The need for programs to update faculty training in ocular disease treatment is discussed, with emphasis placed on clinical experience and continuing education. (MSE)

The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry's Gerontology Curriculum Development Committee summarizes the results of a survey of institutional practice and presents its recommendations for implementing a comprehensive optometric gerontology curriculum at each member institution. (MSE)

A clinical program developed for Veterans Administration optometry residents and rotating Southern California College of Optometry interns consisted of clinical patient examination followed by case discussion, a formal lecture corresponding to the ocular and systemic diseases presented in the examination, and student testing. (MSE)

A summary of a study of optometry graduates conducted by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is provided. The data covered aspects of recently graduated O.D.s' experience in obtaining a state license, becoming established in practice, and their practice characteristics. (Author/MLW)

An optometric residency program at The Eye Institute of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry that focuses on clinical training in the areas of low vision rehabilitation, pediatric optometry, visual training, behavioral vision, primary care optometry and hospital based optometry is discussed. (MSW)

A written clinical simulation exercise known as patient management problems (PMP) developed by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry is discussed. The new PMP format is considered standardized in the sense that the "visible" portion of the problem will be identical. (MLW)

Mandatory continuing education is found to be generally inexpensive, not detracting from practice time, undertaken for a variety of positive reasons, and worthwhile for upgrading skills. Many states are increasing continuing education requirements as a means of increasing professional accountability. (MSE)

A program was developed in comprehensive eye care for a university community. Topics discussed include: (1) history of the program; (2) staffing and staff responsibilities; (3) quality assessment; (4) consumer surveys; and (5) implications for health care providers. (JN)

The history and development of Ferris State College, College of Optometry, are highlighted including its facilities, faculty, curriculum, clinic program, and research. (JMF)

The school of optometry at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, is described including location, facilities, administration, programs, faculty, research, graduate study, residency programs, and interprofessional relationships. (JMF)

A study investigated the relationship between performance on basic science (BS) and clinical science (CS) national board examinations in optometry because many students do well on CS while failing on BS. Results indicated a high correlation between scores on the tests, underscoring the importance of the BS examination and the test's predictive…

An overview of the 68 optometric residencies offered at 35 health care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs looks at the resident selection system, accrediting and position funding, and growth in residency positions since 1975. A new primary care education program open to a number of health care disciplines is highlighted. (MSE)

This study of the effects of lenses of different colors on the visual abilities and comfort of 20 patients with retinal disease found that, in home trials, the critical issue was density more than color. Office tests of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity with colored lenses did not predict subjective benefit. (Author/JDD)

A survey of second and third year students (n=1,092) at 16 optometric schools found 5.5 percent admitted to cheating in optometry school (and 13.9 percent admitted cheating in college), a finding similar to that found for medical students, whose self-reported cheating ranged from 4.7 percent to 10 percent. (Author/DB)

A survey of 14 optometric schools and colleges found frequent and regular use of student ratings of instructors with a variety of methods used to ensure validity. Urges a multifaceted approach to teaching assessment to include input from those who deliver the instruction (teacher self-evaluation) and from objective colleagues (peer evaluation).…