It takes four academic years to complete the Doctor of Optometry program. During the first year, students are exposed to the basic sciences and research techniques. Included are courses in geometrical and physical optics, biomedical sciences, visual sciences and clinical techniques. The second year emphasizes clinical techniques and advanced studies in visual science.
Students begin working with patients in the campus clinic in the second quarter of the second year.
The final year is primarily spent serving patients in the various clinics of the Outreach Clinical Program. In addition, part of the senior year is devoted to work in diseases of the eye, public and community health optometry, patient management and practice administration, optometric jurisprudence, applied research, gerontology and optometric geriatrics. Upon graduation, students receive the Doctor of Optometry degree. The degree Doctor of Optometry will be conferred on students who are officially admitted to, and who satisfactorily complete, the four-year professional curriculum in optometry. Satisfactory completion of the SCCO program will academically qualify the graduate to take state licensing examinations in each of the 50 states.