The recruitment and retention of disadvantaged and underrepresented groups in optometry

The recruitment and retention of disadvantaged students represents a formidable challenge to optometric educators. Referrals by optometrists and counsellors, visits to minority campuses, and information through the news media can help the recruitment process. Academic achievement and retention rates can be enhanced by tutorial programs, development of learning centers, learning modules, self-paced materials, and computer software. The most important element is the sensitivity of faculty and administrators to the educational needs of the students and the health care needs of disenfranchised populations.