Pennsylvania College of

Optometry at
Salus University
History

PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF
OPTOMETRY

Pennsylvania College of Optometry

Salus University - A Place for Firsts

1919 First non profit, independent college of Optometry

1923 First to confer doctor of Optometry degree
1954 First independent health profession institution to receive regional
accreditation
1955 First college of Optometry to establish the six-year total educational
program
1978 First to develop a comprehensive inter-disciplinary clinical facility, The
Eye Institute, for education and patient care
1988 First independent college of Optometry to affliate with a medical school,
Hahnemann University (now MCP Hahnemann University School of Medicine)
1996 First United States institution to serve as headquarters of the World
Council of Optometry
2000 First school or college of Optometry to offer Doctor of Audiology degree
2007 First and only U.S. School of Optometry to be recoginized as the leader in
International Education
2008 First school of Optometry worldwide to establish its own University
Salus University

Prof. Dr. A. Gonen,O.D.

Associate Dean and Director
International Education

Master of Science
in Clinical Optometry
Scandinavia
Course #7

PCO PROGRAMS & DEGREES

Bachelor of Science in Optometry (B.Sc.)
Master of Science in Clinical Optometry (M.Sc.)
Master of Science in Low Vision Rehabilitation
(M.Sc.)
Master of Science in Orientation and Mobility
(M.Sc.)
Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
Doctor of Philosophy in Visual Science (Ph.D) in cooperation with Cardiff University, Wales,
U.K.

Master of Science (M.Sc) in

Clinical Optometry
Pennsylvania College of
Optometry at
Salus University

ACCREDITATION
Departments of Education - State of
Pennsylvania
United States Department of Education
Mid - Atlantic states commission for
higher education
All the relevant authorities in Austria
and the European union.

Program Structure
2 years part time
Lectures once a month for a long weekend
in the host country
Research and case presentation prepared
in the home country with supervision from
Salus University. Research and case
presentations are delivered on campus in
the U.S. during patient care rotations.
2 patient care rotations and lectures in the
U.S. Each patient care and lecture rotation
requires 16-17 days stay on campus in the
U.S. First rotation during the first year,
second rotation during the second year.

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Examinations
Two written examinations
At the end of each year
Approximately 120 150 multiple choice
questions
Passing grade is 80%
Individual evaluations for patient care,
research, and case presentations.
Remediations there are two chances to
remediate students who failed examinations.
Remediations examinations are on areas of
weakness only.

Tuition
$25,000 USD for a minimum of 32
participants
Payable in two portions. 50% at the
beginning of the first year and 50% at
the beginning of the second year.

US Accrediation

Singapore

Israel

Germany

Austria

Switzerland

Norway

Germany

United Kingdom

Austria

Impact
1. Increased privileges for Optometrists worldwide.
2. Supreme court decision in Austria 2008. The
Austrian Supreme court has ruled that Salus University
graduates with a M.Sc in Clinical Optometry have the
right to practice Clinical Optometry in its full scope of
practice in Austria.
3. Optometry School upgrades worldwide (Norway,
Germany, Switzerland, Israel etc.)
4. Increase in Optometrists income and third party
payment for Optometric services.
5. Harmonization of the profession throughout Europe
and eventually worldwide.
6. Opportunities for Optometrists to advance to doctoral
degrees (Ph.D, OD)

PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT LADDER

B. Sc. (Optometry)

M.Sc in
Clinical Optometry

O.D.

Ph.D.

Advanced
Clinical
Practice

Hospital
Based
Practice

Research

Industry
Consulting

University
Level
Teaching

Therapuetic
Level
Practice

Public
Health