Optometry schools in Florida

Have you ever thought about where eye doctors learn their skills? In Florida, a place known for its sunny weather and learning opportunities, there are schools where people who want to help others with their vision come to study. These schools are special because they are great at what they do.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the various optometry schools in Florida, and what they offers.

Florida is famous for having really good schools for things like Architecture and Law. And now, if you want to become an eye doctor, Florida has good schools for that too.

No matter if you’re still in high school and thinking about what you want to do in the future, or if you’ve already finished college and want to learn more, this guide will help you a lot. So, take a break, get comfortable, and get ready to find out all you need to know about becoming an eye doctor in Florida.

Overview of Optometry schools in Florida

1. Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry

Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry is a private university located in Fort Lauderdale, established on December 4, 1964.

The NSU College of Optometry has a four-year program where you can become a Doctor of Optometry. They have really good facilities for learning and practicing in their Eye Institute.

The faculty, staff, and students conduct vision screenings, sports vision tests, and provide optometric care to underserved populations in the region.

2. University of Florida College of Optometry

The University of Florida College of Optometry, located in Gainesville, Florida, is a public land-grant research university. As a senior member of the State University System of Florida, it has been operating on its Gainesville campus continuously since September 1906, although its origins trace back to 1853.

The University of Florida College of Optometry is one of the oldest optometry schools in the United States, offering a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree program.

This program includes clinical rotations throughout the state of Florida, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in various optometric specialties such as contact lenses, pediatrics, and low vision rehabilitation.

3. Miami Dade College School of Health Sciences

The School of Health Sciences at Miami Dade College is located in Miami, Florida, and is a public college. It was established in 1959 and currently has eight campuses and twenty-one outreach centers situated all over Miami-Dade County.

One of the programs offered by the School of Health Sciences is the Opticianry degree program. This program lasts for two years and equips graduates with the necessary skills to work as opticians.

Opticians are responsible for helping patients select and fit eyewear, such as glasses and contact lenses. Also, students in this program learn about anatomy, physiology, and ophthalmic optics.

4. Keiser University College of Chiropractic Medicine and Health Sciences

Keiser University has its main campus located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a flagship residential campus in West Palm Beach, Florida. It is a private university that was established in 1977.

The university offers a program in Optometry that provides training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various eye diseases, vision disorders, injuries, and related systemic conditions.

5. Eastern Florida State College

Eastern Florida State College, located in Brevard County, Florida, is a public college that was established in 1960. As a member of the Florida College System, it has several campuses, including Cocoa, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Titusville, as well as a Virtual Campus.

One of the programs offered by this college is an Associate in Science in Opticianry, which trains students to assist with eye exams, contact lens fittings, and eyewear selection.

6. Broward College

Broward College is a public college situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and is a part of the Florida College System. It was established in 1959 as part of an effort to expand Florida’s two-year colleges. The campus is located in a city with a total enrollment of 40,784 students.

One of the programs offered by Broward College is the Optician Program, which provides classroom instruction and practical clinical experience to prepare students for a career as dispensing opticians.

7. Florida SouthWestern State College

Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) is another public college located in Fort Myers, Florida, which was established in 1962 as Edison Junior College. Over time, it has become one of the largest colleges in Southwest Florida.

FSW offers a Vision Care Technology program that teaches students to analyze and interpret prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses, as well as design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses or frames for patients.

8. Pensacola State College

Pensacola State College (PSC) is a public college located in Pensacola, Florida, founded in 1948 as Pensacola Junior College. It has since become one of the largest colleges in the Florida Panhandle.

PSC offers an Associate in Science in Opticianry program that trains students to assist patients in selecting, fitting, and dispensing lenses, frames, and contact lenses.