Doctor of Optometry Od

The Doctor of Optometry (OD) at Western University of Health Sciences combines classroom learning with hands-on patient care. Instruction includes lectures, laboratories, clinical education, and service learning. The curriculum aims to build a foundation in optometry basics while advancing knowledge of treatments and approaches through direct community-based experience.

Clinical training includes full-time clinical rotations and culminates with an externship focused on optometric scope of practice. The program also emphasizes optometric rehabilitation, including neuro-optometry for patients with visual and perceptual problems related to brain injury, stroke, physical disability, or neurological illness. This emphasis includes vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation, and care for vulnerable populations, supported by peer and faculty mentorship.

• Individual private practice
• Optometric/ophthalmologic roles
• Military & public health roles
• Academic research
• Corporate clinical research