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Charles F. Mullen

Challenges and Opportunities in Optometry and Optometric Education

The Paradoxical Evolution of Optometry

For the past several decades there has been a significant increase in Commercial/Retail Optometry. Some lament Optometry’s returning to its mercantile roots.

Paradoxically, during the same period, there has been extensive expansion of the scope of practice. This has strengthened optometry’s position as a medical eye care provider, and as a valued healthcare profession.

The implications to optometric education of the paradoxical evolution of the profession of optometry are profound:

  1. Is the current 8 years of education unnecessarily long for Retail Practice? See: Optometric Education in Crisis, Slide 15, Enhance Appeal for Careers in Commercial, Office Practice and Medical Eye Care.
  2. Does the current curriculum adequately prepare graduates for expanded scope practice? See: Three Critical Elements for Expanded Scope of Optometric Practice.
  3. There has not been an increase in the optometry student applicant pool in a decade. See: An Analysis of the Optometric Applicant Pool Relative to Matriculants.

The above fundamental issues present a significant challenge to the optometric educational enterprise.

June 26, 2022 by Charles F. Mullen

Signature Papers

  • Optometry Specialty Certification Boards Provide a Uniform Indicator of Advanced Knowledge and Skills
  • A New Paradigm for Optometry
  • Optometric Education in Crisis
  • Opportunities Lost – Opportunities Regained
  • Mergers and Consolidations of Optometry Colleges and Schools
  • Transformation of Optometry – Blueprint for the Future
  • Required Postgraduate Clinical Training for Optometry License
  • Why Optometry Needs the American Board of Optometry Specialties (ABOS)
  • The Future of Optometric Education – Opportunities and Challenges
  • A Strategic Framework for Optometry and Optometric Education
  • Changes Necessary to Include Optometry in the Graduate Medical Education Program (GME)
  • Unresolved Matters of Importance to Optometric Education
  • Illinois College of Optometry Commencement Address (Video & Transcript)
  • Charles F. Mullen’s Speech at the Kennedy Library: Development of NECO’s Community Based Education Program
  • Illinois College of Optometry Presidential Farewell Address (Video & Transcript)
  • Commitment to Excellence: ICO’s Strategic Plan
  • Illinois College of Optometry and University of Chicago Affiliation Agreement
  • An Affiliated Educational System for Optometry with the Department of Veterans Affairs

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