Bachelor of Science - Vision Science

Program Description

The University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry (UIWRSO) is one of only 23 Optometry Schools in the US and the only School associated with a Faith-Based Institution in the nation. UIWRSO offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Vision Science which is a pre-optometry pathway. This is the only program in the country where undergraduate students spend a substantial amount of time learning under the guidance and supervision of clinical academic faculty and professional staff in both the classroom and out-patient clinical settings.

Students are challenged and enlightened by unique insight and experiences, motivating each student to pursue rewarding careers. The Vision Science courses are conducted by Doctors of Optometry, many with Doctors of Philosophy in vision science and related fields as well as substantive research training. Students receive challenging, contemporary didactic courses in applied vision science, neuroscience of the visual system, physiology and anatomy of the eye, pharmacology, as well as optics. This is also the only national preparatory vision science undergraduate degree program where students spend 3 rotations working with professional school interns in our outpatient facility. This three-semester Clinical Internship combines basic training in optometric techniques with clinical observation and participation at the UIWRSO Eye Institute. Brief, informative seminar-lectures are followed by optometric skills training in the basic optometry lab, alternated with in-clinic observation and participation. Hence the student trains and then applies their skills and new-found knowledge in a clinical setting. The combination of professionally administered didactics, clinical training, and real-patient encounters is unique in the undergraduate setting making the UIWRSO Program ideal for matriculation of motivated students to make substantive contributions to health care and research.

Students are actively engaged in the culture of the Professional School, having the opportunity to participate in outreach programs with the Professional School Interns. Additionally, Vision Science students are in a unique position to have direct access to a Professional Optometry School, including resources from the UIWRSO Office of Student Affairs. UIWRSO also provides opportunities to assist in preparing for the Optometry Admissions Test.

The University of the Incarnate Word is grounded in the strengths of its heritage in health services and education and has been built on the tradition of serving the sick and the poor. The design, focus, and spirit of the Vision Science Degree Program will produce graduates that are well-trained and prepared to pursue professional healthcare education/degrees, medical/vision research, and many other work opportunities in the healthcare and industrial areas.