This year’s Industry Collaborative seeks to address these three challenges:
Misalignment of Entry-Level Expectations
National organizations (NBEO, AOA, ASCO, ARBO) have varying definitions of what a graduate should be able to do on day one. How can we create a consensus that defines what requires true mastery (deep understanding for lifelong adaptability) vs. competency (practical proficiency at a safe and effective level)?
- Which areas of optometry require true mastery (e.g., optics, anatomy, disease mechanisms, problem-solving) versus competency (e.g., certain procedural skills, documentation, insurance coding)?
- How can optometric education create critical thinkers who can adapt to new technologies and clinical advancements without overwhelming students?
- Would shifting certain advanced clinical training to residency programs reduce pressure on students while ensuring better long-term learning?
- Which areas of optometry require true mastery (e.g., optics, anatomy, disease mechanisms, problem-solving) versus competency (e.g., certain procedural skills, documentation, insurance coding)?
Curricular Overload
and Board Performance
How do we balance the growing demands of optometric education with the need for students to achieve both mastery of foundational knowledge and competency in clinical execution? How can we improve NBEO board performance without overburdening students?
- Why are NBEO scores declining, and what does this indicate about gaps in education or overloading students with information?
- How can NECO (and other schools) work with NBEO to align assessments with modern educational best practices?
- Could a competency-based assessment model help ensure students graduate prepared without excessive memorization?
- Why are NBEO scores declining, and what does this indicate about gaps in education or overloading students with information?
Financial Stress and
Student Debt
How does the pressure to learn everything in four years contribute to student burnout, debt, and career decisions? Are there alternative models of education or post-graduate training that could better support long-term success without requiring students to bear additional financial burdens.
- How does the current debt burden affect graduates’ ability to specialize or choose careers based on patient care needs rather than financial necessity?
- Are there alternative pathways (e.g., employer-sponsored loan repayment, structured mentorship programs) that could ease the financial burden?
- Would an extended training model (e.g., hybrid education with more residency options) be financially sustainable, or would it place additional debt burdens on students?
- How does the current debt burden affect graduates’ ability to specialize or choose careers based on patient care needs rather than financial necessity?
Expected Outcomes from the Industry Collaborative
A Framework for Mastery vs. Competency
We will define what new graduates should master versus what they can develop competency in and refine post-graduation via continuing education or residency.
Recommendations for Curricular Adjustments
We will identify possible ways to reduce curricular overload while strengthening critical thinking and adaptability among optometry students.
NBEO & Stakeholder Alignment
We will develop recommendations for a more aligned approach between national organizations and optometric schools, aided by in-person representatives from these organizations.
Financial & Educational Innovations
We will actively explore alternative educational models and/or financial solutions designed to improve career sustainability.
Follow-Up Strategy
We will establish a timeline for implementing recommendations and engaging stakeholders beyond the 2025. This strategy will include quarterly podcasts, affinity groups, and virtual mini-conferences in 2026 and beyond.
“I was surprised by how honest — and sometimes painful — the discussions were at the Industry Collaborative. Listening to educators, community healthcare leaders, and industry leaders debate difficult topics with complete candor was so refreshing and gives me hope for the future of optometry.”
– 2024 Industry Collaborativee attendee