University of Central Arkansas considering an optometry school

Conway, AR-The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) recently announced it is assessing the possibility of opening a new school of optometry.

The university hired Tripp Umbach, a health care consulting group from Pennsylvania, to conduct the feasibility study to assess the current and projected needs of optometrists in Arkansas and the surrounding regions. The university says the consultants will also look at the advantages and disadvantages of developing a school of optometry at UCA.

Related: Are there too many optometrists?

“There is currently no optometry school in the state of Arkansas,” says Steven Runge, PhD, executive vice president and provost. “We are a state institution, and we serve the citizens of Arkansas. If we can correct that deficit in a sustained way that will provide educational opportunities for Arkansas students and enhance the medical services for all Arkansans, then that is what we want to do.”

The feasibility study will also provide a financial model for construction, start up, and operation of the potential optometry school for the first four years. The study will begin next month and be completed by May 31.

"The Arkansas Optometric Association commends the University of Cnetral Arkansas for its careful study of the feasibility of opening an additional school of optometry and, more importantly, for their careful analysis of the current and projected need for more optometrists in our state," says Arkansas Optometric Association President Susan DeBlack, OD. "Our association hopes to work with the university in their research to determine if there is a legitimate unmet need for vision care in our area, and how to best provide the highest level of care to our citizens and the best possible education for our students." 

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