Modern Optometry is a thorough 3-year undergraduate program for those wishing to pursue either an optometrist/odontist career or a clinical neurophysiologist career. Students will gain extensive clinical experience performing on case-specific, day-to-day, and broad levels in both secondary and primary care settings. Throughout the course of the program, students are provided training in basic science, diagnostic, therapeutic, and basic mathematics. Students also engage in research projects, internships, and participate in the clinical skills preparation coursework. Upon graduation, students can pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Neurophysiology. This is followed by the completion of the MSN (Optical Methods Network) or a National Board Certified Optometrist (NBOC).
The Bachelor of Science in Optometry offers study in the areas of vision science, medical information technology, and physiological optics. The core courses for this bachelor’s degree are Visual Culture, Visual Research, Physics, Medical Image Manipulation, Optometry, and Clinical Electroacupuncture and Visualization. Students can choose from a variety of electives to complete their course requirements. A good portion of the electives include lectures on statistics, radiology, diagnostic and clinical physics, pharmacology, and obstetrics/gynecological practices. The majority of courses require students to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to real situations. For instance, students will learn how to measure refractive error, corneal penetration, and patient preparation.
Optometry degree program
The second year in a Bachelor of Science in Optometry degree program provides additional clinical training in vision care. Students take up classes such as Introduction to Diagnostic Microscopy, Vision Therapy for Irregularities, Principles of Medical Diagnosis, and Clinical Electroacupuncture and Visualization. Students also will complete elective courses such as Visual Culture, Objective Marking, Fluorescent Tissue Scanners, and Patient Education. After completing these requirements students will be awarded their Associates degree, providing a foundation in the science of vision care that is necessary for licensing in the United States.
At the Indiana University of Dr. Bittel Optometry located in Indianapolis, Indiana, one can receive a Professional Practice License (PPL). This license allows an individual to provide primary services in optometry to patients throughout the state of Indiana and to participate in Professional Associations in various locations throughout Indiana. A professional must be active in a valid Professional Associations in Indiana to be able to practice medicine in this state. In order to be licensed as an optometrician, one must have passed the examination administered by the American Board of Medical Specialties, which is accredited by the American Ophthalmic Association. This provides proof that a person has received specialized training and experience in the field of vision care.
medicine and optometry
Within Indiana University, one can obtain a Bachelor of Science in General Optometry or an Associate of Science in Clinical Refraction and Astigmatism. Both degree programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge necessary to perform optometric procedures in medicine and optometry. Students who successfully complete both programs will be issued their Associate of Science in General Optometry and will be required to take the examination required for licensing by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Within the school’s department of optical sciences, students can pursue an Honors program in Vision Science to improve on existing skills and enhance career opportunities in this rapidly changing field. Students can choose to pursue specialization in either Optometry or Ophthalmology, depending upon their interests and professional goals. Students pursuing an optometric practice in Indianapolis should ensure that they have completed all the requirements necessary to become a licensed professional with the American Board of Optometrists (ABO) before applying. Those who have earned graduate degrees in other fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, or chemistry will be required to take additional college credits to fulfill their optometric practice requirements.
Students can participate in the “Earn an Internship” program which allows them to work at various facilities in Indianapolis while earning their clinical assistant degree. The “Rocket Optician” program offers internship opportunities in various health care facilities in the northern area of Indiana. Students can also participate in the “College Optometry Summer Program” at the northern Illinois college. This program is intended for those students who are interested in getting into optometry but are not yet licensed. The program provides practical experience in the field of vision care and utilizes cutting edge technology in the process.
Modern optometry in Indianapolis is gaining popularity due to the variety of educational options and programs offered. Various colleges within the state have joined together to offer comprehensive optometric practice instruction. Indiana University is one of the largest schools in Indiana and offers students a unique education in one of the premiere academic centers in the United States. Students opting for optometry within Indiana University should ensure that they opt for an optometric residency program that would help them gain vital experience in the field of vision care.
