#United States #Detroit #Detroit Mercy #Optometry School #Vision Care

University of Detroit Mercy Launches New School of Optometry

The University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) has achieved a significant milestone by securing pre-accreditation approval from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) for its new School of Optometry. This development marks UDM as the 25th optometry school in the United States and the second to be established in Michigan. The institution is set to start accepting applications in December for its inaugural class, which is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025 at the Novi, Michigan campus. This initiative is accompanied by the opening of the Detroit Mercy Eye Institute, which began patient services in April 2024.

The decision to establish a School of Optometry is a response to the growing demand for eye care professionals across Michigan and the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for optometrists are projected to increase by 9% from 2023 to 2033, driven largely by an aging population that requires more comprehensive vision care services, rising awareness of eye health, and the inevitable retirement of current optometrists.

The university community has collaborated intensively to identify essential programs and services that will fulfill local needs. The launch of both the School of Optometry and the Eye Institute symbolizes a strategic move to enhance the university's healthcare offerings while addressing the critical vision care needs of the Michigan populace and surrounding areas. This contribution aligns with UDM's Jesuit and Mercy mission, which emphasizes the cultivation of skilled, ethical, and culturally aware eye care practitioners.

In 2023, the median annual salary for optometrists reached approximately $132,000, making the field not only a rewarding career choice but also a financially sound decision. The BLS also estimates that around 2,200 job openings for optometrists will occur annually over the next decade, reflecting the sector's continuous growth.

Faculty and Leadership

The faculty and administration associated with the Detroit Mercy School of Optometry bring a wealth of expertise in vision science research and healthcare. The leadership team includes:

• - Maryke Neiberg: Dean of the School of Optometry, renowned for her commitment to advancing optometric education and research.
• - Sulman Hans: Executive Associate Dean and Associate Professor, focusing on academic excellence and program development.
• - Naureen Haroon: Assistant Dean of Academic Administration, overseeing the administration and operations of the academic programs.
• - Robert Onofre: Assistant Dean of Clinic Administration, managing clinical services to ensure top-quality patient care.
• - Pablo De Gracia: Director of Research and Associate Professor, leading innovative research initiatives within the field.

For those interested in the burgeoning field of optometry, further details about the Detroit Mercy School of Optometry can be found on their official website at udmercy.edu. This new educational venture not only promises to elevate the standards of optometric education in the region, but it also aims to enrich the community by providing essential vision care services. In doing so, UDM is poised to make a lasting impact on public health and the optics profession as a whole.