University of Detroit Mercy announced a major milestone in the development of its new School of Optometry after recently receiving pre-accreditation approval from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.
The exciting development opens new opportunities for prospective students interested in pursuing a career in optometry and marks a significant step forward for the university, Michigan and the broader national community.
The UDM School of Optometry is the 25th such school in the United States and the second in Michigan. The first cohort of students will begin their studies in the fall of 2025.
To apply, please visit https://optometry.udmercy.edu/admission/index.php.
The establishment of the new school comes as part of UDM’s continued commitment to address the growing demand for health care professionals, particularly in the field of optometry. The school is a response to national and local needs, including a projected shortage of optometrists as the population ages and more individuals seek vision care services.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field of optometry is expected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033 -- faster than the average for all occupations. The demand is driven by several factors, including an aging population, increased awareness of eye health and the need to replace retiring optometrists. As a result, the UDM School of Optometry is poised to play a crucial role in meeting this demand by training the next generation of vision care providers.
For prospective students, the school offers a unique and valuable opportunity. With more than 2,200 optometrist job openings expected annually in the U.S. over the next decade, graduates of the UDM program will be well-positioned to enter a thriving and dynamic field.
The median salary for optometrists was reported by the BLS to be nearly $132,000 in 2023, which makes it a highly promising career choice.
The UDM School of Optometry aims to provide students with an innovative, science-based educational experience designed to prepare them for practice and licensure upon graduation.
Dean Maryke Neiberg, who will lead the new school, notes that the curriculum will be rooted in ethics, cultural sensitivity and the highest standards of patient care.
“We have an exceptional team of faculty and staff experts with years of experience ready to train the next generation of vision care leaders,” Neiberg said. “We will have a unique and very strong program. I am very proud of what we will be offering.”
The vision for the school is to become a leader in optometric education, recognized internationally for its innovative curriculum, clinical training and community collaboration.
By expanding its health care offerings, UDM also reinforces its commitment to its Jesuit and Mercy mission, which emphasizes service to those in need. The university’s new School of Optometry and its Eye Institute will work together to provide comprehensive vision care and address public health challenges in the state of Michigan and beyond.
Pamela Zarkowski, UDM’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that the loss of vision is a significant public health issue that affects millions of people in the U.S.
“UDM’s legacy of developing initiatives to meet these needs is essential and helps us fulfill our mission as a Catholic university,” Zarkowski said.
The new school will also provide an exciting opportunity for prospective students to join a program that prioritizes both high academic standards and community service. It is not just about training optometrists; it’s about contributing to a healthier community, especially in southeast Michigan, where the need for health care services continues to grow.
The field promises growth, stability and opportunities to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of individuals across the country.
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