Bachelor of Applied Vision Science

The Bachelor of Applied Vision Science (BAVS) degree is a degree-completion program designed to prepare a student for opportunities in clinical, industrial, and other professional settings internationally. It provides students with a broad understanding of vision science and also in depth clinical knowledge and skills. Prospective students must complete and transfer necessary course credits to be admitted into the BAVS program.

Vision science is a broad and growing field. It encompasses numerous disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, psychophysics, optics, neuroanatomy, pathology, eye movements, perception, and color vision among others. The BAVS program provides the student with a broad understanding of vision science and in depth clinical knowledge and skills in five selective areas: contact lens, vision rehabilitation, binocular and sports vision, contact lenses and sports vision.

Each student completes a core curriculum in clinically oriented vision science and elective seminars in two of the above five areas under the guidance of faculty instructors. Faculty of the College of Optometry have expertise in the five areas listed above as well as pediatric vision, learning related vision problems, vision performance, and various other topics. The BAVS program offers students a well-structured knowledge base and integrated practical skills in vision science.

Mission

The mission of the BAVS program is to engage students in comprehensive study of the visual system, with an emphasis on behavioral optometry. This degree is designed to prepare a student for opportunities in clinical, corporate, and other professional settings.

Vision

The BAVS program will educate clinical and industrial practitioners who provide optimal clinical care and advance the profession of optometry. Graduates of this program will develop expertise in behavioral optometry and contact lenses to meet the essential needs of eye care such as blindness prevention, myopia control, and optimal quality of life.

Goals

The goals of the BAVS program are to:

Prepare optometry professionals for advanced clinical practice, public health, education, and research internationally.
Provide primary and specialty eye care that is essential to eye health and quality of life.
Foster an environment that promotes critical thinking, knowledge discovery, skills acquisition, practical applications, and dissemination of evidence-based research.
Promote a commitment to service through professional association involvement, community partnerships, and interprofessional collaborations.

FACULTY

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