Michigan College of Optometry has new vision at Ferris State

The Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, with the help of a new facility, is ensuring Michigan will have a good supply of optometrists for future health care needs while keeping the business of optometry here in the state.

"Over half of all optometrists working in Michigan were trained here," says Michael T. Cron, O.D., dean of the college.

The MCO is one of only 20 optometry schools in the country, and the only one in Michigan. In January 2011, they got a huge shot in the arm when they moved out of an old college dorm and into a brand new facility on campus.

"We're still breaking it in," says Cron of the glistening new facility. The MCO originally opened in an old science building on campus in 1975. Then in 1977 they moved to what was to be a five-year stay in an old college dormitory. After thirty-four years and some serious lobbying in Lansing, they are finally in a new facility.

"We're grateful to the state of Michigan for providing money to support our program," says Cron. "We're very pleased to be in our new facility."

Cron says the new facility offers advantages over the old facility that are too numerous to mention. The main advantage, as one can imagine, is the ability to use new technology in an efficient manner. He also says the new digs are much warmer.

"Students don't have to come to classes wrapped in blankets anymore," he says with a chuckle.

Eighteen instructors teach 38 students, providing individualized instruction for future optometrists. Entry into the program is competitive, to say the least. More than 200 doctoral and post-doctoral students compete each year for the 38 seats.

Applicants must take an entrance exam and pass an interview with faculty, in addition to having a high grade point average in undergraduate class work. Undergrad work is usually of the pre-med type, including biology, chemistry and anatomy.

Most of the enrollees hail from Michigan--some 70 to 80 percent, says Cron. However, they also actively recruit students outside the state. While many graduates will go into private practice, some will opt for professions in the military and veterans' hospitals.

The facility is set up so interns can offer eye exams and other optometry services to the public at large, under the watchful eye (no pun intended) of veteran instructors. The new facility makes it much more efficient to serve these patients.

Neil Moran is a freelance writer and copywriter. His website is www.neilmoran.com.