UMSL College of Optometry

UMSL College of Optometry Welcome to the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry page.

Founded: 1980



Location: Marillac Hall (south-side of campus)



Enrollment: 172 full-time students, 33% male, 66% female



Geographic Representation: 29% from Missouri, 71% from 25 other states with two international student



Degrees Offered: Doctor of Optometry



Faculty: 23 full time, Over 75 part-time adjunct instructors and preceptors 100% hold highest degree in their discipline



Student-to-Faculty Ratio: approximately 8-to-1



Average Class Size: 48



Graduation Rate: 98%



National Board Success Rate: 92% to 100% pass all parts before graduation



Placement: 100% of graduates are employed or attending a residency or graduate school at the time of licensure



First Professional Year Profile: Average OAT scores: 315: average incoming GPA of 3.47

Unique Features: Class size 30% smaller than the average of other schools and colleges of optometry; excellent and diverse clinical experience with over 100 externship sites



Scholarship and Financial Aid: Merit and need-based scholarships, Federal financial aid, Endowment Scholarships, Internal Optometry Scholarships, Military Scholarships, Partners In Education Scholarships. Students enrolled in the professional degree program are selected from a diverse pool of applicants representing all fifty states, the District of Columbia and fourteen countries. During the rigorous four year course of study students demonstrate that they have attained competency to the level of a new practitioner within six domains, [patient care, optometric knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement and systems-based learning] assessed via a series of examinations, proficiencies and evaluations of clinical skills. In addition, prior to graduation all students have taken the three-part examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). In 2013, 97.4% of our students had passed the examinations before graduation compared to the national average of 90.3%.

Our application season is open for the class of 2030! We’re seeking talented, curious students who are passionate about ...
07/22/2025

Our application season is open for the class of 2030! We’re seeking talented, curious students who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in people’s lives while building a rewarding career.

Congratulations, Dr. DeKinder!
07/21/2025

Congratulations, Dr. DeKinder!

The organization is responsible for setting the standards for the profession of optometry.

07/18/2025
https://futureeyedoc.org
07/16/2025

https://futureeyedoc.org

From strong patients relationship to high earning potential, a career in optometry can give everything you want in life.

Congratulations to Dr. Timothy Wingert who has been inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame. It recognizes and...
07/15/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Timothy Wingert who has been inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame. It recognizes and honors optometrists who are luminaries of the professions—those who have made significant and long-lasting contributions to the optometric profession. Dr. Wingert was a professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry, where he continues to hold the title of professor emeritus. While in Missouri, he served as president of the Missouri Optometric Association, as well as being named Missouri Optometrist of the Year and St. Louis Optometrist of the Year. He was appointed by the governor to serve on the Missouri Children’s Vision Commission for a four-year term beginning in 2008 and was the chair of the Commission in 2010. He was the chair of the ASCO International Education Committee.

We’re seeking talented, curious students who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in people’s lives while bui...
07/10/2025

We’re seeking talented, curious students who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in people’s lives while building a rewarding career.

Congratulations, Dr. Jones!
07/09/2025

Congratulations, Dr. Jones!

Jones previously served as president of both the Missouri Optometric Student Association and the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists and has been heavily involved in the college.

07/08/2025

Great news! Dean Elder has a quick update regarding the College of Optometry's newly renovated space on north campus. We will continue to keep you posted on the progress.

Address

St. Louis, MO

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(314) 516-6263

Website

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