Fourth Year Curriculum
During the fourth year, interns are assigned to clinical externship training sites for two semesters and an in-house rotation for one semester.
Fourth Professional Year; 60 credit hours
Summer Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| OPT401 | Clinical Externship - or - | 20.0 |
| OPT400 | Clinical Intern | 19.0 |
| OPT409 | Comprehensive Clinical Management I | 1.0* |
| Total Credits | 20.0 |
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| OPT411 | Clinical Externship - or - | 20.0 |
| OPT410 | Clinical Intern | 19.0 |
| OPT419 | Comprehensive Clinical Management II | 1.0* |
| Total Credits | 20.0 |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| OPT421 | Clinical Externship - or - | 20.0 |
| OPT420 | Clinical Intern | 19.0 |
| OPT429 | Comprehensive Clinical Management III | 1.0* |
| Total Credits | 20.0 |
*Comprehensive Clinical Management (409, 419, 429) series will offer one section each semester
During the fourth year, interns are assigned to clinical externship training sites for two semesters and the UIWRSO internal clinical network for one semester. The fourth-year rotations within the UIWRSO clinic network include direct supervised patient care in the Cornea and Contact Lens, Ocular Health, Peri-Operative, Low Vision and Rehabilitation, Vision Therapy, Visual Neurophysiology, and Adult Care Services.
The Externship Program is designed to broaden and enhance the student's diagnostic, treatment and management experience of ocular and visual conditions. Clinical experiences in private practice, referral centers, ophthalmology/co-management centers, Veterans Administration hospitals, Department of Defense hospitals and other hospital-based facilities are available. Participation with Doctors of Optometry and other professionals in comprehensive patient care are emphasized. Case conferences and grand round experiences may be assigned. Case presentations, evidence-based research on clinical conditions, and ongoing enhancement of examination skill proficiency as assigned by externship faculty constitutes an important component of this clinical experience.