optometry school in puerto rico

[linhle515]

does any one go there or heard of anything about the school? what is everyone's opinion on this school..let me know

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[ODhopeful]

does any one go there or heard of anything about the school? what is everyone's opinion on this school..let me know

The school is generally most applicants last choice because it is not in the nation. Also, if you read enough on this forum, some people have some pretty bad to say about the school, so I would definitely do a lot of research before going there. I hear that they teach some classes in Spanish and for people who don't speak Spanish that would be troublesome. I don't know, it's your call...

 

[jchod]

The school is generally most applicants last choice because it is not in the nation. Also, if you read enough on this forum, some people have some pretty bad to say about the school, so I would definitely do a lot of research before going there. I hear that they teach some classes in Spanish and for people who don't speak Spanish that would be troublesome. I don't know, it's your call...

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=204577

I did it, loved it and would do it again in a second.

 

[lookintomyeyes]

does any one go there or heard of anything about the school? what is everyone's opinion on this school..let me know

I don't know if you speak spanish or not, but as far as I know the classes are taught only spanish.

 

[prod]

I don't know if you speak spanish or not, but as far as I know the classes are taught only spanish.

Incorrect!!!! Classes are taught mostly in English. Very few, and I do mean very few, are taught in Spanish and if at all. If they are, class presentations are given out in English as well as all written materials such as handouts and notes, and all tests have to be given in English.

Clinic is another matter. Every student should be able to communicate in Spanish. A conversational Spanish course is appropriate. Your basic pre-opt undergrad Spanish is not enough. You have to speak it, be able to improvise and understand it.

Again, if you have no direct experience with the School in PR, please refrain from comments.

 

[jchod]

Again, if you have no direct experience with the School in PR, please refrain from comments.

Thank you. I second that. BTW, many of my classmates entered the school knowing very, very little Spanish (basically none) and did just fine. The school was actually my first choice! No other school will make you a bilingual OD, and that can be very marketable.

 

[Donethat]

My advise to you is to get every claim they make in writing.

 

[cpw]

please only post about a school with FACTS. No speculation, rumors, and flame wars.

Thanks...

 

[massah1234]

does any one know what the Requirement is to get in to this school? i live in texas so there are allot of spanic people here. so if any one that has gotten in to the puerto rico optometry school please let me know.
GPA? OAT SCORE? LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION? ETC......

 

[gochi]

lol.

what happens if you do not know any Spanish and refuse to take any Spanish courses where you learn the language.

 

[JMU07]

does any one know what the Requirement is to get in to this school? i live in texas so there are allot of spanic people here. so if any one that has gotten in to the puerto rico optometry school please let me know.
GPA? OAT SCORE? LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION? ETC......

Fonz is right... look on their website and opted.org and you'll find out what you need to know.

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

I was very hesistant to apply to PR but I did anyway. As someone stated earlier, it is sometimes a last resort school. But honestly, with how expensive education is..I refuse to dish out anymore money taking courses for readmission. As I have done my research and contacted ODs from IAUPR, they honestly seem to be happy and doing well financially practicing in the US. Though it sounds cliche, the optometry school experience it truly what you make of it (ie; no one school is going to pass the National Boards for you, you have to put in the time and effort). I remember when I was in my first year at ICO I really felt like I was simply READING everything I needed to know for tests versus being taught the information. If I recall...a lot of people didn't even bother going to class and just read at home.

As for people putting down other optometry schools due to lack of information and knowledge, how does that make YOU any different from ophthalmologists putting down optometrists for not being MDs?

At any rate, I will be notified at the end of this month if I got in the program....if I do...I am totally going to accept the offer.

Since optometry admission as a whole has become a lot more competitive each year, IAUPR has become a lot more selective and has also modified their curriculum. Their entering GPA is slightly above a 3.0 and their OAT scores are a lot higher than they used to be for admission.

One last thing, although I am fluent in Spanish, I heard from IAUPR ODs that the Spanish they knew prior to enrollment was very minimal. As you immerse yourself into the culture, the basic language skills evolve and the Spanish classes they offer is adequate during your first year.

 

[IndianaOD]

Scope of practice for PR is TERRIBLE. If you can't treat anything how are you going to learn?

It does have the lowest average entrance stats by quite a margin.

IMHO if you are going out of country you might as well get your MD from one of the Caribbean schools.

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

IndianaOD, have you actually been to the clinics of PR to make a judgement like that? I mean, is this based on fact or hearsay, as most posts on here? Or is this a blanket statement on one encounter you may have had with an IAUPR student clinician?

To play devils advocate, does every optometry school except IAUPR proIduce exceptional ODs? Honestly, I have worked in the optometric/ophthalmic field for 5+ years, and trust me...I have worked with some pretty incompetent and crappy optometrists from some of the "better optometry schools." So going to a "good school" will not equal an excellent optometrist either.....

 

[StushOD]

This article is from 2005. Has the scope changed?

http://www.revoptom.com/index.asp?page=2_1383.htm

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

Thanks for the informative article StushOD.

Can anyone from IAUPR (OD or current student) answer the question, are ODs now allowed to dilate patients?

(How the heck do you do a thorough screening with a direct ophthalmascope only? It can be done..but must suck!)

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

Okay, I can answer my own question now since a graduate PMed me back. He stated that since IAUPR is a learning institution, you can administer the necessary drops the patient needs (ie; dilated fundus exams). However, I do not know what the current state of licensure is for practicing ODs in PR. For myself, I would come back to the mainland to practice in DC or MD which both allow for ODs to perform dilated exams.

 

[Hambre]

PR ODs have to take a license program to be able to dialate fundus. However, in our clinical setting, the pharm component is very lacking as they try all sorts of "home remedies" in lieu of being able to prescribe.
I was told to treat a bad case of Allergic conjunctivitis with Omega 3s (fish oil). I am not making this up.

But yeah, our school has stigma, and lot is deserved. There are a few of us who will answer honestly to any question posed, but don't spread rumors.
I guarantee our students are more hardworking toward their education, simply because WE HAVE TO BE. And I am proud of my classmates, even though I can't say the same for most of our faculty/administration.

 

[Hambre]

My advise to you is to get every claim they make in writing.

Definitely. Even if they say classes will transfer, get it emailed to you and signed. Its sad, but you have to do it. They are a little bit fishy.

 

[Hambre]

lol.

what happens if you do not know any Spanish and refuse to take any Spanish courses where you learn the language.

Its been done here, but those students didn't have fun.

If this is a serious comment.... then why bother asking about a school in PR? You won't be able to live very well due to lack of communication IN THE CULTURE.

 

[Hambre]

To play devils advocate, does every optometry school except IAUPR proIduce exceptional ODs? Honestly, I have worked in the optometric/ophthalmic field for 5+ years, and trust me...I have worked with some pretty incompetent and crappy optometrists from some of the "better optometry schools." So going to a "good school" will not equal an excellent optometrist either.....

Love this quote. Its like that AVIS car rental commercial: We're #2, we work harder for you.

We work harder due to alot of the factors many of you have heard of that are true. In the end, that hard work relates to 1) Compassionate doctors, 2) Confident Doctors, 3) Doctors who know how to research and self teach themselves.

I went on an Externship with 2 students from other schools, under 4 doctors- those doctors 1) 15 year OD from Berkely, 2) 3rd year OD from New England, 3) 1st year doc from Houston and a 10 year Ophthalmologist (retinal specialist).
I was heads over the other 2 students, and each Doctor started calling me "Doctor" after my 2nd week as they trusted my judgement. They other students they called by first name.

Its all in who you are, and how you study, and what you make of it. I am in my 30s, and I'm going to be a good Dr.
I was a good doctor from my 1st year on.

There is alot of stigma associated with the school, and its mostly true. But please do not associate the student body with 'the school'. The school has not helped me the way they should have, but I will be the best doctor I can be.

If you can work this hard (and it sucks) then you can make it in PR.

 

[IndianaOD]

Perhaps you can dilate, but what about managing glaucoma, orals, inflammation?

 

[hoop44]

Enough of your input buddy. Come down to PR and see what it's all about. Your spitting out facts that are not true.

 

[Hambre]

Perhaps you can dilate, but what about managing glaucoma, orals, inflammation?

I'm guessing you are honestly interested, so I'll bite.

Optometrists are NOT allowed to do these things- like previously stated. However, we do have several key clinics (part of our in-school internship for 4th year) that these pts are referred to, and these clinics have MDs that let us practice under their license (or sign our charts).
That gives you glaucoma, and some oral antibiotics. Inflammation (if you have had Therapuetics) can be delt with pretty well OTC, and if more is needed we refer to ourselves in said clinics.
At the school we have 2 MDs that sign scripts.

Its not a perfect system, and I am not fond of it-- i highly dislike my school--- but we who graduate are not "lost" when it comes to these factors.

Thanks for asking though... and please-- to everyone, lets not flame each other. I have ranted on other boards how my school sucks, but haven't attacked another person. Be cool!

 

[IndianaOD]

Enough of your input buddy. Come down to PR and see what it's all about. Your spitting out facts that are not true.

I've been to PR to visit a buddy for a week. Does that count? He is an MD and told me ODs have no respect or privileges down there.

 

[massah1234]

Is Puerto Rico optometry school that bad? Is it true most of the students there don’t pass their board test? And IndianaOD where did your buddy get his MD, in Puerto Rico?

 

[Hambre]

Is Puerto Rico optometry school that bad? Is it true most of the students there don’t pass their board test? And IndianaOD where did your buddy get his MD, in Puerto Rico?

Yes, the school is not to standards as in the states. yes our board pass rate is in the low 14-16%.

Some of this is true-- The MD community treats the ODs like they are messing up the medicine here. That is true, no MD has any respect for an OD. However, those of us who live here know how hard it is to find a good MD! In general, the Medical community needs alot more regulations and followups to be anywhere close the standard in the states.
I hate to quote without having the reference, but the Medical License board was busted 2 summers ago for taking bribes and allowing Dominican MDs to obtain license to practice in PR. It was a big deal, and over 200 licenses in San Juan alone were revoked.

I'll put it this way: when we were being recommended for a specialist, our MD said "He studied in the states- he is very good."

 

[zyg0te]

Those who attend the school are there to learn and earn a degree, not respect.

I assume most people plan on returning to the states afterward anyways.

 

[UWOpt2009]

... but what about managing glaucoma, orals, inflammation?

Interestingly, the laws here in Ontario don't allow students at the University of Waterloo to do any of these. Our practical experience with the above is limited to a 3 month rotation in the US during our 4th year.

 

[IndianaOD]

Is Puerto Rico optometry school that bad? Is it true most of the students there don’t pass their board test? And IndianaOD where did your buddy get his MD, in Puerto Rico?

Yes, he is a native Puerto Rican and attended school there. He just came to the States for undergrad.

 

[OPTICIAN21]

I was very hesistant to apply to PR but I did anyway. As someone stated earlier, it is sometimes a last resort school. But honestly, with how expensive education is..I refuse to dish out anymore money taking courses for readmission. As I have done my research and contacted ODs from IAUPR, they honestly seem to be happy and doing well financially practicing in the US. Though it sounds cliche, the optometry school experience it truly what you make of it (ie; no one school is going to pass the National Boards for you, you have to put in the time and effort). I remember when I was in my first year at ICO I really felt like I was simply READING everything I needed to know for tests versus being taught the information. If I recall...a lot of people didn't even bother going to class and just read at home.

As for people putting down other optometry schools due to lack of information and knowledge, how does that make YOU any different from ophthalmologists putting down optometrists for not being MDs?

At any rate, I will be notified at the end of this month if I got in the program....if I do...I am totally going to accept the offer.

Since optometry admission as a whole has become a lot more competitive each year, IAUPR has become a lot more selective and has also modified their curriculum. Their entering GPA is slightly above a 3.0 and their OAT scores are a lot higher than they used to be for admission.

One last thing, although I am fluent in Spanish, I heard from IAUPR ODs that the Spanish they knew prior to enrollment was very minimal. As you immerse yourself into the culture, the basic language skills evolve and the Spanish classes they offer is adequate during your first year.

Hi I'm wondering if you got accepted to IAUPR yet and I also applied there and got an interview but i havent taken the OATS yet im taking it on Feb 17. I know its late but 290 on my practice exams so i really would like to score higher. what other schools did you apply to? if you dont mind me asking what your grades were for your OAT. I really would appreciate your reply.

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

Hey Optician21,
I have not heard anything back yet...though I will give the school a buzz in first week of Feb if I don't hear anything then. As far as schools, the only school I applied to was IAUPR. My stats: BS in Biology with a 3.35 GPA, 330TS, 330AA...RC sucked haha. But I took this back in 2007....didn't want to retake that dreadful test.

What are your stats and where did u apply? When will you be interviewing at IAUPR? I definitely would like to check out the place..heard it's beautiful.

 

[blysssful]

Yes, the school is not to standards as in the states. yes our board pass rate is in the low 14-16%.

WHOA. I knew it was low, but I didn't know it was that low. How has IAUPR not lost their accreditation?

 

[Hambre]

Hey Optician21,
I have not heard anything back yet...though I will give the school a buzz in first week of Feb if I don't hear anything then. As far as schools, the only school I applied to was IAUPR. My stats: BS in Biology with a 3.35 GPA, 330TS, 330AA...RC sucked haha. But I took this back in 2007....didn't want to retake that dreadful test.

What are your stats and where did u apply? When will you be interviewing at IAUPR? I definitely would like to check out the place..heard it's beautiful.

FOLLOW UP!!! Do not think this is like another professional school in the states where they WILL DO what they say! If they said "we will have a decision soon"-- to them that means 1 week before classes begin. FOLLOW UP!!
They are very bad here about not returning calls or anything. Call, and get that info.
A lot of the problems we have in the administration show themselves in the admission process, so don't blow it off, things can get bad here!!

 

[Hambre]

Wow, that low? That's insane!

We almost went on probation.. for other reasons.
But if you know about the 'new boards' that all the Optometry school's are taking:
the new rule by the AOA is that each school have a 75% pass rate or higher upon graduation. If that doesn't happen in 3 consecutive years, then the school will be on probation, for the 4th year being under- the good stuff happens: loss of accreditation/AOA forcing changes.

I fully expect my school to be on probation by 2012, or the Dean (who SUCKS- has NO control over the staff, and IMHO is an idiot) to quit by then and let someone else take over.

For those planning on coming, just know this rule starts with this years boards (2009) and 3 years comes fast in a 4 year program. That means possible accreditation problems by 2012-13.

Having optimism about "The student who studies CAN pass" is great, but once here you realize its a battle against the odds.
YOU can pass, and we do-- but its usually the year after we graduate and get away from the foolishness.

LAST PIECE OF ADVICE---- when speaking to students at our school, make sure you speak to more than just a first year, that tends to be a good/party year and everyone has a good time. Talk to 2nd, 3rd or 4th year to get an honest view.
And make sure if the admission make a promise about accepting a particular credit etc... GET IT IN WRITING. KEEP THE EMAIL.
They have gone back on their word before---- don't get stuck!

Its a game here, play it well!

 

[OPTICIAN21]

Hey Optician21,
I have not heard anything back yet...though I will give the school a buzz in first week of Feb if I don't hear anything then. As far as schools, the only school I applied to was IAUPR. My stats: BS in Biology with a 3.35 GPA, 330TS, 330AA...RC sucked haha. But I took this back in 2007....didn't want to retake that dreadful test.

What are your stats and where did u apply? When will you be interviewing at IAUPR? I definitely would like to check out the place..heard it's beautiful.

Hey Drspontaneouz83, I got interviewed back in Dec. They are waiting for my OATs. My GPA IS 3.2 . I applied to SUNY, ICO, NECO, PCO, IAUPR. I'm so stressed with this exam. Anyways, good Luck with IAUPR maybe i'll see you there.(hehe) FYI, Puerto Rico is a beautiful place, but i was told that its important to go visit the school before you start, since it will be where you will be for the next 4 years.

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

Yea, I have heard that it is really nice there. I am definitely going to visit before I make a final decision. I totally believe my environment contributes a lot to my energy and optimism...never again will I live in a bitterly cold state! haha. Good luck and keep me posted with your final decisions. I remember applying to the same schools as well as NOVA, accepted to all except SUNY..but I did interview there (waste of time! lol).

 

[gochi]

I guess PRCO will somewhat fix the issue of saturation.

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

True...they have a pretty small class size.

 

[Absolute Vision]

Good luck DrSpontaneouz on getting accepted to IAUPR. I had a friend from undergrad who graduated from that school, and is now successfully practicing in southern calif. If I remember him correctly, he told me that his IAUPR interview was via phone. I don't know if they still do phone interviews.

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

Thank you Absolute Vision, I appreciate that. When I spoke to someone at admissions, I posed the same question. It used to be like that several years ago, but they recently changed it to mandatory personal interviews. I don't mind it at all though because I would like to see the facilities first-hand and meet the faculty/staff. Good for your friend!

 

[Carly Ess]

Thank you Absolute Vision, I appreciate that. When I spoke to someone at admissions, I posed the same question. It used to be like that several years ago, but they recently changed it to mandatory personal interviews. I don't mind it at all though because I would like to see the facilities first-hand and meet the faculty/staff. Good for your friend!

If you end up going to PR, you'll have a great time. I went there for vacation last year, and the beaches are awesome!

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

Hey, just a quick follow-up. I just received a phone call from Puerto Rico for a phone interview and it went very well. The interviewer then held the entire interview with me in Spanish after the first 3 mins, I was totally caught off guard...but I think I did an awesome job. The interviewer sounded very nice and he sounded impressed...hope I will know by next week.

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

Okay, I got accepted to IAUPR. Will be joining the class of 2013 =)

 

[Absolute Vision]

Congrats! Good luck...I'm sure you'll do fine there.

 

[KHE]

Okay, I got accepted to IAUPR. Will be joining the class of 2013 =)

What?? I thought you were already in the class at ICO.

 

[DryEye]

Congrats!!!!

 

[Carly Ess]

Okay, I got accepted to IAUPR. Will be joining the class of 2013 =)

Have fun! But be careful with the Puerto Rican woman. They are sexy but deadly as hell; if you cheat on them, they'll slice off your member!

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

LMAO Carly! I will keep that in mind. Thanx for the advice!
Thank you AbsoluteVision, I hope I kick ass there.

KHE, there is a story behind my year at ICO, in the posts here somewhere. Long story short, more focused with my professional and academic life and outside factors have been dealt with to ensure academic success. =)

Might I add, I am rather impressed with you guys on SDN being super supportive and awesome. I hope we can keep our professional field this way and cut out the BS we tend to give each other. =)

 

[Carly Ess]

LMAO Carly! I will keep that in mind. Thanx for the advice!

No problem! Best of luck!