UMSL Optometry. Welcome Home.
Greetings,
Thanks for your interest in UMSL Optometry! When students are asked why they chose to attend UMSL Optometry, you will hear comments similar to, “It is like a home away from home” or “UMSL has a family feel.” The feeling of belonging and being more than just a student—you are a family member—resonates throughout our program. As one of the smaller optometry schools, we strive to make sure every student, faculty, and staff member feels like they are part of the family.
UMSL Optometry provides our students with a well-rounded education with faculty members who want to teach and are professionals in the field. Our students have ongoing support from committed staff members who are always ready to help. The goal at UMSL Optometry is to provide every student with a solid educational background and diverse patient experience. Your time in the program focuses on making sure you are ready to provide quality eye care to patients after you graduate.
Our small class sizes with an 8:1 student to teacher ratio, extensive clinical experience, various externship options, leadership opportunities, research, and lifelong experiences await you here at UMSL Optometry.
All of the faculty and staff join our team at UMSL Optometry to ensure your time is well spent and enjoyable. The philosophy is simple and powerful: you are not just a student; you are part of the family. From the moment you walk into our building, we strive to make sure you feel welcomed and valued. Without a doubt, you will acquire some of the best educational experiences from our faculty, and you will immerse yourself in diverse patient care throughout the program. During your time at UMSL, you will not only experience optometry through many lenses, but you will make lasting friendships that will become like family to you!
UMSL Optometry. Welcome Home.
Angel Novel Simmons, O.D.,
F.A.A.O.
Associate Dean of Student Services and Alumni Relations
College of Optometry
University of Missouri St. Louis
One University Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63121-4400
novela@umsl.edu
(314) 516-5995 (office) (314) 516-6705 (fax)
Please
Contact List
Dean’s Suite 331 Marillac Hall 314-516-5606
Dr. Keshia Elder Dean and Clinical Professor elderk@umsystem.edu
Amy Ficklen 314-516-5606 Executive Assistant to the Dean and Continuing Education Coordinator aficklen@umsl.edu
Student Services 317 Marillac Hall 314-516-6263 optometry@umsystem.edu
Dr. Angel Simmons 314-516-5995
Associate Dean of Student Services and Alumni Relations novela@umsystem.edu
Aric Hamilton 314-516-4543
Director of Student Services and Alumni Relations awhbmd@umsystem.edu
Linda Stein 314-516-5905
Student Services Coordinator steinli@umsystem.edu
Madar Gul Band Ali 314-516-5632 Student Support Specialist mbxgw@umsl.edu
Financial Aid
Kaje Sanford 314-516-4902
Assistant Director, Student Financial Aid sanfordke@umsystem.edu
Externships
Dr. Linda Du 314-516-5278 Director of Fourth Year Clinical Rotations nguyenlt@umsl.edu
Erin Schaeffer 314-516-5615 Senior Educational Program Coordinator Schaeffere@umsystem.edu
Associate Dean of Clinical Operations
Dr. Vinita Henry 314-516-6532 henryvi@umsystem.edu
Assciate Dean of Academic Programs and Residencies
Dr. Julie DeKinder 314-516-6534 dekinderj@umsystem.edu
Director of Research
Dr. Carl Bassi 314-516-6029 bassic@umsystem.edu
UMSL Global 314-516-5753
University Health Services 314-516-5671
Police Department 314-516-5155 direct line
College of Optometry Mailing Address
UMSL / Optometry
Student Services / 317 Marillac Hall One University Blvd. St. Louis MO 63121
Email: Optometry@umsystem.edu Phone: 314-516-6263
Fax: 314-516-6708
About Us
1. SMALL CLASS SIZE: Schools and Colleges of Optometry vary from 26–150 students per class. We admit around 46-50 students, giving UMSL one of the smallest class sizes in the country. Our labs are generally reduced to half the class size per lab session, and our student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1.
2. CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: The pre-clinic sequence begins fall semester of first year where students primarily learn about foundational material and basic clinical procedures. This allows students the opportunity to gain practical experience in performing eye exams as early in the curriculum as possible. Students earn their white coat at the end of their second year and will begin seeing patients in one of our three clinics during the summer semester. One of UMSL Optometry’s greatest strengths is the fourth year clinical externship program, which consists of 8-16 week rotations selected from our more than 65 active, nation-wide externship sites. Each of these unique opportunities allows students to gain expertise in areas such as contact lenses, pediatrics, ocular disease, low vision, and primary eye care.
3. FOCUSED LEARNING: Faculty are focused on student success. Lab sections are reduced in size to provide a more personal learning experience. Tutoring is available for every student at no additional cost. Counseling services are also available on North Campus for student convenience.
4. CAMPUS SAFETY: The University of Missouri-St. Louis remains one of the safest campuses among all colleges and universities in the Missouri. The university has dedicated campus police who are required to spend at least 70% of their shift patrolling the campus and walking the buildings. The University of Missouri-St. Louis Police Department is the 18th university in the country and the 5th Land Grant Institution Police Department to achieve The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) first credentialing program: the Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Students are encouraged to download the Guardian app for individualized safety, which allows students to contact the police with the touch of a button and has updates on any suspicious activity on or near campus. UMSL also has emergency phones strategically placed across campus for use and officers who provide self-defense classes or escort services. Campus police can always be reached at 314-516-5155.
5. HOUSING: St. Louis has one of the lowest costs of living with an average monthly rent between $500-$900. Many students choose to live at the University Meadows, which is an on-campus apartment complex located directly behind the College of Optometry. There are many different areas within 20 minutes of campus that students frequently choose to live including: University City, Clayton, Maplewood, Central West End, Olivette, Creve Coeur, St. Charles, and parts of Downtown St. Louis.
6. FACULTY/STAFF: The faculty at UMSL are distinguished authors and teachers who are focused on students. Their core mission is to ensure that optometry students receive a quality education and are prepared to care for patients. Our professors are committed to the mission and vision of the college and are readily available to meet with students as needed. Many of them are actively involved in research, which students can assist with as part of the Optometry Scholars Program. We also have a fantastic staff who are always available to support our students.
7. STUDENT INVOLVEMENT: Students remain very active in many organizations, and they hold local and national leadership positions. Our students also participate in national optometric competitions.
•AOSA (American Optometric Student Association)
•MOSA (Missouri Optometric Student Association)
•SVOSH (Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity)
-Haiti, Mexico, Belize, Honduras
•AAO (Student chapter of the American Academy of Optometry)
•NOSA (National Optometric Student Association)
8. OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES: If you are doing a research project while attending UMSL, students have access to additional libraries in the St. Louis area. Students have access to the Thomas Jefferson Library on North Campus as well as to Washington University and St. Louis University School of Medicine libraries. Also, the national headquarters of the American Optometric Association (AOA) is located in St. Louis. Students have access to the Archives of the American Optometric Association, which is located approximately 12 miles from UMSL.
About Us
COMMUNITY FOCUSED: UMSL Optometry is dedicated to serving the community. Our clinical faculty and students provide eyecare through conducting school vision screenings, engaging in humanitarian efforts, and partnering with Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers. .
10. PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION: Most students have their own vehicle to get to and from campus, and parking is included in tuition. Marillac Hall has its own parking lot in front of the building. UMSL students can obtain a Metro Pass for only $25 during the semesters in which they are currently enrolled, allowing them to ride the MetroLink and the Metro Buses. MetroLink is our light rail system with stops on both North and South Campus.
11. FITNESS AND INTRAMURAL SPORTS: The Recreation and Wellness Center on North Campus includes an indoor pool, track, exercise equipment, weights, and an indoor climbing wall. The recreation center offers classes to students free of charge. Optometry has the most participation in intramural sports of any other group on campus, so come join in on the fun.
12. MARILLAC HALL: Over the past few years, the college has renovated Marillac Hall by adding new study spaces aimed to enhance the student experience. These spaces are protected by swipecard access that is only given to Optometry students. The Focal Point was renovated to provide an area for students to eat lunch and relax between classes.
13. OUR CLINICS: The Patient Care Center opened in 2016 and offers 30 exam lanes, conference rooms, research areas, and fullservice dispensary. The College of Optometry also owns and operates two additional clinics in the Central West End and East St. Louis. Our students’ clinical experiences allow them to care for a diverse patient population. Students’ pre-clinical training takes place in our newly finished second floor of the Patient Care Center, which opened in the fall of 2023. This space includes two pre-clinic classrooms, 30 pre-clinic exam lanes, two laboratory classrooms, student lockers, study spaces, common spaces and a boards study exam lane.
14. RESEARCH PROGRAM: Dr. Carl Bassi is the director of research for UMSL Optometry. He and other faculty have wide-ranging research interests. Dr. Bassi’s recent work led to a golf ball that helps players line up putts more accurately by adding three parallel lines to the ball. Students who are interested in research can become part of the Optometry Scholars Program that is designed to pair students with faculty who are currently completing research. Many students who have participated in this paid program go on to present posters and lectures, and have been published in peer-reviewed journals
15. MILITARY FRIENDLY AND MILITARY SCHOLARSHIPS: We are military friendly with several students receiving highly competitive military scholarships. We proudly welcome active duty reserve and veterans into our program. The campus also has a Veterans Center on North Campus which is available to all active duty and veterans of the armed services. UMSL College of Optometry also accepts all military aid to cover the cost of tuition and fees.
16. SCHOLARSHIPS: UMSL Optometry awards students over $100,000 each year in scholarship money, including merit scholarships, the Kansas reciprocal agreement, endowed scholarships, and external scholarships. Travel grants to national meetings are often available to students, which include Optometry’s Meeting and the American Academy of Optometry.
17. CAMPUS RESOURCES: The Millennium Student Center on North Campus houses many university services including the Bookstore, Cashier’s Office, Registrar’s Office, Health and Counseling Services, Food Court, US Bank, Technology Support Center, and meeting rooms.
18. FAMILY FEEL: With the small class sizes and caring faculty and staff, UMSL Optometry has a true family feel to it. The faculty and staff will get to know you on a personal level. We can’t wait to have you join our “family.”
Externships
Externship Locations
In addition to the patient care experiences available through the Patient Care Center, Lindell Eye Center, the East St. Louis Center, and its affiliated clinics, the College of Optometry also has a diverse Externship Program. This program allows fourth-year students to spend a portion of their final year of training in a variety of patient care environments (i.e., military bases, Veterans Administration Hospitals, Indian Health Services Hospitals, various specialty practices and private practices). These five rotations allow you to learn from different doctors in various practice settings.
Center for Eye Care
University Eye Center
• Adult Comprehensive Eye Care
• Pediatrics/Vision Training
• Contact Lenses
• Eye Health Management
• Retinal Photography
• Low Vision Rehabilitation
• Corneal Topography
• Electrodiagnosis
Lindell Eye Center
• Adult Comprehensive Eye Care
• Pediatrics/Vision Training
• Contact Lenses
• Eye Health Management
• Retinal Photography
• Low Vision Rehabilitation
East St. Louis Eye Center
• Adult Comprehensive Eye Care
• Pediatrics/Vision Training
• Contact Lenses
• Eye Health Management
• Retinal Photography
UMSL Clinics
Family Care Health Center
Carondelet 401 Holly Hills Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63111
Phone: 314-353-5190
Affinia Neighborhood Health Centers
(Formerly Grace Hill)
Murphy-O’Fallon Health Center 1717 Biddle Street St. Louis MO 63106
Phone: 314-814-8585
UMSL Optometry Cost Sheet
Tuition Academic Year 2024-2025
*Tuition rates are determined each year in May by the Board of Curators at the University of Missouri.This rate can change from year to year. *The additional costs are estimates and to be used for budgeting purposes only..
UMSL Optometry Cost Sheet
Getting Financially Ready
Federal Financial Aid
To apply for federal student aid you must complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). You will need your federal student PIN number and a copy of last year’s federal taxes. The federal government has established a new website where federal financial aid information is located including: FAFSA, loan counseling, financial aid history, interest rates, PIN site, and where you can apply for Grad PLUS loans at: https://studentaid.gov
Scholarships
The College of Optometry offers various scholarships to students. These scholarships vary in amount and criteria. Visit the below link and search optometry for available scholarships: umsl.academicworks.com
Graduate Plus Loan
Grad PLUS loans are credit-based loans with variable interest rates. Grad PLUS loans are used to supplement funding for education and living expenses or used by students who have maxed out on unsubsidized loans. To learn more about graduate plus loans visit: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/grad
Private Loans
Loans that are able to be taken out by a student from a third-party vendor. These are credit-based and have variable interest rates.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work study is available to optometry students each semester This includes students working as TA’s, tutors, or ambassadors.
MIlitary
There are scholarships available through the Army, Navy, and Air Force. They are competitive; in the past, UMSL students have been successful at securing the scholarships.
Health Profession Student Loan Program
The Health Profession Student Loan program (HPSL) is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. All students who apply for this loan must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The amount awarded will be determined by the number of applications and fund availability. The interest rate on the HPSL is 5%. The borrower will not be responsible for any interest until the start of the repayment period. A one year grace period follows completion or termination of full time status.
Other
529C Self-Pay Employer Trust Funds
NBEO Statistics
When are boards administered?
Part I is given in March of the students’ third year. Retakes are given in August. This test is administered at a Prometric Testing Site.
Part II is taken in December of the students’ fourth year. This test is administered at a Prometric Testing Site.
Part III is taken any time during the students’ fourth year. This exam is administered at the NBEO headquarters in Charlotte, NC. This is a practical exam test. We provide students with a boards practice room in Marillac Hall.
Our students generally score above the national average.
Part I Boards
Next Steps
Please keep this sheet if you plan to attend UMSL College of Optometry
Seat deposit:
●$500.00 non-refundable seat deposit is due within 20 days of the email offer
• Seat deposit is applied to student’s account for the fall semester as a credit
●You can pay your deposit online at https://tinyurl.com/UMSLtouchnet
Background check:
●If offered admission, you will receive an email within 24-48 hours from Certiphi Screening, Inc. which will be conducting your background check. The email will contain instructions on how to begin.
●Background checks must be started/submitted/paid within 10 days of the offer of admission
●**IMPORTANT** Do not start the background check before receiving the Certiphi email containing the link and pass code for the background check. A background check initiated before this email is considered personal and cannot be accepted by the University.
●Another background check will be required after your second year of optometry school
●Students are financially responsible for all background checks
Transcripts:
●If offered admission to UMSL College of Optometry you will be required to send a final copy of your transcripts to us if any of the following applies:
• You have not yet graduated, but plan to do so
• Outstanding prerequisites are required for admittance
• Degree not verified by OptomCAS
• Requested by the Admissions Committee or Student Services
●Transcripts should be sent through the National Clearinghouse; select University of Missouri-St. Louis and then select UMSL Optometry (optometry@umsystem.edu)
Advanced placement (AP) credit policy:
Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and/or College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit is acceptable if the credits were accepted by your undergraduate institution and appear on your undergraduate transcript. We will accept prerequisite courses taken online provided they were offered by an accredited college or university. In-person laboratories are strongly preferred. The course name must appear on your transcript with the transfer credits. If not, you will have to contact https://www.collegeboard.org to request your AP scores and have those sent to UMSL Admissions.
Email: Optometry@umsystem.edu Phone: 314-516-6263 Fax: 314-516-6708
Next Steps
Please keep this sheet if you plan to attend UMSL College of Optometry
Immunization records:
● Prior to start of classes, the following immunization records must be uploaded to your student health portal:
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (required by University)
• Hepatitis B series (required by MO state law)
• Meningococcal Vaccine (only necessary if you are living on campus)
●The records can be in the form of: personal immunization records (baby book), physician or Health Department immunization records, high school or previous college records, or military immunization records
●3rd year optometry students will be required to have TB testing prior to entering summer clinical care
● 4th year optometry students must show proof of the following immunizations prior to start of externships:
-COVID (some medical exemptions are allowed, depending on externship site)
-Hepatitis B
-Influenza
-Measles, Mumps, Rubella
-Varicella
-Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
-Additional immunizations may be required by the CDC or externship site
Financial aid:
● Complete FAFSA by April 1st. FAFSA opens October 1st of each year
● School Code: 002519
● Scholarship: http://umsl.academicworks.com
Class mixer:
●The class mixer is on Saturday, April 26, 2025
●Mixer is a mandatory event to better acquaint you with your class and obtain additional information prior to the start of school
●A tour of University Meadows can be arranged. This is also the perfect time to look for off-campus housing.
Orientation and Start of Classes:
●Orientation is August 21-22, 2025
●Attendance is required for orientation
●Start of classes: Monday, August 25, 2025 at 8:00 am