ACOE: Ensuring quality optometric education

A rigorous accreditation process based on strict adherence to high standards continues to contribute to the strength of optometric education and the demanding nature of optometric degree programs.

The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) serves as the exclusive accreditation body for professional optometric degree (O.D.), residency and optometric technician programs in the U.S. and Canada. An independent accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, the ACOE demonstrates the integrity of its processes through periodic reaffirmation, most recently in 2023.

The ACOE recently completed the periodic comprehensive review of the “Professional Optometric Degree Program Standards,” which go into effect Jan. 1, 2025 (read a summary of changes), and the “Optometric Residency Program Standards” effective July 1, 2025.

Every five years, the ACOE’s Comprehensive Standards Review process updates and modernizes the standards. The process for review of the Professional Optometric Degree Program Standards launched in December 2021 and the review of the Optometric Residency Program Standards in June 2022.

The new Professional Optometric Degree Program Standards encompass the standards to which existing and prospective professional optometric degree programs must comply and, for the first time, establishes a definition for “contemporary optometry,” which sets a clear benchmark applicable to all accredited programs. The definition will be effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Adds G. Timothy Petito, O.D., ACOE chair: “Therefore, all ACOE accredited programs will provide training for advance procedures including minor lid procedures and optometric laser procedures within their curriculum, and new technologies and procedures that are part of the scope of practice of five or more states will automatically be included as requirements.”

In line with its mission to “serve the public and the profession of optometry by establishing, maintaining and applying standards to ensure the academic quality and continuous improvement of optometric education that reflect the contemporary practice of optometry,” the ACOE employs a comprehensive and continual review process to ensure students receive a high-quality education. So high that the full process for a prospective professional optometric degree program to earn accreditation takes more than six years, requiring ACOE approval for applicants to continue to each subsequent stage of the process.

The purpose of the ACOE’s multi-step process for developing programs is to ensure only programs with a high likelihood of successfully attaining accreditation are allowed to enroll students.

ACOE accreditation process

As of June 1, 2024, one prospective program has been granted the ACOE’s Stage One designation, the Universidad Ana G. Méndez – Cupey Campus in Puerto Rico, and one has been granted Stage Two designation, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry. Programs are not allowed to recruit or enroll students at Stage One or Stage Two; student recruitment is allowed once a program is granted the ACOE status of Preliminary Approval.

One program, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions College of Optometry (RMUCO) in Provo, Utah, holds the ACOE status of Preliminary Approval and enrolled its first class in May 2023. Including RMUCO, a total of 26 professional optometric degree programs are operating in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

ACOE’s rigorous standards

The ACOE’s accreditation standards lay out expectations for these programs and assures all programs:

• Have and monitor success in achieving their mission, goals and objectives, which themselves must meet a specific standard.
• Have curricula that aligns with their mission, goals and objectives.
• Have research and scholarly activity supported.
• Have sufficient and qualified faculty in place.
• Have facilities, equipment and appropriate fiscal and administrative capacity.
• Have students (and residents) who meet admissions criteria, admitted via an impartial process and provided adequate support and clinical experiences for the independent practice of contemporary optometry.

“The AOA has a tremendous amount of respect for the independence and expertise of the ACOE, which is widely recognized as an accrediting and standard-setting body at the highest levels,” AOA President Steven T. Reed, O.D., says. “From the AOA’s perspective, there will continue to be a strong focus throughout our organization on supporting appropriately rigorous standards and insisting on full enforcement.”

Learn more about the  ACOE and read about the council’s recent actions.