Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry

Located in Pomona, California, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry has developed a reputation for offering a Doctor of Optometry program that blends clinical excellence with a focus on optometric rehabilitation and neuro-optometry. Since its founding in 2008, the College has committed to training students ready to address complex visual and neurological conditions while maintaining a patient-centered approach.

The College’s mission centers on graduating healthcare professionals who are prepared to meet the needs of a diverse global population. Emphasizing rehabilitation of the visual system and interprofessional collaboration, the institution encourages innovation in education, research, and clinical care. This mission guides the design of the curriculum and the culture within the College, ensuring graduates are both skilled and compassionate practitioners.

Faculty at WesternU play a critical role in the college's success. These educators are deeply engaged in teaching and research, developing innovative instructional methods, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. They foster an environment of inquiry and learning that supports students in acquiring the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for effective optometric practice. Faculty mentorship is a key part of the student experience.

The student body reflects geographic and cultural diversity, which enriches the educational environment. In 2024, 26.6% of students came from outside California, and 2.1% were international. Over the past five years, the College has enrolled students from thirty different states. Admissions processes consider academic qualifications alongside applicants’ diverse backgrounds and experiences to cultivate a well-rounded student population.

One of the College’s defining features is its focus on optometric rehabilitation. This specialty addresses vision issues linked to neurological disorders, brain injuries, strokes, and developmental disabilities. Training in vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation equips students to provide specialized care designed to improve patients’ visual function and overall quality of life. These areas form a substantial part of the clinical training program.

Clinical education occurs primarily at the WesternU Health Eye Care Institute, a modern facility designed to provide hands-on training. Students, guided by experienced faculty, manage a broad spectrum of eye conditions, from routine vision exams to complex treatments such as neuro-optometric rehabilitation and diabetic eye disease management. This clinical exposure helps students build confidence and competence.

The fourth-year externship immerses students in various clinical settings, including private optometry offices, ophthalmology clinics, Veterans Administration facilities, Indian Health Service locations, military medical centers, and WesternU specialty clinics. These rotations expose students to diverse patient populations and clinical challenges, enhancing their diagnostic and communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within healthcare teams. Alongside clinical rotations, students complete a distance-based Practice Management course, covering business and administrative aspects vital to optometric practice.

Core values such as integrity, professionalism, accountability, respect, and community engagement shape the College’s culture and approach. These principles support initiatives to expand access to care, promote health policy engagement, and encourage ethical, humanistic practice among students and faculty.

Through rigorous academics, extensive clinical experience, and a foundation in ethical practice, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry prepares graduates to serve as skilled and compassionate eye care providers who positively impact vision health in communities locally and beyond.