Our Graduate Program in Vision Science has excellent faculty and research facilities and provides a broad range of basic and clinical research opportunities with a strong emphasis on patient-based research. Extramurally funded research is being conducted in the following areas: keratoconus, infant vision, development of myopia, contact lenses and myopic progression, low vision, vision screening of children, and quality of life studies. Information about the curriculum, graduate faculty, financial support, and the application process is included.
Brief History
The graduate program in Vision Science (Physiological Optics)
at The Ohio State University was established by Professor
Glenn A Fry in 1936 and was the first associated with an
Optometric institution. The graduate program awarded its
first Master’s degree in 1938 (to Howard Haines) and
its first PhD in 1942. It has granted, to date, 163 MS degrees
and 41 PhD degrees. Eleven of the program’s graduates
have gone on to become deans or presidents of the schools
and colleges of optometry, including six currently in office.
The graduates count among its ranks: three Proctor Medallists,
four Friedenwald awardees, and three Prentice Medal winners.
Characteristics of the Graduate Program in Vision Science
The Ohio State University graduate program in Vision Science
offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Requirements for the Master's Degree
Three courses of study leading to the MS degree are offered.
In addition to the traditional MS degree, two other programs
are specifically tailored to provide the graduate optometrist
with advanced training in vision research. The MS degree
requires 45 quarter-hours of coursework, an independent research
project, and preparation of a thesis. Coursework is chosen
according to the student’s interests, in consultation
with his or her advisor.
1. Traditional MS Program
A 1-2 year post baccalaureate course of study in Vision
Science leading to the Master of Science degree.
2. Combined MS / OD Program
Students currently enrolled in optometry at The Ohio State
University may simultaneously pursue an MS degree and earn
both degrees within the normal period for the OD.
3. MS / Advanced Practice Fellowship Programs
The MS degree may be pursued together with a two-year advanced
clinical fellowship in one of four areas:
- Cornea and contact
lenses
- Binocular vision and pediatrics
- Vision rehabilitation
- Family practice
Applicants to the Advanced Practice Fellowship
programs must be graduate optometrists who are eligible
for licensure
to practice optometry in the state of Ohio. Our goal is
to provide clinician/educators with research skills in these
four areas of emphasis.
Requirements for the PhD Degree
Students may be admitted to the PhD program upon completion
of the MS degree or an equivalent degree from another institution.
An additional 90 credit hours beyond the Master’s degree
and completion of a dissertation is required to earn the
doctoral degree.
Financial Support
Graduate students in Vision Science are eligible for Teaching
Associate positions in the College of Optometry, which provide
a stipend and full fee reimbursement.
Advanced level graduate students who are optometrists may
be eligible to receive training support funded from the National
Eye Institute (T32), which provides full support for the
period of their dissertation research. These trainees may
be eligible for student load forgiveness.
Other financial aid - including fellowships - is available
on a competitive basis from the Ohio State University. Student
loans are normally deferred when enrolled in graduate school.
Internet Based Information
Graduate program information is available electronically
from this web site. Extensive
graduate admissions information is available at the university
web site: http://www-afa.adm.ohio-state.edu/apps/grad-dom/intro-gd.html.
Applications may be submitted electronically from the web
site: http://www.applyweb.com/apply/osu .
For Additional Information:
Inquiries regarding the program should be addressed to:
Karla Zadnik, O.D., Ph.D.
Chairman, Graduate Studies Committee
The Ohio State University College
of Optometry Graduate Program
338 West Tenth Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210-1280
(614) 292- 3246
Send email to Graduate Programs
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