SUNY College of Optometry

New York, NY

publicgraduate

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Quick Facts

Wikipedia

1971

Founded

Public school of optometry

Type

388

Total Students

Special Focus Four-Year

Classification

President: Dr. David Troilo, PhD

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About SUNY College of Optometry

A century-long legacy of pioneering optometric education and advancing vision care.

SUNY College of Optometry stands as a beacon of excellence in vision science and education, tracing its roots back to the nation's very first university-based optometry program established in 1910. More than just a school, it has played a pivotal role in elevating optometry from eyewear sales to a recognized medical profession, significantly influencing the 1928 New York State legislation that set new standards for practitioners.

After a brief hiatus in optometric education in New York, a dedicated group of optometrists and philanthropists formed the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY), laying the groundwork for the college's official establishment by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1971. From that moment, SUNY Optometry quickly cemented its status as a leading institution, innovating with the country's first optometric residency program in vision therapy in 1974, a testament to its commitment to advanced clinical training and specialized care.

Today, with 388 students, SUNY College of Optometry continues its mission from its historic campus in the Aeolian Building, a site famously known for the debut of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. This unique blend of academic rigor, historical significance, and a vibrant urban setting offers an unparalleled experience for prospective students passionate about shaping the future of eye care. The recent renaming of OCNY to The SUNY College of Optometry Foundation in 2024 further solidifies its enduring dedication to supporting cutting-edge research, comprehensive eye care, and world-class optometric education.

Key Highlights

✦Carries the legacy of the nation's first university-based optometry program, established in 1910.
✦Pioneered the country's first optometric residency program in Vision Therapy in 1974, achieving one of the first accreditations.
✦Instrumental in the professionalization of optometry, influencing the 1928 NYS bill recognizing university-affiliated graduates.
✦Serves 388 students, acting as a major hub for vision science, education, and clinical care.
✦Located in the iconic Aeolian Building, where George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue premiered in 1924, a centennial celebrated by the college.
✦The Optometric Center of New York (OCNY) was reestablished as The SUNY College of Optometry Foundation in 2024 to support its mission.

Timeline

1910

The Columbia University School of Optometry, the nation's first university-based program, is established.

1928

New York State passes a bill allowing only graduates of a university-affiliated school of optometry to qualify for the state board exam, elevating the profession.

1956

Columbia's optometry program closes; the nonprofit Optometric Center of New York (OCNY) is formed to provide eye care and continuing education.

1971

Governor Nelson Rockefeller signs a bill officially establishing the State University of New York College of Optometry.

1974

The college establishes the country's first optometric residency program in vision therapy, becoming the third to receive accreditation.

1975

The inaugural class of SUNY Optometry, with 17 students, receives their degrees.

1999

SUNY Optometry moves to its current campus in the historic Aeolian Building, across from Bryant Park.

2024

The college commemorates the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, which debuted in its current building.

🏛️

55 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia

Dr. David Troilo, PhD

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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