J.opt said:
I was just reading that there are plans to start a new optometry school at UNCP. What do you guys know about this? Is it official?
http://www.google.com/u/uncp?q=Optometry
As a resident of North Carolina and current student at UNC-Chapel Hill, let me first say how much I wish a College of Optometry was in this state NOW!
That aside, I doubt North Carolina will build an Optometry School in their state. Currently North Carolina contracts with 4 Opt. Schools (UH, PCO, SCO, and UAB) that gives NC residents a reduced tuition. NC residents can also apply to receive a large sum of money (btw 35 and 40 thousand dollars) from the state if he/she has a desire to return home and practice Optometry.
According to the academic advisors both here at UNC-CH and at Duke, the incintives for North Carolina residents to get an Optometry education and return have worked out well for the state thus far. Also, these incentives payed for by the State to residents cost far less than it would for the state to start up, build, staff, and maintain an Optometry school of its own.
As I said, a school here in NC would be great not only for North Carolina, but its neighboring states (SC, VA, WV, GA, etc.) as well. However, I just don't see it happening....or at least like cpw said...not any time soon.
