PhD in Optometry (PhD)

The tuition fee is 33,656 USD per year.

Students study the principles and techniques for examining, diagnosing, and treating conditions of the visual system. They also learn to prescribe glasses and contact lenses, other optical aids, corrective therapies, patient counseling, physician referral, practice management, ethics, and professional standards.

This field prepares people for independent professional practice of optometry. It also supports work in patient counseling, physician referral, practice management, and the use of corrective and optical aids.

For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes.

Salus University’s Elkins Park Campus brings together two 100+ year legacies under a shared focus on preparing students to make a difference. The campus joins Drexel University, creating a setting for professional and graduate degree and certificate programs in health science professions. Faculty work across health science and education rehabilitation, while graduates have a history of leading their professions with progressive thinking about health, wellness, and public service.

Academic strengths include optometry, nursing, audiology, occupational therapy, physician assistant education, medicine, and other health science professions. The Pennsylvania College of Optometry has pioneered influential innovations in postgraduate optometric education worldwide. The College of Nursing and Health Professions prepares nurses and health professionals through experiential learning and interprofessional research. The College of Medicine brings together education, research, and compassionate care. Early and sustained clinical experience gives students hands-on exposure to patient care, while interdisciplinary programs support collaboration with interprofessional teams.

The campus is located in suburban Elkins Park, just outside Philadelphia. Students have access to the city’s culture, arts, history, sports, and entertainment while studying in a setting focused on health care education. Community projects extend across local and global settings, advancing health, wellness, and public service. International students should expect a professionally focused environment where patient care, clinical experience, and collaboration are central to study.