Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry
Graduate Health Professions Education
Situated in Pomona, California, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry offers an advanced Doctor of Optometry (OD) program emphasizing optometric rehabilitation, including specialized training in neuro-optometry. This graduate program prepares healthcare professionals to provide full-scope optometric services across various clinical settings.
Mission Statement
As shared on westernu.edu, the College aims to “graduate caring, comprehensive health care professionals who will serve the needs of a diverse global society.” The curriculum intentionally focuses on “the rehabilitation of the visual system, neuro-optometry, and interprofessional education.” These principles support the development of optometry through a commitment to education, innovation, clinical care, and research.
A Distinguished Faculty
A cornerstone of the College’s achievements lies in its dedicated faculty, who bring leadership, experience, and innovation to optometric education. Faculty members are encouraged to explore new teaching methods and collaborate in cross-disciplinary research. The institution supports a dynamic academic environment where learning and discovery go hand in hand.
Graduates are well-equipped to pursue rewarding careers in various healthcare settings—whether in private practices, group clinics, hospitals, or community-based facilities. The OD degree prepares them to enhance and restore their patients’ vision health and overall eye care.
A Diverse Student Body
Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry is known for attracting a broad and talented group of students. The admissions process combines academic qualifications with personal experiences to form a well-rounded cohort. In 2024, 26.6% of enrolled students came from outside California, while 2.1% were international students. Over the last five years, the program has welcomed students from thirty states, contributing to a diverse and inclusive educational environment.
The Optometric Rehabilitation Program at Western’s College of Optometry
Established in 2008, the College built its Doctor of Optometry program with a strong foundation in optometric rehabilitation. This area of focus trains students to care for individuals with visual and perceptual difficulties related to brain injury, stroke, neurological disease, or physical disability. The program also includes vision therapy, low vision services, and care for patients with developmental disabilities, making it comprehensive and patient-focused.
Treating Patients at WesternU Health Eye Care Institute
Hands-on clinical experience is central to the College’s Approach to education. Students gain practical knowledge and develop clinical skills at the WesternU Health Eye Care Institute, a state-of-the-art teaching facility located in Pomona. Under faculty supervision, student interns participate in all aspects of patient care, from essential eye exams to advanced therapeutic services.
The Eye Care Institute provides a broad range of services, including vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation, neuro-optometric treatment, and care for patients with diabetic eye conditions. These experiences help students gain the confidence and competence needed for real-world clinical practice.
Low vision rehabilitation services help patients adapt and function better daily by optimizing remaining vision using assistive technologies, custom optics, and visual skills training.
Neuro-optometric rehabilitation addresses visual problems resulting from neurological events like strokes, surgeries, or accidents. Students and faculty work closely with other healthcare professionals, including neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, offering coordinated care to patients throughout Southern California.
Fourth-Year Externship Program
The externship during the fourth year is a vital part of clinical training. Each student participates in full-time rotations across various optometric and ophthalmologic care settings. This component of the program provides real-world exposure and enhances clinical proficiency.
Students are placed in diverse settings, including:
- Private Optometry Offices
- Ophthalmology Clinics
- Veterans Administration Clinics
- Indian Health Service Locations
- Armed Forces Medical Facilities
- WesternU Specialty Clinics
Throughout these externships, students care for more than 1,700 patients, encountering a broad spectrum of conditions and patient needs. The goal is to develop strong clinical judgment, diagnostic accuracy, patient communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with other professionals.
In addition, students complete a Practice Management course delivered through distance learning. This course introduces fundamental concepts in optometric practice, such as financial operations, administrative responsibilities, and business strategies.
College of Optometry’s Core Values
According to westernu.edu, the College of Optometry is deeply rooted in humanistic values and is committed to promoting professional collaboration, accountability, integrity, community involvement, and mutual respect.
The ColleCollegeaces these values through four perspectives:
- Public Perspective: Bridging the gap between modern optometric care and underserved populations to improve access to vision services.
- Profession Perspective: Creating unity within optometry and reaching out to decision-makers in health policy.
- Student Perspective: As a guiding path that supports students in achieving clinical excellence, community service, and ethical practice.
- Faculty Perspective: Empowering educators to connect expert knowledge with students, patients, and the broader community.
Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry focuses on producing well-rounded optometrists who are clinically skilled, ethically grounded, and committed to serving a diverse society. He continues preparing future eye care leaders through strong values, practical training, and academic excellence.
Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry 