Massive Leadership Changes in Optometric Education

In the fast-evolving world of optometric education, change is a constant. But, in recent years, leadership shifts are becoming more and more common. While change is often good, it does bring about a mix of challenges and opportunities for students, faculty, and the entire profession. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as they shape the educational landscape and hopefully prepare future optometrists for success.

The Current Landscape

Optometry is in rapid transformation due to advancements in technology, healthcare reforms, legislative initiatives, and changing patient expectations. According to a recent survey by the American Optometric Association, 75% of optometry schools reported updating their curricula in the last five years to include new technologies and practices. Leadership within these institutions is important. Leaders are tasked with designing and updating curricula that align with evolving profession standards within the ACOE and NBEO. Notably, the average graduation rate for optometry programs stands at around 95%, however board passage rates continue to be significantly lower.

While the applicant pool has continued to increase over the last several years, there is still a low applicant to seat ratio. Optometric institutions collectively saw 2,868 applicants for the 2024-2025 cycle. The previous highest number of applicants was 2,812 in the 2015-2016 application cycle. This represents a 3.4% increase in applicants (2,868 vs. 2,773) compared to last cycle. But, does 95 new applicants keep pace with the development of all of these new programs?

In 2023, Rocky Mountain University opened its school of optometry. This is the first "for profit" institution to ever launch an optometry program. In 2025, Detroit Mercy University opened its school of optometry. In 2026, SUNY Optometry will open a satellite location in Syracuse, NY which will add 15-30 additional students to the current 100 cohort. New programs are in development at High Point University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. All have anticipated opening dates of 2027 or 2028. So, if you are counting, that will give us 28 schools or colleges of optometry within the next 2 years or so.

The Role of Leadership

Strong leadership in optometric education is vital for multiple reasons. First, leaders establish the vision for their programs, aligning educational offerings with health care needs. With changing patient trends—such as the rise in telehealth, where 30% of healthcare visits are now virtual—education must adapt accordingly. Additionally, leaders foster an environment of innovation and collaboration. Encouraging faculty to participate in research and continuous professional development enhances educational quality. A recent study found that institutions with active faculty research initiatives improve student engagement by nearly 40%, highlighting the direct impact of leadership on educational outcomes.

Think about the number of leadership changes that have occurred at the established colleges of optometry. In the last year or so, Dr. Josephine Ibironke - new dean at PCO

Dr. Brianne Hobbs - new dean at Midwestern Chicago College of Optometry, Dr. Iris Cabello - new dean at IAUPR, Dr. Suresh Viswanathan - new dean at IUSO, Dr. Bisant Labib - new dean at Pacific, Dr. Sharon Bentley - new dean at UC Berkeley, RSO with an interim dean, and Dr. Sulman Hans - new dean at Detroit Mercy. That is 7 of 25 and I may not have counted them all!

The Path Ahead

During leadership transitions, clear communication is essential. Leaders should be transparent about their vision and the transition process to ease concerns among students and faculty. Regular updates can help align expectations and foster trust. Moreover, creating open channels for feedback is crucial. Engaging faculty and students in dialogue allows their voices to be heard, contributing to a more inclusive decision-making process. Institutions that prioritize communication during these times often report a 30% increase in faculty satisfaction and a more supportive academic environment.

Navigating leadership changes in optometric education presents both challenges and opportunities. While these transitions may create uncertainties, they also pave the way for innovation and collaboration. By prioritizing clear communication and innovative strategies, educational institutions can equip future optometrists for success in a rapidly changing field. We must support all of these new leaders. Share with them our knowledge and experience because we are all hoping for the same thing....a brighter future for our beloved profession!