Richard Castillo, Dean, College of Optometric Medicine, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
UNC Pembroke Dean of College of Optometric Medicine Richard Castillo sees a “pressing need” to address demand for optometric physicians in North Carolina, he said in an interview with Invest:. “By establishing the state’s first and sole public optometry program, UNCP endeavors to provide high-quality education that will not only elevate the overall level of healthcare within the region but also directly address North Carolina’s burgeoning demand for eye care professionals.”
What was the driving force behind launching the state’s first and only public doctoral program in optometry, and how does it address North Carolina’s growing healthcare needs?
The impetus behind establishing the UNCP College of Optometric Medicine and the Doctor of Optometry (OD) program in North Carolina was the pressing need to address the state’s escalating demand for qualified optometric physicians, particularly in underserved and rural regions. Optometry is an indispensable component of the state’s healthcare infrastructure, and UNCP recognized a shortage of healthcare professionals in this field. By establishing the state’s first and sole public optometry program, UNCP endeavors to provide high-quality education that will not only elevate the overall level of healthcare within the region but also directly address North Carolina’s burgeoning demand for eye care professionals.
The program will cultivate highly skilled optometric physicians capable of working in communities that lack adequate access to comprehensive eye care. This initiative constitutes a substantial step toward enhancing healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural and underrepresented areas where eye care has historically been scarce. Furthermore, it will address broader public health concerns such as diabetes-related vision impairments and an aging population requiring vision care.
What innovative approaches are being integrated into the curriculum?
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) College of Optometric Medicine has meticulously crafted the curriculum to address the evolving dynamics of the healthcare and optometric professions. A cornerstone of this innovation is the primary emphasis on medical management, complemented by the seamless integration of advanced technological advancements into the training regimen. A forthcoming futuristic $91 million health professions facility on the UNCP campus will serve as a pivotal resource for this endeavor. Students will gain practical experience utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including AI-driven imaging devices and tele-optometry platforms. This comprehensive training will equip UNCP optometry graduates to navigate the contemporary challenges and career opportunities within a technologically-driven healthcare environment.
Furthermore, UNCP underscores the importance of interprofessional collaboration by providing students with opportunities to collaborate with counterparts in its other healthcare disciplines, such as nursing and occupational therapy. This holistic approach fosters a patient-centered care philosophy, enhancing the preparedness of UNCP graduates for integrated healthcare settings and their ability to provide comprehensive patient care.
How do you envision the new optometry program impacting local healthcare access and creating new opportunities for both students and the community?
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) College of Optometric Medicine will significantly enhance local healthcare accessibility by augmenting the number of qualified optometric physicians available to serve North Carolina’s population. As graduates of this program embark on their professional careers, they will be well-positioned to address the burgeoning demand for eye care professionals, particularly in rural and underserved communities where the persistent shortage of healthcare providers has been a notable challenge.
By providing local training, we not only ensure a pipeline of skilled professionals for North Carolina but also stimulate the local economy. UNCP Optometry graduates will be encouraged to practice in areas that are in dire need of healthcare services, thereby improving both access to care and public health outcomes.
The newly established UNCP program presents novel career opportunities for North Carolina students, providing them with a pathway to engage with the burgeoning field of optometry. The training equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become entrepreneurs and establish their own practices, contributing to the state’s economic vitality.
For the community, the doctoral program at the UNCP College of Optometric Medicine aims to enhance overall eye health outcomes within the state. With a broader network of trained professionals across the state, particularly in rural communities, local residents will gain improved access to comprehensive eye care services, including preventive screenings, early detection of systemic conditions (such as diabetes or hypertension), and treatment of various ocular diseases. This will ultimately help to reduce the economic burden of visual disability in North Carolina, which currently stands at $4.08 billion annually.
