jacqueline Álvarez Peña, PhD
Vicepresidenta de Asuntos Académicos y Estudiantiles
Camille Lamboy Díaz, BBA
Vicepresidenta de Gerencia, Finanzas y Servicios Sistémicos Interina
Fecha publicación original: 2 de junio de 2025

Inter American University of Puerto Rico

Academic-Administrative Calendar
Summer 2025 – July Session (2026-04)

Period Academic & Fiscal Events
June 2 to July 3, 2025 “Disbursement Memo”
Course selection and tuition payment *
June 30, Monday Last day for partial withdrawal with 100% refund of tuition cost (excluding fees)
June 30, Monday Last day for total withdrawal with 100% refund of total tuition cost (including fees)**
July 1, Tuesday Classes begin
July 1-2, Tue-Wed Late registration period and class changes
July 2, Wednesday Course cancellation for students who have not paid tuition
July 2, Wednesday Last day for partial withdrawal with 75% refund of tuition fees
July 3, Thursday Last day for partial withdrawal with 50% refund of tuition fees
July 3, Thursday Last day for professors to enter “AW” in the electronic registry, if applicable
July 4, Friday Holiday: Independence Day of the United States of America
July 5, Saturday Last day for Management to register student enrollment changes. “Cut-off Date/Enrollment Process”
July 8, Tuesday Accreditation of financial aid for students and disbursement***
July 9-10, Wed-Thu Student check distribution and direct deposit
July 25, Friday Holiday: Constitution Day of Puerto Rico
July 28, Monday Holiday: Birthday of José Celso Barbosa
July 29, Tuesday Last day for partial or total withdrawal with “W” grade annotation and to submit any claims related to prior session grade reports
July 29, Tuesday Last day of classes
July 30, Wednesday Final exams
July 31, Thursday Last day to enter grades into the Electronic Registry

* Each unit will use the days it deems necessary.
** For total withdrawals, the Institutional Refund and Repayment Policy and Procedure applies.
*** From this date, there will be accreditation every Tuesday and Thursday, and disbursement every Friday until June 19, 2026. Student check distribution will be no later than three (3) days after the disbursement process.

Original publication date: June 2, 2025

Class Schedules

First Year Class Schedule

Fall Term 2025-26 (2026-11)

Time

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

8:00am- 8:50am

Opto OPT 1

Room: 227

Opto IOA1

Room: 227

Opto OPT1

Room: 227

Opto BMS1 Lab

Group 2

Room: 233

 

Opto PPL1 Lab

Group 2 Pre Clinic

9:00am -9:30am

Opto OPT1  Lab

Group 1

Room: 226 

9:30am – 10;00am

POE0

Room 227

10:00am –  10:30am

 

Opto IOA1 Lab  Group 2

Room: 233

Opto BMS1 Lab

Group 1

Room: 233

Opto OPT1 Lab

Group 2

Room: 226 

Opto PPL1Lab

Group 1 Pre Clinic

10:30am – 11:00am

Opto BMS1

Room: 227

Opto BMS1

Room: 227

11:00 – 12:00 am

Opto IOA1 Lab Group 1

Room: 233

 

12:00pm-1:00pm

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

1:00pm-1:50pm

Opto DCC1

Room: 227

Opto PPO1

Room 227

Opto GCP0

Room 227

Opto DCC1

Room: 227

Opto CSC1 Language  Lab A

Room: 233

2:00pm – 2:50pm

 

Opto CSC1 Lab A

Room: 233

  

Opto CSC1 Lab C

Room: 233

Opto CSC1 Language  Lab B

Room: 233

3:00pm-3:50pm

Opto CSC1 Lab B

Room: 233

  

Opto CSC1 Lab D

Room: 233

Opto CSC1 Language  Lab C

Room: 233

4:00pm-4:50pm

 

 

 

 

Opto CSC1 Language  Lab D

Room: 233

5:00 pm– 5:30pm

Opto EPH0, Room 232

  

5:30 pm – 6:00 pm

 

6:00pm – 7:00pm

 

 

Final Examination Schedule

Courses

Study Days

Date & Hours

Room

Semester Information

1. Opto BMS1-Systemic Biomedical Sciences 1

December 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 17

December 2 – 8:00 – 10:00 AM

227/228

Semester extends: August 1 – December 18, 2025

Classes begin: August 11, 2025

Midterm grades: October 1, 2025

Last day of classes: November 25, 2025

Final exams period: December 2 – 17, 2025

Last day to enter grades: December 18, 2025

2. Opto PPO1 -Primary Care Optometry 1

December 4 – 8:00 – 10:00 AM

227/228

3. Opto IOA1- Integrative Ocular Anat & Physio 1

December 8 – 8:00 – 10:00 AM

227/228

4. Opto OPT1 -Applied Optics 1

December 10 – 8:00 – 10:00 AM

227/228

5. Opto EPH0- Epidemiology and Public Health

December 12 – 8:00 – 10:00 AM

227/228

6. Opto GCP0 – General Concepts in Pharmacology

December 15 – 8:00 – 10:00 AM

227/228

7. Opto DCC1-Development and Cultural Competency 1

December 17 – 8:00 – 10:00 AM

227/228

8. Opto CSC1 – Conversational Spanish 1

December 17 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM

232

           

Rev. 07/2025

Second Year Class Schedule

Fall Term 2025-26 (2026-11)

Time

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

7:30am – 8:00am

 

 

 

 

 

8:00am – 8:50 am

Opto PPO3

Room: 232, Dr. Acevedo

Opto SCR0

Vision Screening

Opto APH2

Room 232

Opto PPO3

Room: 232

Opto APH2

Room 232

9:00am – 9:50am

Opto PPL3 Lab Section A

Pre-Clinic

Opto BVP0

Room 232

Opto PPL3 Lab Section B

Pre-Clinic

10:00am – 10:30am

 

 

10:30am – 10:50am

Opto PPL3 Lab Section B

Pre-Clinic

Opto DIS1 Room 232

Opto PPL3 Lab Section A

Pre-Clinic

Opto DIS1 Room 232

11:00am – 11:50am

12:00pm-1:00pm

 

 

 

 

 

1:00pm -1:30pm

Opto BMS3

Room: 232

Opto BVP0

Room 232

Opto BMS3

Room: 232

Opto BVP0 Lab

Section B

Room 235

 

 

Opto ICD 1

Room  232

1:30 – 2:00pm

  

2:00pm – 2:30 pm

 

Opto OPT3

Room 232

2:30pm – 3:00pm

  

3:00pm-3:30pm

  

APH2 (as needed)

Room 232

Opto BVP0 Lab

Section A

Room 235

 

3:30pm – 4:00pm

  

4:00pm-4:30pm

 

Opto OPT3 Lab

Section A

Room: 230 

Opto OPT3 Lab

Section B Room 230

4:30pm-5:00pm

 

5:00pm-5:30pm

 

  

5:30pm – 6:00pm

 

 

  

Final Examination Schedule

Courses

Study Days

Date & Hours

Room

Semester

1. Opto OPT3 – Applied Optics 3

December 3, 5, 10, 12, 17

December 2 – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

227/228

Semester extends: August 1 – December 18, 2025

Classes begin: August 11, 2025

Midterm grades: October 1, 2025

Last day of classes: November 25, 2025

Final exams period: December 2 – 17, 2025

Last day to enter grades: December 18, 2025

2. Opto BVP0 – Binoc Vis & Perception

December 4 – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

227/228

3. Opto DIS1 – Ocular Diseases 1

December 8 – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

227/228

4. Opto  PPO3 – Primary Care Opto 3

December 10 – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

227/228

5. Opto BMS3 – Syst Biomed Sciences 3

December 12 – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

227/228

6. Opto APH1 – Applied Pharmacology 1

December 15 – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

227/228

7. Opto ICD1 – Int. Case Discussions 1

December 17 – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

227/228

           

Rev. 07/2025

Third Year Class Schedule

Fall Term 2025-26 (2026-11)

Time

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

7:30 am – 8:00 am

 

 

 

Opto CLA0

Room 228

 

8:00 am- 8:20 am

Clinic

Group 1

Opto PLV0 Lab

Group 1

Room 229

Clinic

Group 2

Clinic

Group 1

8:30 am – 8:50 am

9:00 am – 9:50 am

 

10:00 am – 10:50 am

Opto PLV0 Lab

Group 2

Room 229

Opto PLV0

Room 228

11:00 am – 11:50 am

12:00 pm-1:00 pm

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

1:00 pm-1:50 pm

Clinic

Group 2

Opto NOP0

Room 228

Clinic

Group 1

Opto ICD3

Room 228

Clinic

Group 2

2:00 pm – 2:50 pm

Opto DOP0

Room 228

Opto DIS3

Room 228

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm

4:00 pm-4:20 pm

  

4:30 pm – 4:50 pm

  

5:00 pm-5:50 pm

Opto DVT2 Lab

Group 1

Room 231

Opto DVT2

Room 228

Opto DVT2 Lab

Group 2

Room 231

  

6:00 pm – 6:50 pm

  

7:00 pm-7:50 pm

  

 

  

Courses

Study Days

Date & Hours

Room

Semester Information

1. Opto PLV0 – Primary Low Vision

December 3, 5, 10, 12, 17

December 2 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM

227/228

Semester extends: August 1 – December 18, 2025

Classes begin: August 11, 2025

Midterm grades: October 1, 2025

Last day of classes: November 25, 2025

Final exams period: December 2 – 17, 2025

Last day to enter grades: December 18, 2025

2. Opto CLA0 – Advanced Contact Lenses

December 4 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM

227/228

3. Opto DIS3 – Ocular Diseases 3

December 8 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM

227/228

4. Opto NOP0 – Nutrition in Optometry

December 10 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM

227/228

5. Opto DVT2 – Dev Optometry VT 2

December 12 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM

227/228

6. Opto DOP0 – Diversity in Optometry

December 15 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM

227/228

7. Opto ICD3 – Integrative Case Discussions 3

December 17 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM

227/228

         

Rev. 07/2025

Books Lists