UMSL College of Optometry

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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%.

Congratulations to all the students and residents that presented posters at the AAO meeting. We would like to give a spe...
10/09/2026

Congratulations to all the students and residents that presented posters at the AAO meeting. We would like to give a special shout out to Dr. Linnaea Schaub for her 2026 Outstanding Anterior Segment Residency Poster Award.

The AAO meeting was a great place to catch up with students and alumni. Photo 1: (L-R) Aidan Truong (Class of 2028), Dea...
10/08/2026

The AAO meeting was a great place to catch up with students and alumni. Photo 1: (L-R) Aidan Truong (Class of 2028), Dean Elder and Dylan Patel (class of 2027) after the future focus program. Photo 2: Dean Elder's presentation at the Optometric Education Symposium. Photo 3: Kevin Pizarro Class of 2024

Dr. Ed Bennett took some great shots at the alumni reception at the AAO meeting. It's always great to see our alumni exc...
10/07/2026

Dr. Ed Bennett took some great shots at the alumni reception at the AAO meeting. It's always great to see our alumni excelling in their professions.

We are hiring part-time clinical faculty for Thursdays beginning in January. Please contact Dr. Julie DeKinder with any ...
10/06/2026

We are hiring part-time clinical faculty for Thursdays beginning in January. Please contact Dr. Julie DeKinder with any questions. [email protected]

Our first Snack Chat with Dean Elder in the new space went well. Students had a chance to talk to the Dean and enjoy Pre...
10/05/2026

Our first Snack Chat with Dean Elder in the new space went well. Students had a chance to talk to the Dean and enjoy Pretzels Boys soft pretzels, Rice Krispie treats, nachos, fruits and soft drinks. A great way to start the week!

Have you considered a career in Optometry? See all the reasons it may be right for you.
10/05/2026

Have you considered a career in Optometry? See all the reasons it may be right for you.

10/02/2026

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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