Image Source: Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry
The mission of Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry is to “graduate caring, comprehensive health care professionals who will serve the needs of a diverse global society.”
To this end, students have access to academic support services, wellness resources, and leadership opportunities designed to enhance their educational experience and prepare them for long-term professional success.
University LEAD Office: Personalized Academic and Wellness Support
The Office of Learning Enhancement and Academic Development (LEAD) is a part of the Division of University Student Affairs. LEAD’s goal is to help each optometry student successfully complete their course of instruction, including offering one-on-one academic counseling. It provides peer tutoring assistance to reinforce classroom learning and the Summer Preparedness and Readiness Course (SPaRC) for graduate-level study preparation and board exam preparation. Also available are wellbeing support and workshops to help students develop effective study strategies and manage stress.
SPaRC: Helping to Boost Student Performance, Confidence
Incoming students at Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry have access to SPaRC, a comprehensive, multi-week program to facilitate a smooth transition into the graduate-level optometry program. SPaRC provides academic and emotional preparation, including previewing the coursework involved for incoming students and equipping them with study skills, time management, test strategies, and stress-management techniques.
Students are also introduced to the university’s interprofessional healthcare environment, one of the school’s five pillars of excellence. The focus is on providing an inclusive team approach at all levels to ensure students deliver expert, inclusive, value-based care. Additionally, students are encouraged to establish peer networks across the university’s various graduate programs.
For College of Optometry students, SPaRC builds a critical academic foundation, instills strong learning habits, and fosters early professional connections. When discussing the benefits of SPaRC, as one student put it, “I was able to talk to and learn from students who had just gone through the curriculum I was about to start and learn from their experiences.”
Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy: Promoting Equity and Diversity
The Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy (CDHP) at the university was established to increase the number of qualified individuals with disabilities to successfully pursue careers in the health professions. Each student’s abilities and the disability-related barriers they face are considered to provide creative and innovative accommodation solutions, ensuring equal access.
The CDHP provides services such as adaptive furniture, assistive technology, alternative media, notetaking, exam support, and emotional support animal facilitation. It also runs a Student Advisory Board, where students help shape CDHP initiatives, promote disability awareness, and guide university policies.
Participation in Student Government and Clubs: Building Leadership and Community
The Student Government Association (SGA) acts as the representative voice for students, liaising with university leadership on academic, administrative, and extracurricular issues. The SGA helps foster leadership and governance skills among participants. It also helps strengthen organizational capabilities and community building.
The university’s student clubs encompass a diverse range of interests, including academic societies, wellness groups, and cultural organizations.
Counseling Services: Supporting Emotional Wellbeing
Students at Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry have access to the university’s counseling services through Optum Emotional Wellbeing. Up to six free, confidential counseling sessions per incident (available by phone, online, or in-person). The support offered covers a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship issues, grief, legal/financial crises, and others.
Additional counseling services include on-campus mental health professionals, app-based therapy, and 24/7 crisis hotlines.
Learning Skills Specialist: Enhancing Academic Performance
Embedded within the college of optometry, our learning skills specialist offers one-to-one academic counseling to boost study strategies, time management, and exam preparation. They also provide expertise in discipline-specific learning, which is especially helpful in demanding fields such as optometry.
Academic Advising: Guiding Academic Progress, Career Preparation
Optometry students can access the university’s Advising Hub for tailored sessions, either virtually or in-person, to support program planning, registration, academic progress, board and exam preparation, career planning, and other needs.
