For over a decade, the Center for International Studies (CIS) at the
Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) has been edicated to broadening
the College’s educational mission by responding to the needs and interests
of international students and practitioners through outstanding special
educational programs and initiatives. The CIS is currently active in 14
countries, with over 4,000 practicing optometrists receiving education
through its programs to date.
The Pennsylvania College of Optometry is the only academic institution in the United States to offers the Master of Science in Clinical Optometry degree, a specialized program with scholarly, didactic and clinical components presented at the College's Elkins Park Campus and in participating countries. The College also provides tailored clinical studies, residencies and fellowships in specialized areas of care.
CIS will soon extend it's leadership role by beginning to offer a variety of on-line degree and non-degree courses that will bring new knowledge and skills to practitioners around the world wishing to improve their abilities.
PCO's leadership has also been enhanced by being the administrative home for the World Council of Optometry (WCO). The WCO is an international forum of optometric leaders with 84 member organizations, representing 54 countries. Its mission is to improve vision and eye care around the world, especially in developing countries.
Programs for International Students & Practitioner
Bachelor of Science in Optometry (B.Sc.)
Bridge Program
This program is designed for graduates of schools of optometry, and it emphasizes biomedical sciences and clinical applications in a customized curriculum that builds upon the students' previous academic studies. Each program features a series of lectures and clinical training that is held outside of the United States in a host country.
Eligible candidates for this program are practitioners who have completed a formal optometric education and are licensed to practice optometry.
Master of Science in Clinical Optometry (M.Sc.)
The program provides optometrists with education and clinical experience in the diagnosis and management of ocular conditions. It features three principal components: lectures, clinical training and scholarly research. Faculty integrates basic and visual sciences in a compelling, case-based format with clinical applications. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic procedures used in primary care.
Students participate in clinical labs and patient care under the direction of a team of clinical faculty. They perform ocular health examinations to diagnose patients with known clinical pathology. Evaluations techniques, differential diagnoses, assessment and management plans for each patient are discussed.
the scholarly work allows students to collaborate on a clinical research topic of mutual interes. Advisors with expertise in the chosen areas provide mentoring and critical assessment to their respective groups. Students will present their scholarly work in a venue determined by the College.
Eligible candidates for this program are practitioners who have a B.SC. degree in optometry or its equivalent (example: FH in the German-speaking countries) and are licensed to practice optometry in their country.
Bachelor of Science in Optometry/Master of Science in Clinical Optometry (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
This dual-degree program combines the credit hours and topics of the individual degree programs described above. Students must complete all coursework in order to earn the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees.
Eligible candidates for this program are practitioners who have completed a formal optometric education and are licensed to practice optometry in their country.
Doctor of Philosophy in Vision Science (Ph.D.)
PCO has established a joint Ph.D. program in cooperation with Cardiff University School of Optometry and Vision Sciences in Wales, United Kingdom. This program emphasizes clinical research and provide advanced specialized high quality education for graduates from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
The duration of the program is three years if attending full-time, but a five-year, part-time program is also offered. Candidates may elect to conduct research in their home countries.
Candidates eligible for this program are graduates who have earned PCO's Master of Science in Clinical Optometry or Doctor of Optometry degrees.
Doctor of Optometry Degree Program (O.D.) - Advanced Placement for International Optometrists
PCO offers a completion program towards the O.D. degree on campus in the U.S. Licensed optometrists from around the world may apply for advanced standing; applications will be reviewed and assessed on an individual basis.
Continuing and Postgraduate Education Programs for International Practitioner
The Center has earned a reputation for organizing and presenting continuing and postgraduate clinical education courses for optometric practitioners in countries as close as Canada and as far away as Australia and Singapore. These programs conducted around the world range from short courses to extended, competency-based, transcript quality programs.