Overview of Program

The Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry is recognized as one of the nation's leading institutions in the education of optometric physicians. Progressive development of courses in basic and clinical sciences provides the foundation for you to attain quality education in primary eye care.

Our premier clinical education provides extensive hands-on experience in patient care. The partnership with the Cherokee Nation provides state-of-the-art eye care to this under-served population. In preparing you to meet the vision care needs of the future, NSUOCO is recognized for utilizing the highest levels of new technology, including laser procedures.

We meet the challenge of providing excellence in optometric education by combining the highest quality faculty with the recruitment of highly qualified students. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to student achievement and success, from the process of applying for admission to the thrill of graduation day. Our commitment goes even further, providing post-graduate education through residency training and continuing optometric education. In addition, the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry serves the optometric profession and the public as a clinical referral center.

The beautiful campus is located in an area of northeastern Oklahoma noted for its cultural and historical attractions. Clearly, NSU and the Oklahoma College of Optometry thrive in an exhilarating atmosphere of beauty, friendship, and vast opportunities for development. We hope you will join the NSUOCO family and share in the pride of a career in optometry.

The Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry (NSUOCO) provides an educational program leading to the Doctor of Optometry degree, post-graduate clinical residency certification, and continuing optometric education.

Our primary mission is:

• The education of excellent optometric physicians who, through excellence in academic and clinical instruction, are able to provide the highest quality clinical care and who emphasize an ethical and caring commitment for the welfare of patients.
• To deliver quality clinical services to the patients served by NSUOCO.
• To remain committed to a teaching environment conducive to excellence in education through faculty and students who are diverse, who embrace life-long learning, independent critical thinking, research and scholarly activity, and who have a desire to contribute to society through community service.

At Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, 28 students begin the four-year professional program leading to the Doctor of Optometry degree each fall semester. The small class size contributes to an excellent student to faculty ration, 4 to 1, a warm supportive environment conducive to learning, and the development of lifelong friendships. Students at NSUOCO, along with faculty and residents, participate in more than 60,000 patient encounters each year. Clinical rotations begin the second year and are scheduled not only at NSUOCO campus clinics but also at the optometry clinics in the nearby Rural Health Clinics of the Cherokee Nation.