SUNY College of Optometry

What is the history of SUNY College of Optometry?

SUNY College of Optometry was established in 1971 as a specialized institution within the State University of New York system. Its purpose was to educate optometrists while advancing vision research and providing eye care to the public.

The college's identity today reflects those three functions. Alongside its Doctor of Optometry program, it offers graduate study in vision science and operates the University Eye Center, where clinical care is also part of professional education. Unlike a general-purpose SUNY campus, it is focused on eye and vision care rather than a broad range of undergraduate majors.

What are the faculties and departments at SUNY College of Optometry?

SUNY College of Optometry is organized around optometry education, vision science and clinical training, not a collection of undergraduate schools. Its principal professional credential is the Doctor of Optometry (OD); graduate offerings include master's and doctoral study in vision science.

OD students study subjects such as visual optics, ocular disease, clinical examination and patient care. Clinical education takes place through the University Eye Center and other approved training sites. The college also offers postgraduate optometric residencies. Applicants should distinguish the OD program, research-oriented graduate degrees and residencies: they have different purposes and admissions processes.

What is the location of SUNY College of Optometry?

SUNY College of Optometry is at 33 West 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Its urban setting places classrooms, clinical facilities and student services in a compact location rather than on a traditional residential campus.

The college is near Bryant Park and multiple subway, bus and commuter-rail connections. That access may be useful for clinical placements and commuting, but travel time and New York City living expenses can vary considerably by neighborhood. Prospective students comparing housing should consider the cost and reliability of their entire trip to campus, not just the distance on a map.

What is the mission and vision of SUNY College of Optometry?

SUNY College of Optometry states that its work centers on educating optometrists and vision scientists, conducting research, and delivering eye and vision care. Its educational approach connects scientific study with supervised clinical practice.

The University Eye Center is central to that approach: patients receive care while students develop professional skills under appropriate supervision. The college's public-university status also shapes its stated commitment to service. These are institutional aims, rather than evidence that every student will have the same academic or clinical experience.