Optometry Program

The optometry degree program at Nova Southeastern University prepares students to for the independent professional practice of optometry. Students who graduate from the optometry degree program learn the principles and techniques that optometrists use for examining, diagnosing, and treating patient conditions of their visual system. Course instruction focuses on prescribing glasses and contact lenses and other optical aids, corrective therapies, patient counseling, and physician referral, practice management, and ethics and professional standards. Get more details below including other Florida colleges that offer optometry program.

The Optometry program at UNF is accredited by the American Optometric Association, Accreditation Council on Optometric Education for more than 32 years.

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Nova Southeastern University (UNF)

1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private research university that includes graduate and professional schools on its campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. NSU offers over 40 undergraduate degree programs, and many more graduate degree programs at the master's and doctoral levels.

NSU is known for its excellent faculty who are still actively engaged in their professional careers in the field as well as their teaching careers. NSU is also notable for the fact that more African American and Hispanic students earn their doctoral degrees there than any other university in the nation.

NSU offers excellent facilities and cutting-edge technology, and a beautiful, 300-acre campus setting.  It is nationally recognized for its graduate and professional training programs, as well as for its distance learning programs, with field-based programs located in Florida and 23 states, as well as in a number of international sites.

History

Nova Southeastern University was founded in 1964 as "Nova University." It began as a very small school focusing primarily on the physical and social sciences.  In 1994, Nova University merged with Southeastern University of Health Sciences and became Nova Southeastern University. The school has grown to become the nation's seventh largest independent university, and its programs now include law, education, business computer science, oceanography, medicine, pharmacy, optometry, and more.

Academics

Nova Southeastern University's academic calendar follows the semester format, with fall and winter semesters.  Summer classes are available.

Colleges, Schools and Centers

• Center for Psychological Studies
• College of Allied Health and Nursing
• College of Dental Medicine
• College of Medical Sciences
• College of Optometry
• College of Osteopathic Medicine
• College of Pharmacy
• Criminal Justice Institute
• Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences
• Fischler School of Education and Human Services
• Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences
• Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship
• Human Services Unit
• Mailman Segal Center for Human Development
• Oceanographic Center
• Shepard Broad Law Center
• University School

In addition to its colleges, schools and centers, NSU has several research and professional education institutes that include:

• Brief Therapy Institute
• Criminal Justice Institute
• The Eye Institute
• Guy Harvey Research Institute
• Hudson Institute of Entrepreneurship and Executive Education
• Huizenga Sales Institute
• International Institute for Franchise Education
• The Language Institute
• Lifelong Learning Institute
• National Coral Reef Institute
• Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research

Student Life

More than 70 student clubs and organizations are available on the NSU campus.  There is also a strong student government program, several active fraternities and sororities, and intramural sports, among other activities.  More information about how to get involved in a campus program is available at the NSU Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement.

In addition, the Campus Recreation Department offers many on-campus fitness and wellness classes such as spinning and Pilates, among others.

Student housing is available on campus, all rooms with private bathrooms and wireless Internet service, and there are many on-campus dining services available as well.

Athletics

The "Sharks" athletic teams of Nova Southeaster University compete in 17 intercollegiate sports, with 10 women's and 7 men's teams that include:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Track and Field

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main, Fort Lauderdale-Davie Campus in Florida, NSU has satellite campuses at the following locations:

• East Campus, Fort Lauderdale, FL (six miles from the main campus)
• Oceanographic Center Campus, Dania Beach, FL
• North Miami Beach Campus, North Miami Beach, FL

In addition to its satellite campuses, NSU has several "Student Education Centers" that allow students to study through a combination of online learning, video conferencing and onsite access to NSU staff and learning resources.  NSU has Student Education Centers in the following locations:

• Nassau, Bahamas
• Fort Myers, FL
• Jacksonville, FL
• Miami, FL
• Miramar, FL
• Orlando, FL
• Palm Beach, FL
• Tampa, FL

Community Life

South Florida has a very warm, temperate climate that makes it easy to enjoy outdoor recreation. The areas around NSU offer opportunities to enjoy hiking, biking fishing, boating, windsurfing and concerts and festivals.  There are beaches, or the Florida Everglades, within 15-30 minutes of the main campus.  Many sports arenas, restaurants, shopping spots and entertainment venues are available in the area.

Students Enrolled in the Optometry Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. UNF offers a doctorate degree program in optometry.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Optometrists

Description

Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, optometrists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 27.0% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Jacksonville, FL
  • Total Employment: 200
  • Average Hourly Rate: $50.55
  • Average Annual Salary: $105140

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).