Undergraduate Calendar 2007-2008

The School of Optometry of the Faculty of Science offers a four-year professional Academic Plan leading to the degree of Doctor of Optometry. It is the only School of Optometry in Canada with English as the language of instruction. The immediate purpose of the School of Optometry is to qualify individuals for the practice of optometry. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as optometrists in the province of their choice. The study of Optometry provides students with a background in general science and specialized knowledge in visual science so that they may follow a career in optometric research and teaching if they so desire. A two-year Diploma of Residency, designed for persons with the OD degree who wish to improve and extend their clinical skills, is available. Graduate Academic Plans in Vision Science leading to the Master of Science degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree are also available.

Students who have completed two years of the Honours Science Regular or Biomedical Sciences Academic Plans at the University of Waterloo prior to successfully completing the Optometry degree may be eligible to transfer 11.0 optometry units to an Honours Science BSc degree. For details regarding eligibility, contact the Associate Dean of Science for Undergraduate Studies.

As with other health care professions, graduates in Optometry must hold the certificate of the licensing body of the province in which they choose to practise.

REQUIREMENTS  FOR ADMISSION

Prerequisites

Applicants should satisfy the Admissions Committee that they are well-prepared academically for entry to the School of Optometry. The following courses represent the required prerequisites for admission to the School of Optometry:

General Biology (with lab) – two terms, BIOL 130/130L, Cell Biology; BIOL 211, Vertebrate Zoology; General chemistry (with lab) – one term, CHEM 120/120L, Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter; Physics (with labs) – two terms, PHYS 111/112, 111L/112L, or 121/122, 121L/122L, General Physics; Calculus – one term, MATH 127, Calculus; Introductory Psychology – one term, PSYCH 101, Introductory Psychology; Linear Algebra or Geometry and Trigonometry – one term, MATH 114 Linear Algebra For Science, MATH 115 Linear Algebra for Engineering, MATH 125 Applied Linear Algebra 1; English – one term, any one term course; Physiology (Human or Mammalian) or (Human Anatomy & Physiology) – two terms, BIOL 273 Principles of Human Physiology 1; BIOL 373 Principles of Human Physiology 2; Introductory Ethics – one term, PHIL 105 Introduction to Ethics and Values, PHIL 218 Ethical Theory; PHIL 219J Practical Ethics; PHIL 220 Moral Issues; PHIL 221 Ethics 1 or PHIL 226 Ethics and the Life Sciences suggested; Organic Chemistry – one term, CHEM 266, Organic Chemistry; Microbiology – one term, BIOL 140, Fundamentals of Microbiology; Biochemistry – one term, CHEM 237, Biochemistry; Statistics – one term, STAT 202, Statistics.

The following are the recommended courses:

Human Anatomy – one term BIOL 201, Human Anatomy; Embryology – one term, BIOL 303, Embryology; Genetics – one term, BIOL 139 Genetics; Histology – one term, BIOL 302, Functional Histology; The number of recommended courses successfully completed will be considered by the Admissions Committee. Missing recommended courses could affect the competitive level of the candidate's application.

Admission pre-requisites (to take effect with September 2008 applications to the School of Optometry).

Applicants should satisfy the Admissions Committee that they are well prepared academically for entry to the School of Optometry. Successful applicants must have attended University for at least three years (15.0 credits ) prior to acceptance into the OD program.

The following courses represent the required prerequisites for admission to the School of Optometry:

General Biology (with lab) – two terms, BIOL 130/130L, Cell Biology; BIOL 211, Vertebrate Zoology; General chemistry (with lab) – one term, CHEM 120/120L, Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter; Physics (with labs) – two terms, PHYS 111/112, 111L/112L, or 121/122, 121L/122L, General Physics; Calculus – one term, MATH 127, Calculus; Introductory Psychology – one term, PSYCH 101, Introductory Psychology; English – one term, any one term course; Physiology (Human or Mammalian) or (Human Anatomy & Physiology) – two terms, BIOL 273 Principles of Human Physiology 1; BIOL 373 Principles of Human Physiology 2; Introductory Ethics – one term, PHIL 105 Introduction to Ethics and Values, PHIL 218 Ethical Theory; PHIL 219J Practical Ethics; PHIL 220 Moral Issues; PHIL 221 Ethics 1 or PHIL 226G Ethics and the Life Sciences suggested; Organic Chemistry – one term, CHEM 266, Organic Chemistry; Microbiology – one term, BIOL 140, Fundamentals of Microbiology; Biochemistry – one term, CHEM 237, Biochemistry; Statistics – one term, STAT 202, Statistics. The following are recommended courses: Human Anatomy – one term BIOL 201, Human Anatomy; Embryology – one term, BIOL 303, Embryology; Genetics – one term, Biol 139 Genetics; Histology – one term, BIOL 302, Functional Histology; Immunology - one term, BIOL 441, Immunology; Linear Algebra or Geometry and Trigonometry – one term, MATH 114 Linear Algebra For Science, MATH 115 Linear Algebra for Engineering, MATH 125 Applied Linear Algebra 1. The number of recommended courses successfully completed will be considered by the Admissions Committee. Missing recommended courses could affect the competitive level of the candidate's application.

Optometry History & Orientation (OPTOM 100) is a requirement of the Optometry Academic Plan and therefore is not a pre-requisite for application. This course will be open to students enrolled in the UW Biomedical Sciences Academic Plan. Successful completion of this course prior to admission into the Optometry Academic Plan will mean exemption from the course while registered in Optometry.

Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
THE OAT MUST BE WRITTEN BY ALL APPLICANTS. For September 2007 on we will accept OAT scores from the two previous calendar years (e.g., for 2007 we will accept OAT scores taken in 2005 and 2006). The OAT results will be accepted for two successive applications only. Candidates who have not written the OAT for two or more years will be required to rewrite the OAT to be eligible for admission consideration. Candidates are responsible to ensure that their OAT scores are sent to the UW School of Optometry. ALL inquiries regarding this test should be addressed to:

Optometry Admission Testing Program
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. 60611
(312) 440-2693 or (888) 232-2159

Applications for the OAT can be made on-line at www.opted.org/.

Selection Factors
In 2006 there were approximately 250 applications for the 85 first year places. Consequently, neither acceptance to nor successful completion of the pre-professional program can guarantee admission to the first professional year. Applicants are selected on a competitive basis considering scholarships, interest, motivation, general qualifications for the profession, and recommendations.

Applicants to Honours Science, Regular or the Biomedical Sciences Academic Plan of the University of Waterloo who have completed their secondary school education in provinces other than Ontario should consult with the Science Undergraduate Advisor to ensure that their background in Science and Mathematics has prepared them for Honours Science, Regular or the Biomedical Sciences Academic Plan as given at the University of Waterloo.

Application Procedures

Candidates who are currently or have previously been enrolled in any University of Waterloo course are considered internal applicants. These candidates initiate their application to the School of Optometry by contacting the Admissions Office at the School of Optometry. The Application for Admission to the School of Optometry, due in late January, can be obtained from the Optometry Admissions Office in mid November. In the Winter term an interview with the Admissions Committee will be arranged for some students. Prospective candidates who have never taken a course at the University of Waterloo are considered external applicants and must apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). Applications can be made on-line at (OUAC) at www.ouac.on.ca/ in October 2006. The Doctor of Optometry program is an undergraduate program. From the OUAC homepage, click on Compass, then click on undergraduate programs, click on Canadian citizen & residents, click on Compass. Go to compass on-line application and then proceed. The program you are applying to is WB – Optometry. You should then follow the instructions (they have a help selection). The OUAC form must be received at the OUAC by January 10. OUAC then forwards the form 105 to the University of Waterloo. Once this is received, the Application for Admission to the School of Optometry is sent to the applicant.

The Application for Admission to the School of Optometry contains six sections:
Section A: Personal ID
Section B: General Information
Section C: Academic Record
Section D: Autobiographic Sketch
Section E: 2 Confidential Assessment Forms (CAFs)
Section F: Essay

Specific instructions, including deadlines, will be outlined in the application procedures accompanying the Application.

The deadline for receipt of academic transcripts is May 31. Upon entrance into Optometry, students will be required to submit documentation of up-to-date immunization for measles, rubella, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus, a tuberculin skin test, and hepatitis B. Students are not allowed to participate in the optometry clinics without this documentation.

Students granted admission to the first professional year who have taken courses equivalent to those required in the professional program may apply for exemptions from these courses after acceptance into Optometry.

Advanced Standing Offers of Admission
Normally, offers of admission are not ordinarily made to a more advanced year than the first professional year. In special circumstances, such as when the University of Waterloo has a particular arrangement with another university, this may be considered. Optometrists who wish to obtain a license to practice in Canada should contact the provincial licensing body of the province in which they wish to practice.

Application Fee
A $100 Optometry application processing fee, payable to the "University of Waterloo," must be submitted with the completed application. The application fee applies to all internal and external applicants. The fee is non-refundable.

Academic Course Requirements
In the Optometry Academic Plan, an overall 60% average as well as a mark of at least 60% in each course of the major subject must be obtained each term. In OPTOM 348A/B and 458/468/478 a mark of at least 70% will be considered a passing grade. In the Optometry Academic Plan a student who fails to demonstrate clinical competence as evidenced by a failing grade in a clinical course will not be allowed to continue in the Academic Plan. All courses must be successfully completed to proceed into the next academic year.

Supplemental Examinations
All required courses must be passed. The Faculty of Science guidelines regarding examinations and standings will be followed. However, in some circumstances, supplemental examinations may be offered as a means to clear a failed course. Students will be notified if they are eligible to write a supplemental examination. All eligible students, who decide to take this option, must complete an application for a supplemental examination and a fee will be collected with the application. Supplemental examinations may not be available for all courses. The original grade will be used in all average calculations.

The Doctor of Optometry program is a four-year professional program. As such, academic standing is based upon the student’s ability to successfully complete all course requirements within a given year. Promotion to a subsequent year is severely compromised when all courses have not been passed.

School of Optometry Academic Regulations
The School of Optometry sets and administers its examinations in accordance with the rules and regulations set down by the University and the Faculty of Science. Decisions regarding course grades are those of the instructor. Student's academic standings are considered each term by the Optometry faculty body and are made in accordance with the regulations listed below. All decisions on academic standing and grades are reported to the student through the Registrar’s Office.

The factors considered in academic standings in Optometry are the term average, the overall average, the number of failures, and the student standing (e.g., satisfactory, conditional). The minimum overall and term averages needed to remain in the Optometry program are 60%. The minimum passing course grade in Optometry is 60% except for Optometry 348A, 348B, 458, 468, and 478 in which 70% is a passing grade. Grades below the specified passing grade result in a course failure.

A.  Academic Decisions on Standing
1.  Satisfactory Standing

• the student achieves term and overall averages of 60% or better, with no failures*.

"Satisfactory Standing" entitles the student to proceed to the next term. *In the first two years of the program, a student with only one failure per term may proceed to the next term; however, any failed course must be cleared before proceeding into the next academic year. The mechanism for clearing a failed course is indicated below.

2.  Conditional Standing
A student is placed on "Conditional Standing"

• for a minimum of two terms upon returning to the Optometry program after a decision of "Failed – Required to Withdraw."
• for the remainder of the program after accumulating a total of four course failures in the Optometry program.
• for the repeated term(s) after a decision of "May Not Proceed."
• for the remainder of the program after any failed course in fourth year.

"Conditional Standing" requires that the student maintain a standard of performance during the conditional term(s). The student must clear the conditional term(s) by achieving term and overall averages of 60% or better while having no failures or incomplete courses. Failure to achieve these conditions will lead to "Failed - Required to Withdraw."

3.  May Not Proceed
A student receives this standing if:

• the student achieves a term average of 60% or better but has failed two courses in a term.
• the student, at the end of the third year, has not successfully completed all Optometry courses in the first three years.

A student will be required to stay out of the program until the next term the courses are offered. A student clearing failed courses under this rule must achieve a passing grade in the courses; otherwise the student will receive "Failed – Required to Withdraw" from Optometry. Only after the failed courses are cleared will the student be permitted to proceed to the next degree term.

4.  Failed – Required to Withdraw
A student is required to withdraw if,

• the student fails to achieve either a term or an overall average of 60% or better.
• the student fails three or more courses in an academic term.
• the student, who is on conditional standing, fails to achieve a term and or overall average of 60%, fails one or more courses or receives an INC.
• the student leaves the program without proper notification and fails to write examinations (a grade of DNW is assigned for these courses).

"Failed – Required to Withdraw" requires that the student’s registration in the Optometry program be revoked. Readmission is not guaranteed. If granted, readmission cannot occur during the two academic terms following "Failed – Required to Withdraw."

5.  Failed – May Not Continue in Faculty
A student will receive this standing if,

• the student has been re-admitted and upon return has not achieved a term and overall average of at least 60% and/or has failed one or more courses.
• the student has accumulated five course failures in the Optometry program.
• the student has failed the same course twice.
• the student is deemed by the Optometry Faculty to be unlikely to benefit from further participation in the Optometry program.

"Failed – May Not Continue in Faculty" requires that the student’s registration in Optometry be revoked. Readmission into the Optometry program or any other program in the Faculty of Science is not possible.  

6.  Recommended for Doctor of Optometry Degree
A student qualifies if, the student has successfully completed all requirements of the Optometry program.

"Recommended for Doctor of Optometry Degree" entitles the student to graduate with the OD degree.

7.  Recommended for Doctor of Optometry Degree with Distinction
A student qualifies if,

• the student has demonstrated superior academic performance (a final cumulative overall average of 80% or better in the Optometry program) while successfully completing all requirements of the Optometry program.

B.  Clearing Failed Courses
Normally, failed required courses may be passed in one of two ways. Optometry will decide which mechanism is appropriate. The two options are:

1. Obtaining a grade of 60% or more for the course based on the outcome of a supplemental examination. There is a fee for supplemental exams. Supplemental examinations may not be available for all courses. Normally, a supplemental examination may be offered if there is only one failure in the term and the student is in satisfactory academic standing. If a supplemental examination is to be offered, the student will be given a letter regarding the supplemental examination. When a supplemental examination is passed, "Sup Satisfied" will appear on Quest and on the Transcript in the "Sup" field adjacent to the original grade for the course. Only one attempt at a supplemental examination is allowed. If the student is not successful, s/he must re-take the course when it is next offered, and may not proceed to the next term.
2. Re-taking the course and obtaining a grade of 60% or more for the course. When a failed course has been successfully re-taken the grade obtained in the retake course is indicated on Quest and on the Transcript. The original course and failing grade remains on the Transcript. If a grade of less than 60% is obtained for a repeat course, the student is given the academic decision "Failed - May Not Continue in Faculty."

• the student has not enrolled in the courses for the term in which s/he would normally be expected to enrol, and

A student who withdraws from the Optometry program, or is deemed to have done so, will be required to apply for re-admission in order to be considered for continuation in the program.

APPEALS (GRIEVANCES) AND PETITIONS
An appeal (grievance) or petition relating to an assigned academic decision, grade, or other evaluation, or relating to other decisions based on University policies, may be made by following the procedures outlined in the Appeals, Petitions, and Re-Assessment section of the Science Examinations and Standings chapter of the University Calendar.

The Optometry Undergraduate Studies Committee reviews the appeal or petition and forwards a recommendation to the Science Appeals and Petitions Committee. The student is notified by letter of the final decision made by the latter Committee. The decision may be appealed through the normal appeal channels within the Faculty.

A student may wish to request special consideration in two situations:

1. An appeal of an academic grade or decision. Appeals are appropriate when the student is disputing the grade or decision.


2. A petition for special consideration. Petitions are appropriate when the student agrees that the rules have been applied fairly and is not disputing grades but, is requesting special consideration because of extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness). The procedure by which such requests will be considered is described in the University policy on student grievances and associated procedures (Policy "70").

Note
The final year will be composed of three clinical sessions starting with the Spring Term. The Spring session will commence in the first Monday in May and continue for 15 weeks. The Fall session will commence in the last Monday in August and continue for 15 weeks. The Winter session will commence January 2 and continue for 13.5 weeks.

Fall
OPTOM 342A Case Analysis and Optometric Therapies 1
OPTOM 346A Ophthalmic Optics 3
OPTOM 347/347L Contact Lenses 1/Laboratory
OPTOM 348A Optometry Clinics
OPTOM 375/375L Diseases of the Eye 3/Laboratory
OPTOM 377 Pediatric Optometry and Learning Disabilities

Winter
OPTOM 342B Case Analysis and Optometric Therapies 2
OPTOM 346B Ophthalmic Optics 3
OPTOM 348B Optometry Clinics
OPTOM 367 Contact Lenses 2
OPTOM 380 Practice Management
OPTOM 385 Clinical Medicine for Optometric Practice
OPTOM 387 Gerontology and Low Vision

COMBINED DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY – MASTER OF SCIENCE IN VISION SCIENCE

Introduction
The School of Optometry offers a combined Doctor of Optometry – Master of Science in response to a number of needs among which are:

1. Academic recognition of the contributions of outstanding students to original research and provision of academic enrichment for these students.
2. Provision of an introduction to postgraduate study and research for good undergraduate students who might otherwise overlook the opportunity of graduate studies.
3. Graduate training which provides an increased scientific component to clinical training and produces graduates who have a further specialization in an area of Vision Science.
4. Provision of a quicker route to the MSc for outstanding students.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF THE COMBINED OD – MASTER'S PROGRAM

A combined Doctor of Optometry – Master's program is one in which it is deemed academically advantageous to treat the educational process leading through the OD to the MSc degree as a continuous unit, while at the same time satisfying the requirements for both degrees. The combined program also provides the opportunity for mutual enrichment of both programs. The Vision Science background of the OD Academic Plan serves as a solid precursor to research at an MSc level. The research at the MSc level broadens the application of the Vision Science component beyond that of the OD program and provides an increased scientific component to clinical training. This program provides an alternative scheduling of the requirements of both degrees to that used when the OD is considered a terminal degree.

The following are general conditions that all such combined OD – Master's degree Academic Plans satisfy:

1. Students in the combined OD – Master's program will fulfill the degree requirements of both the OD program and the MSc program. This implies that:
   • nine terms of full-time registration at the undergraduate level and at least two terms of full-time registration at the graduate level are mandatory;
   • the graduate program must include at least four (graduate) courses and a thesis.
2. There must be complete freedom of transferability from the combined program to the OD or other undergraduate programs, or from the MSc program to the PhD program.
3. Admission to the combined program is on the basis of merit, as is continuance in the program. Students who fail to maintain sufficiently high standing will be required to revert to the OD program, or even, if their undergraduate performance so warrants, to withdraw from the University. Students do not become graduate MSc students until after completion of the OD degree. Admission to the combined program does not guarantee admission to the MSc program.
4. The culmination of the combined program is the Master's degree; this will be achieved through the completion of a research thesis and four graduate courses.
5. Entry to a combined OD – Master's program may occur as early as the term following completion of the first year of the OD program.
6. A combined OD – Master's degree program must have the flexibility to satisfy the requirements of individual students; at the same time it must have coherence – each student's program must be addressed towards a well-defined area of specialization in Vision Science.

STRUCTURE OF THE COMBINED OD – MASTER'S PROGRAM

Application and Admission
Admission to the combined OD – Master's degree program is restricted to students with a consistently good academic record at the end of the first year who are granted "conditional admission" to the MSc Academic Plan.

"The condition to be fulfilled is satisfactory completion of the requirements of the OD degree with at least a cumulative B average." In granting admission to the program both the academic record in the OD program and in any pre-optometry program and any research experience will be considered. Students must have a minimum B average within any pre-optometry program to be eligible for admission, and would normally have an A standing in their pre-optometry program.

Students must have all application forms completed and be conditionally accepted into the combined program by the beginning of the 4th year. As in any program culminating in a Master's degree, a faculty supervisor is appointed on admission. Students are encouraged to consult faculty members regarding their research interests.

Course Programs

Although the supervisor advises students, all course selections and other academic administrative matters concerning each student are subject to the approval of the School's Undergraduate Advisor and the Graduate and Research Committee.

The courses chosen by the student (with the advice of the supervisor and approval of the Undergraduate Advisor and Graduate and Research Committee) should form a coherent series which (together with the thesis) complete the requirements of the OD and, ultimately, the Master's degrees.

In 3rd or 4th year, one or two 600-level courses may be chosen for credit to the MSc degree. These courses are in addition to the normal academic program for the OD level. Technically, it is necessary for students to register for these courses as "extras" in order to avoid counting them towards the requirements of the OD degree. Advanced standing in these courses will be granted following acceptance to the graduate program. Students will register in OPTOM 441/451 (Research Project).

A student proceeding to an MSc will normally complete the balance of the four required graduate courses in the one or two terms following 4th year.

Summer Research Terms

It is expected that most of the students proceeding to the MSc degree will be involved in summer research terms following first and second years. During these summer terms they are not required to register and they may be hired as associate researchers for the purposes of various research grants, without the restriction of student salaries. This combination can be attractive from the points of view of available research time, income generation for the student, and total research cost from a grant. Work done during these summer research terms may be included in the thesis.

During summer research terms, students may register as part-time undergraduate students if they wish to pursue a graduate level course for which they are deemed to have adequate undergraduate preparation.

Fourth-Year Projects

For students in the combined OD – Master's program, OPTOM 441/451 (Research Projects) may be integrated with their summer terms as well as with their work following 4th year. The requirements of OPTOM 441/451 must be met. The thesis must contain a substantial research contribution in addition to that submitted for credit in OPTOM 441/451, such that the total normal research requirements of OPTOM 441/451 and the MSc thesis are met.

Granting of Degrees

The OD degree will be granted at the normal time, i.e., at the Spring Convocation following the 4th year. The program, however, culminates in the MSc. A minimum of two terms full-time enrollment in the MSc is required subsequent to the granting of the OD Degree. It is expected that the MSc degree will be completed more quickly than in the regular MSc program and would normally be granted at the following Spring convocation. Additional time may be required to complete the thesis or coursework.

Postgraduate Scholarships

Students in the combined OD – Master's program may apply for graduate NSERC, OGS scholarships, etc., at the same time as their colleagues in the regular programs. They are also eligible for Optometry undergraduate scholarships during the summer terms.

Withdrawal or Failure

Students may remain in the combined OD – Master's program provided they maintain sufficiently high academic standards. The minimum is a cumulative B average (70% in undergraduate courses to the end of 4th year, 70% in graduate courses) and no conditional standing.

A student who fails to maintain this standard will be required to withdraw from the combined degree program. In such a case, all courses taken up to the end of 4th year, including those originally intended to fulfil part of the Master's degree requirements, will be counted towards the OD degree program elective course requirements and these marks included in the 4th year averages as appropriate. Should the student have then satisfied the requirements for the OD degree, it will be granted at the next Convocation. Such students will not be permitted to enter the regular MSc program.

If a student maintains at least the minimum standard mentioned above, but decides to withdraw voluntarily from the combined OD – Master's program the student may choose to count courses towards the OD degree which were originally intended to fulfill part of the Master's degree requirements. When the requirements for the OD degree have been satisfied, the OD will be granted at the next Convocation. Such a student will be allowed (at a later date) to enter the regular MSc program. For these students, graduate courses counted towards the OD degree may not be applied to the Master's degree, but graduate courses not previously counted towards the OD degree may be counted towards the MSc with the approval of the Graduate and Research Committee.

Transfer to the PhD program

Following completion of the OD program, a combined OD/MSc student will be eligible for transfer to the PhD program on the same basis as a regular MSc student.

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