Optometry Students

The class profile for the 28 students who entered the program in the Fall of 2010 includes the following characteristics:

OAT (Optometry Admissions Test)
The students admitted into the Optometry program have very competitive OAT scores (Total Science and Academic Average) and GPA in undergraduate school. 

National Board of Examiners in Optometry
Students at NSUOCO consistently perform exceptionally well on all three parts of the NBEO.  There have been no identified areas of concern or weakness in the curriculum leading to the O.D. degree, but the performance of our students is analyzed each year and, along with feedback from the students, is used by the faculty to modify the curriculum as needed. The NBEO scheduling provides students opportunities to retake Parts I and II prior to graduation. Oklahoma, like most states, requires passage of all three parts of the National Boards before taking the State Board of Examination in Optometry.

Attrition Rate
The attrition rate at NSUOCO continues to be the lowest of any of the 20 colleges of optometry. Attrition rates are indicated for the last five years.

FY 2009-10                        0.0%

FY 2008-09                        0.0%

FY 2007-08                        0.0%

FY 2006-07                        0.0%

FY 2005-06                        1.0%

Student awards: Each year the students organize the Eyeball, which is an awards ceremony, dinner, and dance. All optometry-related awards are presented at this event. In addition, students who have received university Honor Society and Achievement Awards are recognized. The Honor Society Award can only be achieved by second, third, and fourth year students who attain a designated GPA and are actively involved in extracurricular activities. Each year between 60 and 75% of our OS II, III, and IV students receive the award. Other significant awards for academic performance include the BSK awards and the Academic Achievement Award in Optometry. Clinical achievements are recognized by several awards and are based on top performance as determined by the faculty in a given specialty or clinic. Clinical Excellence Awards are only given to 25% of the fourth year students, and the Golden Retinoscope award is given to the outstanding fourth year student as selected by the faculty for overall clinical performance.

a. Quality of program

The Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry is a key element in the fact that the state of Oklahoma has the most progressive optometry laws in the nation. This broad scope of practice enables optometric physicians in Oklahoma to provide our patients with the highest level of care available in the United States. The strong relationship among the College, the OAOP, and the state legislature has made this possible, but it remains an ongoing battle which we must face each year when the American Medical Association, and particularly ophthalmology, seeks to limit our scope of practice.