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Curriculum for the Doctor Of Optometry Degree
Summary (2021-2022, 2022-2023 Catalog)
Year of Study | Credits | Lecture Hours | Laboratory Hours | Conference Laboratory | Screening Hours | Clinic Hours |
First Year | 44.5 | 450 | 255 | 82.5 | 0 | 40 |
Second Year | 41.10 (43.10) | 465 | 228 (228) | 22.5 | 60 | 20 |
Third Year | 38.66 | 277.5 | 60 | 142.5 | 0 | 390 |
Fourth Year | 26 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1600 |
Program Totals | 150.26 (152.26) | 1,207.5 | 543 (603) | 247.5 | 60 | 2,050 |
Total Program Hours 4,108-4,168 |
Sequential (2021-2022, 2022-2023 Catalog)
Term | Opto | Course | Credits |
1st Year: Fall | BMS1 | Systemic Biomedical Sciences 1 | 4 |
OPT1 | Applied Optics 1 | 4 | |
IOA1 | Integrative Ocular Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 2.5 | |
GCP0 | General Concepts in Pharmacology | 1 | |
PPO1 | Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 1 | 1 | |
PPL1 | Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 1 Laboratory | 1 | |
EPH0 | Epidemiology and Public Health | 2 | |
POE0 | Profession of Optometry and Ethics | (1) | |
DCC1 | Human Development and Cultural Competency in Optometry 1 | 2 | |
CSC1 | Conversational Spanish Communication Laboratory 1 | (1) | |
1st Year: Spring | BMS2 | Systemic Biomedical Sciences 2 | 4 |
OPT2 | Applied Optics 2 | 4 | |
IOA2 | Integrative Ocular Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 3 | |
APH1 | Applied Pharmacology 1 | 3 | |
PPO2 | Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 2 | 1 | |
CCL2 | Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 2 Laboratory | 1 | |
DCC2 | Human Development and Cultural Competency in Optometry 2 | 2 | |
CSC2 | Conversational Spanish Communication Laboratory 2 | (1) | |
CLK0 | Clinical Clerkships | .50 | |
1st Year: Summer (June) | PFCO | Perception of Light, Form and Color | 3.5 |
OMO0 | Ocular Motility | 2 | |
Term | Opto | Course | Credits |
2nd Year: Fall | BMS3 | Systemic Biomedical Sciences 3 | 4 |
OPT3 | Applied Optics 3 | 4 | |
BVP0 | Binocular Vision and Perception | 3 | |
DIS1 | Ocular Diseases 1 | 3 | |
APH2 | Applied Pharmacology 2 | 3 | |
PPO3 | Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 3 | 2 | |
PPL3 | Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 3 Laboratory | 1.50 | |
ICD1 | Integrative Optometric Case Discussions 1 | 0.50 | |
CSC3 | Conversational Spanish Communication Laboratory 3 (Elective) | (1) | |
SCR0 | Vision Screening | 0.50 | |
2nd Year: Spring | CMO0 | Clinical Medicine Optometry | 1.50 |
OPT4 | Applied Optics 4 | 1.50 | |
PCL0 | Primary Care Contact Lenses | 3 | |
DVT1 | Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy 1 | 3 | |
DIS2 | Ocular Diseases 2 | 3 | |
GDT0 | Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment | 2 | |
PP04 | Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 4 | 3 | |
PPL4 | Principles and Practice of Primary Care Optometry 4 Laboratory | 1.50 | |
ICD2 | Integrative Optometric Case Discussion 2 | .50 | |
CSC4 | Conversational Spanish Communication Laboratory 4 (Elective) | (1) | |
SCK0 | Vision Screening and Clerkship | 0.50 | |
CSA0 | Comprehensive Clinic Skills Assessment | 0.10 | |
Term | Opto | Course | Credits |
3rd Year: Summer (July) | VIR0 | Optometric Research | 2 |
PCO1 | Patient Care 1 | 0.66 | |
3rd Year: Fall | CLA0 | Advance Contact Lenses | 1.50 |
DVT2 | Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy 2 | 3 | |
DIS3 | Ocular Diseases 3 | 2 | |
PLV0 | Primary Care Low Vision | 3 | |
NOP0 | Nutrition in Optometry | 1 | |
ICD3 | Integrative Optometric Case Discussion 3 | 1 | |
DOP0 | Diversity in Optometry | 2 | |
PCO2 | Patient Care 2 | 4 | |
3rd Year: Spring | AVT0 | Advanced Vision Therapy (Elective) | 1.50 |
ALV0 | Advanced Low Vision (Elective) | 1.50 | |
NOR0 | Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation (Elective) | 1.50 | |
AEP0 | Advanced Electrophysiology (Elective) | 1.50 | |
SSV0 | Sports Vision (Elective) | 1.50 | |
PMN0 | Publishable Manuscript Submission (Elective) | 1.50 | |
COD0 | Complex Case Discussion (Elective) | 1.50 | |
ODM0 | Ocular Disorders Management | 2 | |
ILS0 | Injections, Lasers and Ocular Surgical Care | 2 | |
EBO0 | Clinical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Optometry | 1 | |
RSM0 | Review Seminar | 0.50 | |
PRM0 | Practice Management | 1.50 | |
PCO3 | Patient Care 3 | 4 | |
Term | Opto | Course | Credits |
4th Year Clinic Program | OGR1 | Optometric Clinic Grand Rounds 1 – First Semester | 0.50 |
OGR2 | Optometric Clinic Grand Rounds 2 – Second Semester | 0.50 | |
PC40 | Primary Eye Care Services and Specialty Clinics | 2.5 | |
PC41 | COSSMA Cidra Clinic | 2.5 | |
PC42 | Caguas Clinic | 2.5 | |
PC43 | Santurce Clinic | 2.5 | |
PC44 | Hato Rey Clinic | 2.5 | |
PC45 | Juana Diaz Clinic | 2.5 | |
PC46 | Bayamón Mobile Unit | 2.5 | |
PC47 | San Juan Mobile Unit | 2.5 | |
PC48 | Extended Bayamón Clinic: 8 Weeks | 5 | |
PC49 | Extended Bayamón Clinic: 4 Weeks | 2.5 | |
PC50 | Extended COSSMA Cidra Clinic: 4 Weeks | 2.5 | |
PC51 | Extended Caguas Clinic: 4 Weeks | 2.5 | |
PC52 | Extended Santurce Clinic: 4 Weeks | 2.5 | |
PC53 | Extended Hato Rey Clinic: 4 Weeks | 2.5 | |
PC54 | Extended Juana Diaz Clinic: 4 Weeks | 2.5 | |
LE01 | Local Externship Site 1 | 2.5 | |
LE02 | Local Externship Site 2 | 2.5 | |
LE03 | Local Externship Site 3 | 5 | |
LE04 | Local Externship Site 4 | 5 | |
EA01 | Abroad Externship Site 1 | 2.5 | |
EA02 | Abroad Externship Site 2 | 2.5 | |
EA03 | Abroad Externship Site 3 | 5 | |
EA04 | Abroad Externship Site 4 | 5 | |
Program Total Credits | 150.26 |
Integrative teaching is emphasized in both the Academic Department (didactic teaching) and Patient Care Department (clinical instruction) in the new curriculum. The concept is to provide students with a clinical perspective in basic science concepts, thereby developing conceptually based clinical reasoning skills applicable to entry-level practice.
The Academic Department is no longer differentiated into a Basic Science Department and a Clinical Science Department. Hence, courses under this curricular structure are not to be defined as purely basic science courses or clinical science courses. They are assembled and taught in one of the following three manners:
• as conceptually-inclined courses with clinical relevance
• as clinically-inclined courses with conceptual significance
• as a parallel–corresponding courses with equivalent conceptual and clinical relevance
Common denominators among courses in these categories are intended to facilitate the students’ ability to develop clinical reasoning with a conceptual background. Based on this model, emphasis on concept and application varies depending on the course modality.
Presentation of material will be cohesive and synchronized by either integrating or correlating basic and clinical concepts. Conceptually inclined courses and clinically inclined courses require an integrative presentation, whereas parallel-corresponding courses are presented correlatively. Integrative
presentations of conceptually inclined courses involve discussion of clinical associations that are pertinent to the predominant basic science topic taught. In the same manner, clinically inclined courses are taught providing basic science concepts related to the clinical topic
discussed to provide background comprehension.
Parallel-corresponding courses consist of proportioned presentations of health concepts related to primary ocular diseases and ocular diseases secondary to systemic conditions, with their respective clinical applications utilizing a complementary approach. Elective courses also form part of the new curriculum. The purpose of these courses is for optometric student to further enhance their knowledge in specific areas within optometry
in order to encourage the students to apply for optometric residency programs. All these electives are to be offered in the spring term of the third year and all will be evaluated on a pass/no pass basis. The optometric third-year student must enroll in five elective courses.
Residency Program
Primary Eye Care Residency – IAUPR
Mission
The program expects to provide post-graduate training so that the resident can develop proficiency in areas of primary care optometry, gain experience with multidisciplinary settings, and obtain training in pre-and-post -ophthalmic operative care. The program also will provide the resident with experience in teaching and scholarly activities, so that he or she may further pursue a career in education and research.Program Goals
- Provide post-graduate training, which develops the proficiency necessary to become a full-scope primary care practitioner
- Develop quality clinical educators and clinical researcher
Program Description
- One-year residency program (beginning by the third week of August)
- A yearly stipend of $40,000 with benefits
- Health Insurance benefits from IAUPR
- Professional Liability Protection from IAUPR
- Vacations as stipulated by the Academic Calendar of the IAUPRSO
- Sick leave: According to the Faculty Manual, page 38, section 4.6.1.1 Full time faculty accumulates sick days of 1-1/2 days per month, that is 18 days per year. Sick absences of greater than two days requires a note from a physician.
- No tuition or fees
- Position: One
- Workload: 80% (32 hours per week) in Clinical, 20% (8 hours per week) in Didactical
- Accreditation status: Accredited by ACOE
- Bilingual School’s Setting with Spanish’s speaking patients
Residency Experience
- Scholarly and teaching experience
- Clinical experience Worksites:
- IAUPR’s Clinic Sites (Own transportation strongly recommended)
- External Rotations at ophthalmology sites
- Specialty areas rotation in Contact lenses, Pediatrics, Visual Training, Low Vision, Electro-diagnostics, Prothesis
- Library and research resources
- Administration time
Requirements for Completion:
- The resident will demonstrate the necessary proficiency to become a full scope primary eye care practitioner through six outcomes.
- The resident will demonstrate knowledge and skills as an educator and clinical researcher through three outcomes.
- Optometry License in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
- Completion of Part I, II, III, and TMOD of National Boards Examination in Optometry (NBEO).
- Successful Clinical & Didactic evaluations.
- Publishable quality paper.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must have successfully completed parts I, II, III, and TMOD of National Boards of Examiners in Optometry as a requisite for admission to the residency program.
- Candidates must be eligible to be licensed as an optometrist in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
- Recommendation letters: Three (3) are requested. One should be from the clinical director of graduating institution or chief academic officer. Two others from full-time faculty members have been involved with the applicant’s education.
- A brief essay stating reasons for applying to a program that is addressed to primary eye care is requested.
- Applicant should submit Curriculum Vitae and be available for interview.
- Knowledge of basic conversational Spanish language is required to communicate with the majority of the patient population although the English language is the official written language.
- Candidates must earn the degree of Doctor of Optometry from a school or college of optometry accredited by the Council on Optometric Education prior to the starting date of the residency program.
- IAUPR affirms that all candidates are evaluated without regard to sex, race, color, creed, origin, or disabilities.
Application Process
- Candidates must complete the application through the ORMatch. Deadline: February 1. For more INFO, refer to the ORMatch Webpage.
- All serious applicants are encouraged to arrange a site visit.
Contact information
For additional information contactCoordinator name: Ariette Acevedo Telephone: 787-765-1915 Fax: 787-756-7351 Email:aacevedo@opto.inter.edu |
Academic Calendar
(2025-04) Sesión de verano julio 2024
UNIVERSIDAD INTERAMERICANA DE PUERTO RICO
CALENDARIO ACADÉMICO-ADMINISTRATIVO
VERANO 2024
SESIÓN JULIO (2025-04)
Periodo | Eventos Académicos y Fiscales | ||
2 de junio al 3 de julio de 2024 | “Disbursement Memo” | ||
2 de junio al 29 de junio de 2024 | Selección de cursos y pago de matrícula * | ||
Junio | 29 | sábado | Último día para darse de baja parcial con reembolso del 100% del costo de los créditos (sin incluir cuotas) |
| 29 | sábado | Último día para darse de baja total 100% del costo total de la matrícula (incluyendo cuotas)** |
Julio | 1 | lunes | Inicio de clases |
| 1 | lunes | Período de matrícula tardía y cambio de clases |
| 2 | martes | Cancelación de cursos a los estudiantes que no hayan pagado la matrícula |
| 2 | martes | Último día para darse de baja parcial con reembolso del 75% de los derechos de matrícula |
| 3 | miércoles | Último día para darse de baja parcial con reembolso del 50% de los derechos de matrícula |
| 3 | miércoles | Último día para que los profesores entren la “AW” en el registro electrónico, sí aplica |
| 4 | jueves | Feriado: Independencia de los Estados Unidos de América |
| 5 | viernes | Último día para que la Gerencia registre cambios en la matrícula de los estudiantes. “Cut-off Date/Enrollment Process” |
| 6 | sábado | Acreditación de ayudas económicas para los estudiantes y reembolso*** |
| 9 – 10 | martes – miércoles | Envío de cheques a estudiantes y Depósito Directo |
| 25 | jueves | Feriado: Constitución de Puerto Rico |
| 29 | lunes | Último día para darse de baja parcial o total con la anotación de “W” y para presentar cualquier reclamación relacionada con los informes de calificaciones de la sesión anterior |
| 29 | lunes | Último día de clases |
Julio | 30 | martes | Exámenes finales |
| 31 | miércoles | Último día para la entrada de calificaciones al Registro Electrónico |
* Cada unidad utilizará los días que estime necesarios.
** Para bajas totales aplique la Política y Procedimiento Institucional de Reembolso y Repago
*** A partir de esta fecha habrá acreditación todos los martes y jueves, y los viernes habrá acreditación y reembolso hasta el 24 de junio de 2025. El envío de cheques a estudiantes se hará no más tarde de tres (3) días después del proceso de reembolso.
Firmado en documento original
Jacqueline Álvarez Peña, PhD Vicepresidenta de Asuntos Académicos y Estudiantiles |
| Orlando González González, CPA, MBA Vicepresidente de Gerencia, Finanzas y Servicios Sistémicos |
Fecha de publicación original: 21 de mayo de 2024 |
2025-11 Part of Term 1 (4TH YEAR STUDENTS)
INTER AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO
SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY
Academic-Administrative Calendar for First Semester
Academic Year 2024-2025
FOURTH YEAR STUDENTS
(2025-11, Part of Term 1)
Period | Academic and Fiscal Event | |
April 1 to June 8, 2024 | “Disbursement Memo” | |
May 2024 |
| |
23 – 24 | Thursday – Friday | Registration of fourth year students |
24 | Friday | Book Advance to eligible student* |
25 | Saturday | Last day for students to decline the Advances |
27 | Monday | Holiday: Memorial Day |
30 | Thursday | Student account update to decline the Advances |
30 | Thursday | Last day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees not included) |
30 | Thursday | Last day for withdrawal from all clinic rotations with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees included) |
June 2024 |
| |
3 | Monday | Late registration |
3 | Monday | First day of the Fourth Year Clinic Program for the completion of weeks 1 – 20 |
5 | Wednesday | Last day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 75% of tuition cost |
7 | Friday | Last day for withdrawal from individual clinic rotations with a refund of 50% of tuition cost |
7 | Friday | Cancellation of clinic rotations to students who have not paid registration |
8 | Saturday | Last day for faculty to enter the AW to the “Interweb Roll Book” |
10 | Monday | Last day for the Administration to make registration changes. Cut-off Date/ENRL Process |
19 | Wednesday | Holiday: Juneteenth National Independence Day |
28 | Friday | First payment extension due |
July 2024 |
|
|
1 | Monday | Accreditation of financial aid to students and Refund Process* |
2 – 3 | Tuesday – Wednesday | Check delivery to students and direct deposit |
4 | Thursday | Holiday: Independence Day of the United States of America |
23 | Tuesday | Second payment extension due |
25 | Thursday | Holiday: Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Day |
27 | Saturday | Holiday: José Celso Barbosa Birthday |
July 31 – August 4 | Wednesday-Sunday | NBEO ABS study days: only for those taking NBEO ABS session August 5, 2024, who present evidence to the fact |
August 2024 |
| |
1 – 5 | Thursday – Monday | NBEO ABS study days: only for those taking NBEO ABS session August 6, 2024, who present evidence to the fact |
5 | Monday | NBEO ABS ***: only for those taking NBEO ABS who present evidence to the fact |
6 | Tuesday | NBEO ABS ***: only for those taking NBEO ABS who present evidence to the fact |
17 | Saturday | Third payment extension due |
September 2024 |
| |
2 | Monday | Holiday: Labor Day |
October 2024 |
| |
3 | Thursday | Last day for students to apply removal of incomplete grades of the previous semester |
14 | Monday | Holiday: Columbus Day. For interns in in-house rotations |
November 2024 |
| |
1 | Friday | Last day to complete weeks 1 – 20 of Fourth Year clinic rotations |
* Advances checks delivery to eligible students during the first week of classes.
** After this date, there will be accreditation every Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday there will be an accreditation and Refund Process until June 24, 2025. Check delivery will be made not later than three (3) days after refund.
*** To be excused from the School duties (clinic) the student must present evidence of NBEO exam to the Director of Patient Care and Module Chief at least one month (1) before the board exam. Once the student finishes the board examination, he/she must report back to the scheduled duties the day after the board exam was taken.
Signed on original document
Jacqueline Álvarez Peña, PhD Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs |
| Orlando González González, CPA, MBA Vice President for Management, Finance and Systemic Services |
Original publication date: May 21, 2024 |
2025-11 Part of Term 0 (1st, 2nd, 3rd Year Stud)
FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD YEAR STUDENTS
(2025-11, Part of Term 0)
Period | Academic and Fiscal Events | |
May 1 to August 14, 2024 | “Disbursement Memo” | |
August 2024 |
| |
1 – 2 | Thursday – Friday | Registration for 2nd and 3rd year students |
2 | Friday | Last day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees not included) |
2 | Friday | Last day for withdrawal from all courses with a refund of 100% of tuition cost (fees included) |
7 | Wednesday | First day of classes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year |
7 | Wednesday | Last day to pay tuition and fee |
7 – 13 | Wednesday -Tuesday | Late registration and class changes |
9 | Friday | Last day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 75% of tuition cost |
13 | Tuesday | Cancellation of courses to students who have not paid registration |
13 | Tuesday | Last day for withdrawal from individual courses with a refund of 50% of tuition cost |
14 | Wednesday | Last day for faculty to enter the “AW” to the “InterWeb Roll Book” |
15 | Thursday | Last day for the Administration to make registration changes. “Cut-off Date/Enrollment Process” |
17 | Saturday | First accreditation of aid to students |
19 | Monday | Second accreditation of aid to students and Refund Process* |
21 – 22 | Wednesday -Thursday | Check delivery to students & Direct Deposit |
September 2024 |
| |
2 | Monday | Holiday: Labor Day |
3 | Tuesday | First payment extension due |
October 2024 |
| |
1 | Tuesday | Second payment extension due |
14 | Monday | Holiday: Columbus’ Day |
October 2024 |
| |
15 | Tuesday | Last day for students to apply for removal of incomplete grades of the previous semester |
25 | Friday | Last day for partial withdrawal with “W” and to submit any complaints related to the grades of the previous term |
November 2024 |
| |
1 | Friday | Third payment extension due |
5 | Tuesday | Holiday: General Election Day |
11 | Monday | Holiday: Veterans Day |
19 | Tuesday | Holiday: Discovery of Puerto Rico |
26 | Tuesday | Last day for complete withdrawal with “W” |
26 | Tuesday | Last day of classes |
Nov. 27 -Dec.1 | Wednesday – Sunday | Academic Recess: Thanksgiving |
December 2024 |
| |
2 | Monday | Study day final examinations |
3 | Tuesday | Final examinations period begins |
13 | Friday | Final examinations period ends |
18 | Wednesday | Last day to enter grades to the “InterWeb Roll Book” |
December 21, 2024 to January 7, 2025 | Academic and Administrative Recess |
* After this date, there will be accreditation every Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday there will be an accreditation and Refund Process until June 24, 2025. Check delivery will be made not later than three (3) days after refund.
Note: Weekly class schedule may include Saturdays and Holidays.
Signed on original document
Jacqueline Álvarez Peña, PhD Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs |
| Orlando González González, CPA, MBA Vice President for Management, Finance and Systemic Services |
Original publication date: May 21, 2024 |