The Illinois College of Optometry, which is located in Chicago, is known for its rigorous curriculum and its opportunities for students to receive hands-on opportunities to work with patients. The school offers two primary degree programs. Students can pursue the doctor of optometry (O.D.) and a Bachelor of Science in Visual Science (B.S.V.S.). In addition to these degree programs, students can pursue joint degrees in optometry and the Master of Science (M.S.) and the Ph.D. in ophthalmology. The O.D. program takes approximately four years to complete and requires students to engage in three separate clinical rotation experiences, one of which must be at a veteran's hospital. Courses of study include areas such as basic biomedical science, sensory aspects of vision and ocular anatomy and physiology.
The New England College of Optometry in Boston offers the traditional O.D. degree program along with various graduate degree programs. Founded in 1894, the school serves the education needs of approximately 400 optometry students each year. The four-year O.D. degree program is designed with both elective courses and advanced research programs in addition to standard courses. This is particularly suitable for students who want to possibly pursue careers in academic research. Curriculum is delivered through four departments: Specialty and Advanced Care, Vision Sciences, Community Care and Public Health and Biomedical Sciences. In conjunction with the O.D. degree program, students can also purse the M.S. in Vision Science. A joint-degree program is also offered in conjunction with the Boston University School of Medicine. Students can pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical science.
The University of California at Berkeley, an institution known for its programs in the medical field, also offers an extensive program in optometry. The school has extensive year-round clinical training for its students so that they receive the greatest amount of training possible by the time they have graduated from the program. The O.D. program at Berkeley can be completed in four years and students receive clinical training from the first year onward. Courses of study include a wide range of topics such as Clinical Examination of the Visual System, Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye and Visual System, and Binocular Vision and Space Perception. The university also offers the M.S. and the Ph.D. in vision science.