The University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry was founded in 2008.

Our focus and mission challenges us to teach, train and graduate a new generation of clinically expert, culturally competent and actively caring optometrists whom prioritize patient advocacy. We educate and treat communities across Texas and beyond, with a special emphasis on underserved populations.

 

Accreditation

  • We are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) of the American Optometric Association.
  • We are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
 

Rooted in Health and Service

  • We trace our roots to 1869, when the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word heeded a call from the Catholic bishop of Texas to care for the multitude of sick, infirm and orphaned in the Texas frontier.
  • The Sisters arrived in San Antonio (pop. 12,000) and built the region’s first public hospital — Santa Rosa Infirmary (now CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital and CHRISTUS Health System)
  • The Sisters announced that the hospital would be open to "all persons without distinction of nationality or creed."
  • On Dec. 3, 1869, the day of the hospital's opening, the nine-bed hospital admitted eight patients
  • Over time, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word pioneered the idea of a total system of medical care that would offer the latest preventive, diagnostic and treatment facilities to care for the mind, body and spirit of all the inhabitants of San Antonio and South Texas.
 

Rosenberg School of Optometry Highlights

  • Founded 2008
  • Alumni: 608
  • The only Optometry program in the United States affiliated with a faith-based institution
  • One of the most diverse Optometry programs in the country
  • Only Optometry School to offer a study abroad opportunity in public health
 

UIWRSO Academic Programs

  • Doctor of Optometry (OD)
  • Bachelor of Science in Vision Science (BS)
  • Master of Science in Vision Science (MS)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Vision Science (PhD)
 

O.D. Entering Class Profile for Fall 2022

  • 64 New Students*
  • 67% Female
  • 33% Male
  • 22% Underrepresented Minorities within Optometry
  • Average Cumulative GPA: 3.42
  • OAT Academic Average: 314
  • OAT Total Science: 303
  • 97% Hold a Bachelor's Degree or Higher

*First-time matriculates

 

UIWRSO Clinical Network

  • UIW Eye Institute
  • UIW Bowden Eye Care and Health Center
  • Communicare West Campus Vision Care
  • Sports and Vision Enhancement Clinic
  • Community Eye Clinic/Fort Worth
  • Parkhurst NuVision Laser Surgery Center
 

UIWRSO Residency Programs and Fellowship Categories

  • Low Vision with emphasis in Ocular Disease
  • Ocular Disease with emphasis in Brain Injury Rehabilitation as well as Refractive and Ocular Surgery
  • Pediatrics with emphasis in Vision Therapy Rehabilitation
  • Primary Care with emphasis in Ocular Disease
  • Sports Vision Fellowship with emphasis in Developmental Optometry, Sports Vision and Neuro-Optometric Vision Therapy