History

The Inter American University of Puerto Rico is a private institution with a Christian heritage and an ecumenical tradition. The Reverend John William Harris founded it in 1912 as the Polytechnic Institute of Puerto Rico. In 1944, the institution was accredited by The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and has been maintained since then.

Inter American University is the largest private institution in the Puerto Rico States enrolling about a third of all the Island’s college students. It has eleven autonomous academic units.

The School of Optometry was founded in 1981. In 1992, the School became a separate autonomous academic unit within the University. The Council on Optometric Education (COE) of The American Optometric Association accredits the School. The Council on Optometric Education has the following address and phone number:

243 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 991-4100

The bilingual nature of the School of Optometry places this optometry program in a unique educational position. Examinations, texts, and patient records are in English. Most of the lectures are also in English language. Spanish language skills are necessary for Clinical service in the 3rd and 4th year program. Its student body represents more than 25 states and countries of the world creating an international, multiethnic environment. Students are able to practice in hospitals and external clinical rotations throughout the world.

We invite students to share with us their own unique experiences.