Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Graduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Graduate Catalog [Not Current Academic Year. Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Financial Information: College of Optometry


Colleges  > College of Optometry  > Financial Information: College of Optometry

 


Books and Equipment 

Students are required to have access to designated textbooks and equipment. Cost varies for books and lecture supplies for OPT I - III years, and a student may purchase new or used books or choose to rent.  Costs for the OPT IV year are substantially less, as the information is concentrated in the field.

Students can purchase equipment required for the OPT I year of study through the Optometric Student Association, which coordinates the OPT I kit via Pioneer International. Trial lenses and hand-held instruments - a retinoscope, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes - are some of the required pieces of equipment that will be used throughout the students’ educational careers in examination of patients and later during the students’ professional practice.  After being admitted, students will receive specific equipment lists and information concerning purchase and rental possibilities in late spring prior to enrollment. 

External Clinic Rotation 

Students spend 80+ hours in interdisciplinary clinical rotations during the OPT IV year. Several of these clinics are in or near Houston and require no extra expense except for transportation. Other extern sites are located in other states or countries. (See External Education Program for a listing.) Students should plan ahead for additional transportation and room and board expenses for many of these extern assignments outside of the Houston area. 

Total Costs 

Information on tuition and additional program requirements for both UHCO’s Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) and Graduate (Ph.D. & M.S.) programs is available here: http://www.opt.uh.edu/future-students-residents/programs/Tuition Deposit
All accepted applicants are required to submit a $500 deposit. Upon matriculation, this $500 deposit will be applied to tuition. This amount is non-refundable. 

Tuition Deposit

All accepted applicants are required to submit a $500 deposit. Upon matriculation, this $500 deposit will be applied to tuition. This amount is non-refundable. 

Student Employment 

The optometry curriculum will require the major portion of a student’s time and concentration. Especially during the OPT I year, students should outline a financial plan that does not require them to work. However, if a real need for working arises, permission may be granted for limited employment. School assignments and clinical duties cannot be altered to fit work schedules. Students should discuss the possibility of employment with the directors of the Office of Optometry Relations to determine if their academic performance would be jeopardized by working full- or part-time jobs. Work-study funds and a limited number of teaching assistantships are available for upper-level students who have excellent academic records.