The new School of Optometry at the University of Detroit Mercy focuses on providing quality education in eye care.
The University of Detroit Mercy has launched a new School of Optometry in Novi to meet the growing demand for eye care professionals. This initiative accompanies the recently opened Detroit Mercy Eye Institute and aims to provide comprehensive education and training in optometry. The program, which has received pre-accreditation, plans to enroll its first class in fall 2025, addressing a critical need for optometrists in Michigan and the U.S.
Novi, Michigan – The University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) has announced the launch of a new School of Optometry located in Novi, aimed at addressing the increasing demand for eye care professionals. This initiative is part of a broader movement to expand allied health programs at the university and fulfills a growing need for trained optometrists in both Michigan and across the United States.
The School of Optometry will function as a clinical training site while also serving the public’s eye care needs. This new establishment builds upon the Detroit Mercy Eye Institute that opened in April 2023 at the same location, which has already begun accepting patients. The eye institute is designed to be a model for future health education programs, similar to UDM’s existing dental school and the Detroit clinic.
The Doctor of Optometry degree program received pre-accreditation approval from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education, indicating that the school meets the necessary educational standards and can begin enrolling students. UDM expects to accept applications for its inaugural class of up to 44 students, with the first classes scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025.
Located in a 40,000-square-foot building, UDM acquired the facility for $6.1 million four years ago. It houses not only the new School of Optometry but also several other graduate and health education programs, including a Master’s Entry Advanced Generalist Nursing program.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment within the field of optometry is projected to grow by 9% between 2023 and 2033, creating approximately 2,200 job openings for optometrists each year over the next decade. Currently, there are few dozen optometry colleges throughout the United States, and UDM’s new school will be the second in Michigan, alongside Ferris State University.
The faculty and staff at the School of Optometry are equipped to provide an exceptional educational experience. The newly appointed dean and CEO, Maryke Nijhuis Neiberg, previously served as the dean at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Optometry and brings valuable leadership experience to the program. Neiberg emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation of vision care leaders, underscoring the expertise within the faculty.
UDM President Donald Taylor expressed enthusiasm regarding the opening of the School of Optometry and the potential impact it will have on both students and the local community. The establishment of this program aligns with the university’s ongoing commitment to enhance its health-related educational offerings and facilitate better access to health care resources in the region.
The School of Optometry’s launch follows closely after UDM opened a dental education center and clinic in Vermont just two months prior, showcasing the institution’s continuous expansion in health education and its commitment to addressing healthcare disparities.
The opening of the School of Optometry marks a significant milestone for the University of Detroit Mercy, setting the stage for enhanced education and training in the field of eye care while catering to the needs of the increasing population in Michigan and the surrounding areas.
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