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%.

09/09/2025
Congratulations to W. Howard McAlister, OD, MPH! Dr. McAlister is an Associate Professor Emeritus at the College of Opt...
09/04/2025

Congratulations to W. Howard McAlister, OD, MPH! Dr. McAlister is an Associate Professor Emeritus at the College of Optometry. He received a Retiree of the Year award at the 2025 Chancellor's Awards for Excellence on August 29, 2025. "The purpose of this award is to honor a retiree who has demonstrated continued engagement and service to the University of Missouri-St. Louis, your profession or your community in retirement." Thank you for your tireless contribution to the profession of optometry.

Congratulations to Angel Forsha, Associate Director of Clinical Operations in our Patient Care Center. Angel received th...
09/03/2025

Congratulations to Angel Forsha, Associate Director of Clinical Operations in our Patient Care Center. Angel received the Staff Excellence award presented by Chancellor Sobolik. We are so fortunate to have you as one of our valued staff members.

Congratulations to Michael Howe! Thank you for all you do behind the scenes at the College of Optometry. Your dedication...
09/02/2025

Congratulations to Michael Howe! Thank you for all you do behind the scenes at the College of Optometry. Your dedication is very much appreciated.

The award is presented to up to three staff or faculty members each month in recognition of their efforts to transform the lives of UMSL students and the wider community.

Last week, we were thrilled to welcome Mr. Ron Kemper, University & Student Relations Manager at VSP Vision, to the Univ...
08/29/2025

Last week, we were thrilled to welcome Mr. Ron Kemper, University & Student Relations Manager at VSP Vision, to the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry! He joined us for student orientation to greet our newest class and toured the JC Penney North Building on North Campus to see the exciting renovations underway.

Pictured here inside the VSP Vision Classroom—one of three state-of-the-art hybrid flexible classrooms that will soon be part of our new academic home.

The Kona Ice truck stopped by the College of Optometry to bring cool treats to our awesome students. Thanks to Student S...
08/27/2025

The Kona Ice truck stopped by the College of Optometry to bring cool treats to our awesome students. Thanks to Student Services for making a sunny day even better.

We are proud to call you alumni of the UMSL College of Optometry.
08/27/2025

We are proud to call you alumni of the UMSL College of Optometry.

Dr. Nina Katsev graduated from the college in 1992, and daughters Dr. Cailyn Katsev Ruck and Dr. Julia "Kiki" Katsev Larson followed her path, earning degrees in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

The College of Optometry "kicked" off the year with sunshine, smiles, and serious fun at the inaugural Field Day! Events...
08/26/2025

The College of Optometry "kicked" off the year with sunshine, smiles, and serious fun at the inaugural Field Day! Events included a three-legged race, blindfolded obstacle course, and a professor-led kickball tournament. They provided food, drinks, ice cream, and everyone who participated had a chance to wine new UMSL Optometry merchandise. Special thank you to American Optometric Student Association and Private Practice Club for "kickstarting" this new tradition!

In celebration of the start of the Fall Semester, Student Services served breakfast, coffee, and tea in the Focal Point ...
08/25/2025

In celebration of the start of the Fall Semester, Student Services served breakfast, coffee, and tea in the Focal Point this morning. Welcome back!

Address

7800 Natural Bridge Road, Marillac Hall
St. Louis, MO
63121

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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