American Optometric Association, Accreditation Council on Optometric Education AOA-ACOE

Overview

The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) is the sole accrediting body for professional optometric degree (O.D.) programs, optometric residency programs and optometric technician programs in the United States and Canada. Established in 1898 and operating under the auspices of the American Optometric Association (AOA), the ACOE is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The council's mission is to promote excellence in optometric education by accrediting programs that meet or exceed established standards, ensuring the preparation of competent and ethical optometric professionals.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

Founded in 1898, the ACOE was established to oversee the accreditation of optometric education programs, ensuring they met the evolving needs of the profession and the public. As a national accrediting body of the AOA, the ACOE operates as a non-profit organization and is recognized by the USDE and CHEA. Its legal framework is grounded in federal and educational regulations that govern accrediting agencies in the United States, affirming its role in maintaining high standards in optometric education.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: The ACOE is dedicated to promoting excellence in optometric education through the accreditation of programs that meet or exceed established standards, thereby ensuring the preparation of competent and ethical optometric professionals.

Vision: To be the recognized leader in accrediting optometric education programs, fostering continuous improvement and innovation in the field.

Objectives:

• Accredit optometric education programs that adhere to rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness.
• Ensure that accredited programs prepare students to meet the competencies required for professional practice.
• Support continuous improvement in optometric education through regular evaluations and updates to accreditation standards.
• Foster collaboration among educational institutions, professional organizations and regulatory bodies to enhance the quality of optometric education.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

The ACOE operates under the governance of a 13-member council comprising optometric practitioners, educators, public members and optometric technician representatives. The council is responsible for setting accreditation standards, evaluating programs and making accreditation decisions. The ACOE maintains its independence through its nonprofit status and its commitment to upholding the integrity of the accreditation process, free from external influences.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

As the exclusive accrediting body for optometric education programs, the ACOE plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of optometric education. The council's accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of programs based on established standards, including curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities and student outcomes. Programs seeking accreditation undergo a rigorous review process, which may take several years, to demonstrate compliance with these standards. The ACOE's role in accreditation ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the optometric profession and provide high-quality care to patients.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The ACOE collaborates with international organizations to promote global standards in optometric education. Through partnerships with entities such as the World Council of Optometry and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, the ACOE engages in initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of optometric education worldwide. These collaborations facilitate the exchange of best practices, development of international educational standards and support for optometric education programs in various countries.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The ACOE's impact on higher education is evident in its role in shaping the curriculum and structure of optometric education programs. By setting and enforcing accreditation standards, the council influences the quality of education and training that students receive, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for professional practice. Looking forward, the ACOE continues to adapt its standards to address emerging trends in healthcare and education, such as the integration of technology in clinical practice and the expansion of interprofessional education.

7. Summary

The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education is a pivotal organization in the field of optometric education, ensuring that programs meet high standards of quality and effectiveness. Through its rigorous accreditation process, the ACOE plays a crucial role in preparing competent and ethical optometric professionals who are capable of providing high-quality care to patients. Its commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration with international organizations underscores its dedication to advancing the field of optometry.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the ACOE?
  The ACOE is the sole accrediting body for optometric education programs in the United States and Canada, ensuring that programs meet established standards of quality and effectiveness.
• When was the ACOE established?
  The ACOE was founded in 1898 as a national accrediting body of the American Optometric Association.
• What programs does the ACOE accredit?
  The ACOE accredits professional optometric degree (O.D.) programs, optometric residency programs and optometric technician programs.
• Is the ACOE recognized by any accrediting bodies?
  Yes, the ACOE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• How can I find accredited optometric programs?
  Accredited programs can be found through the ACOE's program directories available on their official website.

Organization Name

American Optometric Association, Accreditation Council on Optometric Education

Acronym

AOA-ACOE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1898

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); U.S. Department of Education

Affiliations or Memberships

Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

27

Address

243 North Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis
63141 Missouri United States

Phone

+1 (314) 991 4100

Fax

+1 (314) 991 4101

List of universities offering programs accredited by the American Optometric Association, Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (AOA-ACOE):

1) Department of The Air Force
2) Ferris State University Michigan College of Optometry
3) Illinois College of Optometry
4) Indiana University, School of Optometry
5) Inter American University of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry
6) Madison Area Technical College
7) MCPHS University School of Optometry
8) Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry
9) Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry
10) New England College of Optometry
11) Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry
12) Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
13) Pacific University, College of Optometry
14) Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University
15) Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University
16) Southern College of Optometry
17) State University of New York College of Optometry
18) The Ohio State University, College of Optometry
19) University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Optometry
20) University of California, Berkeley, Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science
21) University of Houston, College of Optometry
22) University of Missouri-St. Louis, College of Optometry
23) University of Montreal, École d Optométrie
24) University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry
25) University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry
26) University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science
27) Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry

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Wikipedia Article

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