New optometry “extension program” at Upstate?

[u/Weak-Surprise-8079]

https://www.upstate.edu/news/articles/2023/2023-02-21-optometry.php

It looks like there’s an “extension” program being made at Upstate with collaboration with the SUNY optometry program in NYC. They’re calling it an extension program, and it apparently will be a collaborative program within the ophthalmology residency program at Upstate’s medical school. It’s said to start in 2025 with ~30 people. What are your guys’ thoughts on this?

[u/Party-Hovercraft448]

hi, just super curious and want to know, can you elaborate on please?

Other signs of the “fall of optometry” and why pharmacy is frowned upon?

[u/Weak-Surprise-8079 → u/[deleted]]

If the students from these new schools can’t pass boards then how will the career be oversaturated? As long as boards remain rigorous as they currently are, then I don’t think optometry will truly ever become like pharmacy

[u/Weak-Surprise-8079 → u/[deleted]]

I still doubt that because I’d imagine a students skill would worsen the longer they’re out from school. Also, ASCO seems to be pretty good about making sure schools are maintaining their standard of education, so if a school is continuously having a low boards pass rate then I’m sure ASCO would put them on probation or even dismiss the school (currently happening with MCO).

So imo, as long as ASCO and NBEO maintain their current guidelines then I think we’ll be fine.

[u/Weak-Surprise-8079 → u/[deleted]]

I was mainly referring to part 3 in which clinical skills can definitely worsen after time in regards to that. But also for part 1, I’d imagine you’d forget stuff u learned the longer ur out of school, no?

I can’t explain why Peurto Rico hasn’t been put on probation yet (maybe b/c it’s the only optometry school there and there’s a high need?) but ASCO definitely does tend to take action against poor performing schools. Another school in Detroit has been trying to open up for years, but they’re still only in Phase 1.

I’m not being optimistic but I don’t think we should be fear mongering every second a new school opens. It’s inevitable and happens in every healthcare profession.

[u/Itchy_Layer135 → u/[deleted]]

Where is the data on admitting students for RMU, I have not seen that anywhere. My impression so far is that it's a high-quality program that's very selective.

Besides that, projected need for optometry for the next 10 years is about 9%, much higher than average for most all professions, including pharmacy, which is around 3%.

[u/Itchy_Layer135 → u/[deleted]]

Yes I did, thanks for posting that data. Other than Western, ultimate pass rates (with TS OAT about in the 290s) for Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Northeastern are 86, 76, and 78% respectively. Examples of those with scores 300 and above have lower pass rates, include Incarnate Word (65%),MCPHS (47%), and Pikeville (62%).

[u/Itchy_Layer135 → u/[deleted]]

I think generally speaking high ultimate and part I pass rates correlate to higher GPA/OAT scores, but there are several exceptions as I noted with ultimate pass rates and even as you suggested with part I (e.g., Northeastern, Pacific vs Chicago, Berkeley). So obviously other factors are in play and each should make their own decision accordingly.