TITLE: Relating to an optometry career program at the University of Houston.

SUMMARY: Relating to an optometry career program at the University of Houston.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to an optometry career program at the University of Houston. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 111, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 111.43 to read as follows: Sec. 111.43. OPTOMETRY CAREER PROGRAM. (a) The university may operate a summer program that prepares highly qualified, economically disadvantaged junior-level, senior-level, and postbaccalaureate students from any public or private institution of higher education for advanced studies and a career in the field of optometry. The program may include: (1) courses in improvement of study skills and Optometry Admission Test preparation courses; (2) a review of selected undergraduate academic courses that are prerequisites for admission to advanced degree programs in optometry; (3) academic courses that are designed to familiarize students with the course work in advanced degree programs in optometry; (4) clinical work; and (5) extracurricular activities, including observing professionals in the field of optometry. (b) To the extent practicable, and consistent with the purposes of the program, the university shall operate the program in a manner that assists students in obtaining course credit for the program from their respective institutions of higher education. (c) The university shall: (1) recruit eligible undergraduate or postbaccalaureate students for admission to the program; (2) establish an application process for admitting eligible undergraduate or postbaccalaureate students to the program; (3) develop reasonable requirements for admission to the program; (4) monitor the implementation of the program; and (5) assist in developing services, including career counseling, to support and encourage the pursuit of advanced studies and careers in the field of optometry. (d) The university may solicit and accept gifts and grants from any public or private source, including a corporation or other entity, to fund a program operated as provided by this section. The legislature may appropriate money for the purposes of this section. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.