Distinguished History
The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy was founded in Boston in 1823 and is the forerunner of MCPHS University, which was established in 1979. Expansion to the Worcester campus occurred in 2002 and recognizing the unmet need for eye care in central Massachusetts, the School of Optometry was founded in 2012. The inaugural class of 59 students graduated in 2016. Over this short period, the school has enjoyed strong growth of the academic and clinical programs. Excellent clinical rotations have been established in external sites for third and fourth year professional students. The school is part of a large health science university that promotes interprofessional education and service to the community.
Modern Facilities
Featuring advanced equipment and technologies in class, lab, and clinic, where students are educated to provide comprehensive eye and vision care to patients.
Clinical Experience
In addition to an on-site Eye and Vision Center, students have additional patient care opportunities in challenging and varied clinical facilities, including Veterans Administration centers, health departments, hospitals, and community health centers.
Low Faculty-to-Student Ratio
Students enjoy a small class size of just 64 students and a very low student-to-faculty ratio, enabling them to gain critical interaction with their professors and instructors.
Early Introduction
Students begin seeing patients independently during their second professional year and progressively increase their clinic time during each successive semester, including summers.
Prestigious Affiliations
The School of Optometry is affiliated with more than 60 clinical sites across the United States. In addition, students in the third year of the program rotate through additional community clinical facilities in the area. External sites are continually being developed and monitored to ensure excellent clinical experiences for students.
Residency Placement
Over the past two years, 30% of graduates have been placed in one-year clinical residency programs, an accomplishment that reflects the superior clinical preparation students receive during their time at MCPHS (2017).
Service-Based Training
Free clinics and other volunteer service opportunities locally and regionally enable students to serve others while receiving course credit. Students can also participate in international service volunteer trips.
Combined Baccalaureate/Doctoral Program
This unique educational opportunity allows select, highly motivated students to complete their optometry education in a combined, straight-through, seven-year program.
Dual Degree
Select students in the optometry program will have the opportunity to earn a dual degree with a Master of Public Health (MPH), enhancing their education and marketability.
Scholarship Opportunities
Throughout the program, optometry students are encouraged to apply for scholarships from optometric associations and industry partners. The University keeps students up-to-date about new scholarship opportunities throughout the year. These scholarships recognize a variety of achievements, including clinical experiences, leadership, community service, and military optometry service, and can be applied to tuition or living expenses.
Recognizing Excellence
The School of Optometry recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievements, clinical excellence, and leadership roles within the classroom and the community. Awards are presented during the “Eye Ball,” a formal dance held each spring, as well as during a formal award ceremony for fourth year students, held in the weeks before commencement.