The evolution of optometric education in America

The first American optometry law was passed in Minnesota 100 years ago. That law--and the others that followed--determined the minimal educational requirements to practice optometry. Legislating the practice of optometry was the first step in changing optometric education, from a short course in refraction to an accredited university program. As the practice of optometry has changed and evolved over the past 100 years, so has the optometry school education.

This article chronicles the changes that have occurred in optometric education during this evolutionary period.