SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS— The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) welcomes The University of the Incarnate Word School of Optometry (UIWSO) as an active member. The faith-based school will be based in San Antonio’s Medical Center, with an additional clinic on the city’s east side.

“The Eastside Clinical facility is, in my opinion, what constitutes the jewel of the program. We are able to serve a significant population of the underserved. We are able to expand the mission of the university in terms of social justice, community service and the provision of healthcare,” said founding dean and professor Dr. H.S. Ghazi-Birry.

Students may choose between the Doctor of Optometry program and a Bachelors degree in Vision Science. The curriculum will incorporate a two-year rotation through the optometry clinics to provide a strong foundation in vision science, and has clearly demonstrated it is developing in accordance to Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) standards.

“ASCO congratulates and welcomes UIWSO to its membership as the 20th school or college of optometry,” said ASCO president Dr. John Amos. “We support the UIWSO’s mission, which is consistent with ASCO’s mission of reaching out to underserved and diverse populations. We look forward to UIWSO’s contributions to optometric education and the profession.”

For more information, go to www.opted.org.