Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry

Nova Southeastern University College Of Optometry

The Nova Southeastern University- College of Optometry (NSUCO) is part of the Health Professions Division of Nova Southeastern University. David Loshin O.D., PH.D., F.A.A.O. has served as dean since January 1997. NSUCO matriculated its first class in 1989. The first graduating class was in 1993. The College of Optometry was the third professional degree program created and launched by Southeastern University of the Health Sciences. After optometry, Southeastern went on to establish a college of allied health. In 1994, Southeastern University and Nova University entered into a merger agreement. As the compact between Nova and Southeastern developed, the two joined together to become the Nova Southeastern University Health Professions Division (NSU HPD).

The four year Doctor of Optometry program at NSU includes two years of basic sciences, optics, anatomy, pathology, physiology and pharmacology followed by clinical training in pediatrics, primary care, ocular disease, contact lenses, and rehabilitative (low vision) optometry. This is the only Doctor of Optometry program within the state of Florida. Programs include a mini-MBA elective for optometry students, a five year extended curriculum option and a one year preparatory program. Post-graduation opportunities exist in a Masters in Clinical Vision Research (MSCVR) and multiple clinical residencies. The five clinic locations operated by NSUCO provide opportunities for optometry students to care for a diverse South Florida patient population. Students participate in community outreach events and mission trips that have real social impact by providing vision care to under-serviced individuals.

NSUCO offers exchange programs with Tianjin Medical University and Fudan University in China that allow our students to do three-month externships, as well as the Visiting Scholar program, which is a component of the educational/informational exchange with China in which Chinese scholars spend a year at NSUCO. Also offered, is the Preparatory Optometry Program (POP) for students who have the potential to be successful in the traditional program once they have shored up their basic science education.

The Visionary is NSUCO's bi-annual publication. The magazine highlights current research, college news, student and alumni updates, and issues impacting the practice of optometry.