Pacific University College of Optometry is unsurpassed as a place to obtain an excellent didactic and clinical education from a talented and caring faculty.
Our dedicated faculty members are highly regarded teachers, clinicians and researchers who bring diverse backgrounds and multi-faceted interests to the optometry program. This provides a rich intellectual environment in which students are provided much more than the basic education and tools to become an optometrist. Students also learn the value of having an open and inquisitive mind which serves as the foundation for lifelong learning. This is an essential skill in order to grow with future technology and knowledge so that our graduates provide the highest quality care throughout their career.
Our students have excelled academically. Our students consistently perform above average on the National Board exams, which represent a national standard of entry-level competence to practice optometry. To view updated information regarding board scores, refer to our student accolades page.
We understand that our obligations and responsibilities are to our patients and to the greater public that we serve. The needs of the patient always come first. Our students understand these responsibilities and learn to adhere to the highest ethical and moral standards. Our graduates become stellar members of the communities in which they serve. Many Pacific graduates are in leadership positions within their communities, in corporations, in the military, in academe, and in professional organizations. We are proud of the accomplishments and contributions of our graduates.
Pacific University provides a rich and warm learning environment in a beautiful location. We create a sense of family that endures for life. An optometric education at Pacific University is a wise career investment.
Optometry Courses & Schedule
The full optometry curriculum, including degree requirements and course descriptions, are available in the academic catalog. The 2024-2025 academic catalog is published here.
Clinical Patient Care
Our students gain real-world experience through our Outreach program. Upon starting the program, students have the opportunity to provide care and receive direct outreach experience with a diverse patient population. The College of Optometry operates 5 EyeClinics and EyeTrends opticals throughout the Portland area. The eye clinics give students the opportunity to practice their skills and serve their community during their academic career.
In their last year, students have the opportunity to provide supervised direct patient clinical care in hospital settings, healthcare centers, and public or private eye and vision care centers under supervision of our appointed adjunct faculty. We have externship sites across the nation and internationally. Each of our affiliated externship sites specialize in patient care in primary care and/or specialized healthcare services unique to each site. By the time they graduate, they will have rotated through multiple clinics, serving a wide range of patients.