Pennsylvania College of Optometry

Office of Professional Studies and International Programs

International Optometry Programs

Since its creation in 1994, International Optometric Programs at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry’s Office of Professional Studies and International Programs (PSIP) has offered outstanding special educational programs and initiatives in response to the needs of international students and ophthalmic practitioners.

Located on the Elkins Park campus of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry(PCO) at Salus University, the PSIP offers programs conferring three accredited degrees on international practitioners who have completed a formal optometric education and are licensed to practice optometry in their home country:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Optometry Completion Program
• Master of Science in Clinical Optometry (MSc)
• Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Clinical Optometry (BSc/MSc)
• Doctor of Optometry (OD) – Advanced Placement for International Optometrists

Currently, applications are available for practitioners in the following countries:

• Sweden - Master of Science in Clinical Optometry (MSc)
• India - Bachelor of Science in Optometry Degree Completion Program
  

All other practitioners may Request Information

The Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University is the only academic institution in the United States to offer the Master of Science in Clinical Optometry degree, a specialized program with scholarly, didactic and clinical components. This program is presented on campus in Elkins Park and in participating countries as well. Tailored clinical studies, residencies and fellowships in specialized areas are also provided by PCO.

Education has been delivered to practitioners in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, India, Israel, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.  To date, more than 4,000 practicing optometrists have received education through these programs.

The Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University offers a completion program towards the OD degree on campus in the U.S. Licensed ophthalmic practitioners from around the world may apply for the full four year Doctor of Optometry program and if accepted, may apply for advanced standing. Applications will be reviewed and assessed on an individual basis.

Continuing Education Programs for International Students

PSIP has earned a reputation for organizing and presenting continuing and postgraduate clinical education courses for optometric practitioners in countries as close as Canada and as far away as Australia and Singapore. These programs conducted around the world range from short courses to extended, competency-based, transcript quality programs.

Staff

Abraham Gonen, OD, Associate Dean,
Global Development
Melissa Padilla, Director, Office of Professional Studies and International Programs
Janet Wilbur, Program Manager, Office of Professional Studies and International Programs.
Bethany Watson, Program Manager, Office of Professional Studies and International Programs.

For further information regarding program dates and locations, please contact the Office of Professional Studies and International Programs at
+1-215.780.1380 or jwilbur@salus.edu or bwatson@salus.edu