UP Manila to offer Doctor of Optometry
The main highlight of a convention I attended last May 2026.
Itβs been a while since I attended a convention in person. Last one was in 2018? I think.
Anways, back to topic.
The University of the Philippines - Manila will be the first state university to offer the degree, Doctor of Optometry.
This marks a huge shift in the provision of the education from private (since the 1900s 1917).
The curriculum is in progress as of writing and is expected to be available for enrollments in 2027.
The time to finish the program will be five years instead of the usual six (due to K-12). There is another proposal that the course program will be offered in all state universities and colleges for each of region of the country.
What this means for the future of optometry:
- Increase in supply of licensed professionals could lead to either stagnant salary increase or expendable employees.
- Increase in demand for teaching positions.
- Saturated professionals in urbanized areas, retail and clinics will either have to market their brand well or expand to the provinces.