Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry

Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in Pomona, California, offers a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program that prepares students to become competent and compassionate professionals. Since its founding in 2008, the College has focused on optometric rehabilitation, including neuro-optometry. It has remained committed to training healthcare providers who can meet the diverse needs of patients across various care settings. The College’s mission is centered on educating professionals who provide comprehensive vision care while emphasizing the rehabilitation of the visual system and interprofessional collaboration. Through an integrated curriculum, students receive a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and clinical application, preparing them for success in the evolving field of optometry. Faculty members are essential to the College’s educational approach. They foster innovation in teaching and encourage active participation in research and service. Their dedication ensures students receive guidance and support throughout their academic and clinical journey. Students gain valuable experience through clinical training at the WesternU Health Eye Care Institute, where they work with patients under faculty supervision. This hands-on environment enables them to manage various vision conditions that require low vision services, vision therapy, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. These experiences are essential in helping students build confidence and refine their clinical skills. The College values a diverse learning community and considers each applicant's academic ability and personal background. Students from more than thirty states and several countries have enrolled over the past five years, contributing to a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere. In the final year, students complete externships in various clinical environments, including private optometry offices, Veterans Administration clinics, Indian Health Service facilities, Armed Forces medical centers, and WesternU specialty clinics. These externships offer real-world experience in patient care, enabling students to apply their skills across diverse settings and populations. Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry continues to uphold its values of professionalism, integrity, service, and respect while preparing future optometrists to lead with compassion and clinical excellence.