Clinical Optometry (MS)
Overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Optometry is a joint degree with Eulji University in South Korea. This degree provides the educational foundation to further develop the clinical skills of South Korean optometrists. Students accepted into the program must reside in South Korea, hold a Bachelor of Optometry Degree, and be an optician license holder. Advancing clinical skills helps to support growth in optometric education in South Korea. Graduates are more prepared to expand the current scope of practice and clinical privileges for optometry.
The two-year cohort-based program includes four semesters of didactic instruction and a ten-week clinical education capstone project. Education modules are delivered in a hybrid format with didactic courses taught by Eulji faculty in-person in South Korea and by MBKU faculty remotely. MBKU faculty travel to South Korea to deliver hands-on experiences in learning optometric procedures. The capstone is a clinical education externship in the United States where students experience direct patient care encounters. The program is approved by the Korean Ministry of Education and by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and requires 36.75 credit hours.
Admissions
This joint Master of Science in Clinical Optometry program seeks to admit students interested not only in furthering personal clinical knowledge and skills but in moving forward the scope of practice in South Korea. Admission is based on both academic and non-academic qualifications. Applications are screened by an admissions committee at Eulji University then forwarded to the admissions committee at SCCO. The required prerequisites are: Current optician license holder, BS diploma in optometry, Essay showing strong motivation/desire for the profession of optometry, Letters of recommendation, and Volunteer/work experiences. In addition, MS applicants must meet a minimum criteria on the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) exam which is administered by YBM Education in South Korea. Once reviewed, qualified applicants are invited to a personal video conference interview.
Applications can be obtained from the Office of International Optometry at SCCO or Eulji University. A $75 non-refundable application fee is required to be submitted to the Office of International Optometry at SCCO via Flywire. The application, letters of recommendation, personal statement, a current curriculum vitae, and TOEIC scores are all sent to the International Optometry office at Eulji University. Applications must be submitted by the end of the calendar year just prior to matriculation.
Financial Information
Tuition is paid to both MBKU and Eulji University, independently. The MBKU portion is paid directly by the student via Flywire, which calculates the current exchange rate and includes any service/exchange fees. The Academic Year for this program is March to December. Tuition is due at the start of each semester. For 2024 and 2025 the MBKU portion of tuition is $7,500 each semester, payable in March and September.
Curriculum
The purpose of the program aligns with the vision of MBKU to reimagine the future of health care education and advance global health care. SCCO, a recognized leader in Optometric Education, will support the development of optometric education in South Korea. This program aligns with developing clinical skills for optometrists.
The curriculum incorporates pedagogical methods to address cognitive (knowledge), affective (attitude), and psychomotor (skill) learning domains. Examples of this methodology include classroom module content, small group case-based learning, lab workshops, problem-based learning, and clinical experiences. Module content presented by MBKU faculty will include online distance learning in mainly asynchronous modality. Module content will be given in English. Student responses and written assignments will also be written in English. Written work will be expected to follow NLM (National Library of Medicine) writing style guides. Basic analysis of research studies, including statistics, is introduced in Applied Biomedical Science (EUL501) and continues throughout the courses where applicable.
Graduation Requirement
Degree conferral will be in December following successful completion of all requirements, but students may participate in the Commencement ceremonies in May of the following year.
Transfer Policy
The MS in Clinical Optometry does not accept transfer students or offer advanced standing under any circumstances. All applicants to our program must apply through the Office of International Optometry and complete the entire two-year program.
Courses
Completion of the program requires successfully passing 36.75 credit hours. The courses are as below:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EUL 501 | Applied Biomedical Science (taught by MBKU faculty virtually) | 3.00 |
| EUL 502 | Ocular Pharmacology (taught by MBKU faculty virtually) | 3.00 |
| EUL 511 | Advanced Visual Optics (taught by Eulji faculty in South Korea) | 3.00 |
| EUL 521 | Advanced Cornea & Contact Lens (2 credit hours didactic/1 credit hour lab, taught by Eulji faculty in South Korea) | 3.00 |
| EUL 551 | Pediatrics (taught by MBKU faculty virtually) | 2.00 |
| EUL 571A | Ocular Health Procedures I (2.5 credit hours didactic, taught by MBKU faculty virtually) | 2.5 |
| EUL 571L | Ocular Health Procedures I Lab (taught by MBKU faculty in South Korea) | 0.50 |
| EUL 631 | Vision / Learning (taught by MBKU faculty virtually and in US) | 2.00 |
| EUL 632 | Non Strab VT; Strab / amb VT (2 credit hours didactic/1 credit hour lab, taught by Eulji faculty in South Korea) | 3.00 |
| EUL 641A | Case Discussions / Presentations (taught by Eulji faculty in South Korea) | 1.50 |
| EUL 661 | Low Vision / Geriatric Optometry (taught by MBKU faculty virtually) | 3.00 |
| EUL 661A | Low Vision /Geriatric Optometry Lab (taught by MBKU faculty in US) | 0.75 |
| EUL 672 | Topics in Ocular Disease (taught by MBKU faculty virtually) | 3.00 |
| EUL 741 | Advanced Topics Workshop (taught by MBKU faculty in US) | 0.25 |
| EUL 741A | Case Analysis (taught by MBKU faculty in US) | 1.50 |
| EUL 742 | Capstone: Clinical Externships US (taught by MBKU faculty in US) | 4.50 |
| EUL 772 | Ocular Health Procedures II (taught by MBKU faculty in US) 1 | 0.50 |
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Students will need to enter the U.S. under an F-1 visa during the final semester of the program. Expenses incurred in the application process are the responsibility of the student and students should allow sufficient time for processing. As a condition for issuing the visa students are required to provide proof of adequate funds to cover all fees and expenses for the final semester. All travel and housing arrangements are the responsibility of the student.