Summary

Year of study Credits Lecture hours Lab / Demo hours Screening hours Clinic hours
First Year 43(45) 510 255(315) 30 0
Second Year 41.1 435 270 30 150
Third Year 39.16 360-390 120-180 0 390
Fourth Year 25 0 0 0 1600
Program Totals 150.26 1305 645-765 60 2140
Total Program Hours 4150-4270

Sequential

Team Opto Course Credits
1st Year: Fall SBS1 Systemic Biomedical Sciences 1 4
APP1 Applied Pharmacology 1 3
APO1 Applied Optics 1 4
PCO1 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry I 2
CCO1 Cultural Competency in Optometry I 2
CCL1 Cultural Competency Language Lab I (Optional) (1)
HDA0 Human Development and Aging 2
OAP1 Integrative Ocular Anatomy and Physiology I 2.5
1st Year: Spring SBS2 Systemic Biomedical Sciences 2 4
APO2 Applied Optics 2 4
PCO2 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 2 2
VS01 Vision Screenings 0.5
CCO2 Cultural Competency in Optometry 2 2
CCL2 Cultural Competency Language Lab 2 (Optional) (1)
OAP2 Integrative Ocular Anatomy and Physiology 2 3
APP2 Applied Pharmacology 2 3
OCD1 Integrative Optometric Case Discussions 1 1
1st Year: Summer LFC0 Perception of Light, Form and Color 4
Team Opto Course Credits
2nd Year: Fall SBS3 Systemic Biomedical Sciences 3 4
APO3 Applied Optics 3 4
PCO3 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 3 5
VSC1 Vision Screenings and Clerkship 1
MBV0 Ocular Motility and Binocular Vision 4
ODS1 Ocular Disease 1 4
OCD2 Integrative Optometric Case Discussions 2 0.5
2nd Year: Spring PCO4 Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 4 5
CLK1 Clinical Clerkship 1
CSA0 Comprehensive Clinic Skills Assessment 0.1
PCL0 Primary Care Contact Lenses 3
ODS2 Ocular Diseases 2 4
DVT1 Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy 1 3
EPH0 Epidemiology and Public Health 2
OCD3 Integrative Optometric Case Discussions 3 0.5
Team Opto Course Credits
3rd Year: Summer PC01 Patient Care 1 0.66
OVR0 Vision Research 2
3rd Year: Fall ODS3 Ocular Diseases 3 4
DVT2 Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy 2 3
PLV0 Primary Care Low Vision 3
GRO0 Geriatric Optometry 1.5
PDO0 Pediatric Optometry 1.5
EBO0 Clinical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Optometry 1
POE0 Profession of Optometry and Ethics 1
PCO2 Patient Care 2 4
PBM0 Publishable Manuscript Submission 0.5
3rd Year: Spring ACL0 Advanced Contact Lenses 2
AVT0 Advanced Vision Therapy 2
ALV0 Advanced Low Vision 2
NOR0 Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation 2
AOD0 Advanced Ocular Diseases 2
AEP0 Advanced Electrophysiology 2
SSV0 Sports Vision 2
PMT0 Practice Management 2
RVS0 Review Seminar 1
PCO3 Patient Care 3 4
Team Opto Course Credits
4th Year Clinic Program PC40 Patient Care, Bayamón Clinic 2.5
PC41 In- House Satelite Clinics, Rio Piedras Clinic 2.5
PC42 In- House Satelite Clinics, Caguas Clinic 2.5
PC43 In- House Satelite Clinics, Santurce Clinic 2.5
PC44 In- House Satelite Clinics, Hato Rey Clinic 2.5
PC45 In- House Satelite Clinics, Juana Diaz Clinic 2.5
LE01 Local Externships Sites, Site 1 2.5
LE02 Local Externships Sites, Site 2 2.5
LE03 Local Externships Sites, Site 3 5
LE04 Local Externships Sites, Site 4 5
EA01 Externships Sites Abroad, Externship Site 1 2.5
EA02 Externships Sites Abroad, Externship Site 2 2.5
EA03 Externships Sites Abroad, Externship Site 3 5
EA04 Externships Sites Abroad, Externship Site 4 5
Total 150.25

Integrative teaching is emphasized in both the Academic Department (didactic teaching) and Patient Care Department (clinical instruction) in the new curriculum. The concept is to provide students with a clinical perspective in basic science concepts, thereby developing conceptually based clinical reasoning skills applicable to entry-level practice.

The Academic Department is no longer differentiated into a Basic Science Department and a Clinical Science Department. Hence, courses under this curricular structure are not to be defined as purely basic science courses or clinical science courses. They are assembled and taught in one of the following three manners:

• as conceptually-inclined courses with clinical relevance
• as clinically-inclined courses with conceptual significance
• as a parallel–corresponding courses with equivalent conceptual and clinical relevance

Common denominators among courses in these categories are intended to facilitate the students’ ability to develop clinical reasoning with a conceptual background. Based on this model, emphasis on concept and application varies depending on the course modality.

Presentation of material will be cohesive and synchronized by either integrating or correlating basic and clinical concepts. Conceptually inclined courses and clinically inclined courses require an integrative presentation, whereas parallel-corresponding courses are presented correlatively. Integrative
presentations of conceptually inclined courses involve discussion of clinical associations that are pertinent to the predominant basic science topic taught. In the same manner, clinically inclined courses are taught providing basic science concepts related to the clinical topic
discussed to provide background comprehension.

Parallel-corresponding courses consist of proportioned presentations of health concepts related to primary ocular diseases and ocular diseases secondary to systemic conditions, with their respective clinical applications utilizing a complementary approach. Elective courses also form part of the new curriculum. The purpose of these courses is for the optometric student to further enhance their knowledge in specific areas within optometry
in order to encourage the students to apply for optometric residency programs. All these electives are to be offered in the spring term of the third year and all will be evaluated on a pass/no pass basis. The optometric third-year student must enroll in five elective courses.

Conceptually-Inclined Course with Clinical Relevance Opto SBS1-3: Systemic Biomedical Science 1-3
Opto APP1-2: Applied Pharmacology 1-2
Opto APO1-3: Applied Optics 1-3
CCO1-2: Cultural Competency in Optometry 1-2
CCL1-2: Cultural Competency Language Lab. 1-2
Opto HDA0: Human Development and Aging
Opto OAP1-2: Integrative Ocular Anatomy and Physiology 1-2
Opto LFC0: Perception of Light, Form, and Color
Opto MBV0: Ocular Motility and Binocular Vision
Opto EPH0: Epidemiology and Public Health
Opto RVS0: Review Seminar
Clinically-Inclined Courses with Conceptual Significance Opto PCO1-4: Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 1-4
Opto OCD1-3: Integrative Optometric Case Discussions 1-3
Opto PCL0: Primary Care Contact Lenses
Opto DVT1-2: Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy 1-2
Opto OVR0: Vision Research
Opto PLV0: Primary Care Low Vision
Opto GRO0: Geriatric Optometry
Opto PDO0: Pediatric Optometry
Opto EBO0: Clinical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Optometry
Opto POE0: Profession of Optometry and Ethics
Opto PMT0: Practice Management
Efective Courses Opto AVT0: Advanced Vision Therapy
Opto ALV0: Advanced Low Vision
Opto NOR0: Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation
Opto AEP0: Advanced Electrophysiology
Opto SSV0: Sports Vision
Opto ACL0: Advanced Contact Lenses
Opto AOD0: Advance Ocular Diseases
Parallel-Corresponding Courses with Equivalent Conceptual and Clinical Relevance Opto ODS1-3: Ocular Diseases 1-3
Opto AOD0: Advanced Ocular Diseases (elective course)

The Patient Care Department also has changed in the new curricular structure. Students will enroll in Vision Screenings commencing the spring term of the first year. In addition, clinical clerkships have been added to the second year program. Clinical clerkships consist of student observations in third and fourth-year interns clinical rotations to observe intern/patient, doctor/patient, and intern/doctor interactions. As students become more proficient in primary eye care procedure, they will be allowed to have limited participation in the examination.

The fourth-year clinical program consists of a total of 25 credits, to be completed before the graduation date. It will be required of all fourth-year clinic interns to provide primary eye care at the School main clinic and the in-house satellite clinics, as well as providing care in the School’s secondary care clinics. In addition, they must complete part of their clinical education at IAUSO approved external clinic sites. These sites encompass all types of clinic practice scenarios; hospitals, private single and group optometric offices, ophthalmology offices, and optometric practices that provide secondary, specialized optometric service such as vision therapy, low vision, and specialty contact lenses.

In order for any student to be able to register in the third year clinic program, all first and second year coursework must be successfully completed before registration. In order for any student to be able to register in the fourth year clinic program all first, second and third year coursework, including all clinics, must be successfully completed before registration.

1st year Opto VS01: Vision Screenings
Opto OCD1: Integrative Optometric Case Discussions 1
2nd year Opto VSC1: Vision Screening and Clerkships
Opto OCD2: Integrative Optometric Case Discussions 2
Opto PCL0: Primary Care Contact Lenses
Opto CLK1: Clinical Clerkships
Opto OCD3: Integrative Optometric Case Discussions 3
3rd year Opto PC01-PC03: Patient Care 1-3
4th year Opto PC40: Bayamon Main Clinic
Opto PC41-45: In-House Satellite Clinics (5)
Opto LE01-04: Local Externship Sites
Opto EA01-04: Externship Sites Abroad

The Primary Eyecare Residency Program emphasizes:

  • Advanced post-doctorate training to develop proficiency in primary eye care optometry
  • Enhanced experiences within multi-disciplinary clinical settings
  • Training in pre-and post-ophthalmic operative care

This one-year residency program will also provide the resident with experience in teaching and research. The Primary Eyecare Residency is sponsored by the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry.

Apply Now!

  1. Complete application before December 31 of the previous year through the ORMatch. (https://natmatch.com/ormatch/)
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • NBEO Part I, II and III completed
    • Eligible to be licensed as an optometrist in the United States
    • Three recommendation letters: 1 Director and 2 Full-time professors.
    • Essay of interest in the program
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Be available for interview
    • Basic conversational Spanish language skills

Academic-Administrative Calendar

Summer 2019
July Term (2020-04)
June 3 - July 11, 2019 "Disbursement Memo"
June
3 - 28 Monday - Friday Course selection and payment of tuition*
28 Friday Last day for partial withdraw with 100% of reimbursement of tuition costs (not including fees)
28 Friday Last day for total withdraw with 100% of reimbursement of tuition costs (including fees)**
July
1 Monday First day of classes
2 Tuesday Last day for partial withdraw with 75% of reimbursement of tuition costs
4 Thursday Holiday: Independence Day
5 Friday Late registration and class changes
5 Friday Cancellation of courses to students who have not paid the registration
5 Friday Last day for partial withdraw with 50% of reimbursement of tuition costs
11 Thursday Last day for faculty to enter “AW” in the Electronic Record, if applicable
12 Friday Last day for Administration to enter changes in the student’s registration report. “Cut-off Date/Enrollment Process”
16 Tuesday Initial accreditation and reimbursement***
17-18 Wednesday - Thursday Check delivery to students and Direct Deposit
25 Thursday Holiday: Puerto Rico Constitution Day
26 Friday Last day for partial and total withdrawal with a “W” and to present any reclamation related to the grade reports of the previous session
26 Friday Last day of classes
29 Monday Final exams
30 Tuesday  Last day to register grades in the Electronic Record

 

* Each unit will use the days they deem necessary.

** For total withdraws use the Institutional Policy and Procedures for Reimbursements and Repayments.

*** From this day forward there will be accreditation every Tuesday and Thursday, and on Fridays, there will be accreditation and reimbursement until June 25, 2019. The student checks will be sent no later than three (3) days after the reimbursement process.

Academic-Administrative Calendar for First Semester of the Academic Year 2019-2020
FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD YEAR STUDENTS
(2020-11, Part of Term 0)

August 1 - 12, 2019 "Disbursement Memo"
August 2019
1 - 2 Thursday - Friday Registration for 2nd-year and 3rd-year students
2 Friday Last day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees not includes)
2 Friday Last day for withdrawal from all courses with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees includes)
5 Monday First day of classes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year students
5 Monday Last day to pay tuition and fee
6-9 Tuesday - Friday Late registration and class changes
7 Wednesday Last day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 75% of tuition cost
9 Friday Cancellation of courses to students who have not paid the registration
9 Friday Last day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 50% of tuition cost
12 Monday Last day for faculty to enter the "AW" to the "InterWeb Rollbook"
13 Tuesday Last day for Administration to make registration changes "Cut-off Date/Enrollment Process"
15 Thursday Initial Accreditation of aid to students
16 Friday Second Accreditation of aid to students and Refund Process*
20-21 Tuesday - Wednesday Check delivery to students and Direct Deposit
September 2019
2 Monday Holiday: Labor Day
October 2019
14 Monday Holiday: Columbus' Day
15 Tuesday Last day for students to apply for the removal of incomplete grades.
November 2019
1 Friday Last day for partial withdrawal with "W"
11 Monday Holiday: Veterans Day
19 Tuesday Holiday: Discovery of Puerto Rico
25 - 30 Monday - Saturday Academic recess: Thanksgiving
December 2019
2 Monday Last day for complete withdrawal with "W" 
2 Monday Last Day of Classes
3 Tuesday Study day final examinations
4 Wednesday Final examination period begins
13 Friday Final examination period ends
17 Tuesday Last day to enter grades to the "InterWeb Rollbook"
December 21, 2019 to January 6, 2020 - Christmas Recess

 

* After this date~ there will be accreditation every Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday there will be an accreditation and Refund Process until June 25, 2020. Check delivery will be made not later than three (3) days after refund.

Note: Weekly class schedule will include Saturdays and Holidays

Academic-Administrative Calendar for First Semester
Academic Year 2019-2020
FOURTH YEAR STUDENTS
(2020-11, Part of Term 1)

Holiday: Veteran's Day
May 30 until June 14, 2019 "Disbursement Memo"
May 2019
31 Friday Book Advance to eligible student*
June 2019
2 Sunday Last day for students to decline the Advances
6 - 7 Thursday - Friday Registration of fourth-year students
7 Friday Last day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees not included)
7 Friday Last day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees included)
10 Monday Late registration
10 Monday First day of the Fourth Year Clinic Program for the completion of weeks 1 - 20
12 Wednesday Last day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 75% of tuition cost
12 Wednesday Cancellation of clinic rotations to students who have not paid the registration
14 Friday Last day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 50% of tuition cost 
14 Friday Last day for faculty to enter the AW to the "InterWeb Rollbook"
15 Saturday Last day for the Administration to make registration changes. Cut-off Date/ENRL Process
July 2019
2 Tuesday Initial accreditation of financial aid to students
4 Thursday Holiday: Independence Day
5 Friday Second accreditation of aid to students and refund**
9-10 Tuesday - Wednesday Payment check delivery to students and direct deposit
August 2019
1 -5 Thursday - Monday NBEO ABS study days: only for those taking NBEO ABS who present evidence to the fact
6 Tuesday NBEO ABS only for those taking NBEO ABS who present evidence to the fact
September 2019
2 Monday Holiday: Labor Day
October 2019
14 Monday Holiday: Columbus Day
15 Tuesday Last day for students to apply for removal of incomplete grades
November 2019
11 Monday 
14 Thursday Last day to complete weeks 1 - 20 of Fourth Year clinic rotations

 

* Advances checks delivery to eligible students during the first week of classes
** After this date, there will be accreditation every Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday there will be an accreditation and Refund Process until June 25, 2020. Check delivery will be made not later than three (3) days after refund.

** To be excused from the School duties (clinic the student must present evidence of NBEO exam to the Director of Patient Care and Module Chief at least 1 month before the board exam. Once the student finishes the board examination, he/she must report back to the scheduled duties the day after the last board exam was taken.