Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry

The Nova Southeastern University- College of Optometry (NSUCO) is part of the Health Professions Division of Nova Southeastern University. David Loshin O.D., PH.D., F.A.A.O. has served as dean since January 1997. NSUCO matriculated its first class in 1989. The first graduating class was in 1993. The College of Optometry was the third professional degree program created and launched by Southeastern University of the Health Sciences. After optometry, Southeastern went on to establish a college of allied health. In 1994, Southeastern University and Nova University entered into a merger agreement. As the compact between Nova and Southeastern developed, the two joined together to become the Nova Southeastern University Health Professions Division (NSU HPD).

The four year Doctor of Optometry program at NSU includes two years of basic sciences, optics, anatomy, pathology, physiology and pharmacology followed by clinical training in pediatrics, primary care, ocular disease, contact lenses, and rehabilitative (low vision) optometry. This is the only Doctor of Optometry program within the state of Florida. Programs include a mini-MBA elective for optometry students, a five-year extended curriculum option and a one-year preparatory program. Post-graduation opportunities exist in a Masters in Clinical Vision Research (MSCVR) and multiple clinical residencies. The five clinic locations operated by NSUCO provide opportunities for optometry students to care for a diverse South Florida patient population. Students participate in community outreach events and mission trips that have real social impact by providing vision care to under-serviced individuals.

NSUCO offers exchange programs with Tianjin Medical University and Fudan University in China that allow our students to do three-month externships, as well as the Visiting Scholar program, which is a component of the educational/informational exchange with China in which Chinese scholars spend a year at NSUCO. Also offered, is the Preparatory Optometry Program (POP) for students who have the potential to be successful in the traditional program once they have shored up their basic science education.

The Visionary is NSUCO's bi-annual publication. The magazine highlights current research, college news, student and alumni updates, and issues impacting the practice of optometry.

Nova Southeastern University Eye Care Institute

The multidisciplinary clinical centers in Davie, Florida, North Miami Beach, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, and Kids in Distress located in Wilton Manors, Florida, provide affordable eye and vision care to the community. Primary care, contact lens services, low vision rehabilitation, binocular vision therapy, and pediatric and geriatric care are available at the clinical centers. Twenty-four-hour emergency care is also available at some centers.

Kids in Distress

NSUCO joined with Kids in Distress (KID) to provide optometric services to under-served families in 2010. KID is a nationally accredited, community-supported agency based in South Florida that helps children and families in crisis with emergency shelters and counseling.The optometry service began examining patients in November 2010. The building renovations for optometry were covered by donations secured by KID. The Florida Optometric Association (FOA) Charities funded a grant proposal submitted by the NSU College of Optometry to help offset the start-up expenses. This grant funded the purchase of lensometers and the optometric lanes of equipment in the examination rooms. Over 5,000 children who lack adequate means or access to health care receive vision exams at The Eye Care Institute at KID annually. This under-served population includes many of the KID foster children that have never had a vision examination. Third- and fourth-year NSU optometry students, under the supervision of NSU faculty members and the chief of service examine these patients. Approximately 175 optometry students and 8 optometry residents rotate through this facility each year.

Continuing Education Programs

NSU College of Optometry offers Continuing Education (CE) programs to provide Optometrists the ability to complete CE courses online or in person. The Optometric Practice Enhancement Program (OPEP) includes both online and onsite components that assist optometrists in developing, managing, and enhancing their optometric practices.