History
Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research, and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and PhD degrees in vision science.
Education
The SUNY College of Optometry is committed to educating outstanding optometrists who bring the best evidence based care to patients and vision scientists working on basic, translational and clinical research who develop new and impactful findings. We’re working hard to develop the next generation of health care and scientific leaders by providing the most progressive and adaptive education available.
Research
Research at the college is organized under the Graduate Center for Vision Research (GCVR). The GCVR oversees all programs supporting basic, translational, and clinical research on the eye and vision at the college, including the college’s graduate programs for PhD and MS students as well as OD-MS and OD-PhD joint degree programs.
Career
The Career Development Center, established in 2012, was created to meet the career needs of SUNY Optometry students, residents and alumni. Through its signature programs and events like the Family of Mentors Program and the Annual SUNY Optometry Career Symposium, the Career Development Center creates opportunities for busy students and professionals to connect and create meaningful relationships important to career development and career advancement.
Distance Learning Courses
Student services
The Student Affairs division of the College complements its academic and professional missions with the enhancement of student learning and professional development being the primary goal of its programs and services. It is responsible for student recruitment and admissions, financial aid, student registration and records, personal and academic counseling, and a wide range of various student activities and initiatives.
Housing services
A Student Housing Committee assists each student with his/her housing arrangements. Students set their priorities regarding cost, space, distance and area, and the Housing Committee assists the student in locating and securing suitable housing to meet his/her specific needs. The Housing Committee operates under the direction of the Financial Aid Office and is functioning between April and September.
Medical services
The Office of Student Affairs offers counseling to students about health programs and can make referrals to health practitioners and clinics when specific services are required.
Student clubs
- ACE: The Health Practitioner's Society
- American Optometric Student Association (AOSA)
- Beta Sigma Kappa (BSK)
- Contact Lens Education and Research Club (CLEAR)
- Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS)
- Chinese Culture Optometric Student Association (CCOSA)
- California Student Optometric Student Association (COSA)
- College of Optometry in Vision Development (COVD)
- Connecticut Student Association of Optometrists (CTSAO)
- Fellowship of Christian Optometrists (FCO)
- Lions Club (LC)
The SUNY College of Optometry is authorized by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York (State Education Department.)