61Situated in Pomona, California, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry provides a graduate-level Doctor of Optometry program that prepares healthcare professionals with a strong focus on optometric rehabilitation, including neuro-optometry. Since its inception in 2008, the College has emphasized educating students to care for patients with complex visual and neurological conditions, equipping graduates to work across various clinical settings.
The College’s mission highlights its dedication to producing compassionate healthcare professionals capable of meeting the needs of a diverse, global population. It places significant importance on advancing optometric education, research, and clinical practice, especially in areas involving the rehabilitation of the visual system and collaboration among healthcare disciplines. This comprehensive mission guides the College’s curriculum and culture, fostering innovation in education and patient care.
WesternU’s College of Optometry faculty members are vital to success. They are committed to teaching, developing novel approaches to education, and engaging in interdisciplinary research. This environment encourages inquiry and continuous learning, ensuring students benefit from up-to-date knowledge and practical skills experienced mentors deliver. Faculty support extends to fostering student growth and promoting collaborative efforts that advance the optometry field.
Students in the College come from various backgrounds and geographic locations, enhancing the learning community’s diversity. In 2024, more than one-quarter of the students were from states outside California, and a small percentage came from other countries. Over the past five years, students have arrived from thirty states, reflecting the College’s reputation for providing quality optometric education. The admissions process evaluates candidates on academic achievement and the breadth of their experiences, creating a well-rounded student body.
One of the defining features of the College’s program is its focus on optometric rehabilitation. This specialization addresses vision issues related to neurological conditions, brain injuries, strokes, and physical disabilities. The program includes training in vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation, and care for individuals with developmental challenges. These services are essential to the clinical experience, where students apply their knowledge to help patients improve their visual function and quality of life.
Students gain valuable hands-on experience at the WesternU Health Eye Care Institute, the College’s dedicated clinical training facility. Under the guidance of faculty optometrists, students examine and treat patients of all ages with various vision problems. The clinical work includes routine eye exams and advanced care such as neuro-optometric rehabilitation and diabetic eye disease management. This practical training prepares students to handle various optometric issues confidently.
Students complete a comprehensive externship program during their final year, rotating through diverse clinical environments. These include private optometry offices, ophthalmology clinics, Veterans Administration hospitals, Indian Health Service centers, military medical facilities, and specialized university clinics. This wide range of placements exposes students to various patient populations and eye care challenges, enhancing their clinical judgment and communication skills. Students also complete a remote Practice Management course, which introduces essential business and administrative knowledge needed for running an optometric practice.
The College’s values emphasize professionalism, community engagement, integrity, and respect. These principles are integrated into every aspect of education and practice, ensuring graduates uphold a strong ethical foundation. The institution also focuses on building bridges between advanced optometric care and underserved populations and between students, faculty, health policymakers, and the broader public.
Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to eye care and improve vision health in communities nationwide through its dedicated faculty, diverse student body, innovative curriculum, and extensive clinical training.