Optometry schools in Florida
Optometry Schools in Florida: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re considering a career in optometry, then you’re in luck: Florida is home to some of the top optometry schools in the country. With a strong focus on both clinical and didactic education, these schools provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this exciting field.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the various optometry schools in Florida, their unique features, and what sets them apart from one another. From the state-of-the-art facilities to the renowned faculty, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about where to pursue your optometry education.
Florida is known for its exceptional education programs in Architecture and Law, and now, students pursuing a career in Optometry can also benefit from the state’s reputable schools.
Whether you’re a high school student considering your future career options or a college graduate looking to further your education, this guide is an invaluable resource. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about optometry schools 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 offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree program, which includes state-of-the-art clinical and didactic facilities in the university’s 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. Additionally, 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 hands-on 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.