The School of Optometry and Vision Science of the Faculty of Science offers a four-year professional Academic Program leading to the degree of Doctor of Optometry (OD). The program is the larger of two Doctor of Optometry programs in Canada. The immediate purpose of the School of Optometry and Vision Science is to qualify individuals for the practice of optometry. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as optometrists in the province of their choice. The study of Optometry provides students with a background in general science and specialized knowledge in visual science so that they may follow a career in optometric research and teaching if they so desire. A two-year Diploma of Residency, designed for persons with the OD degree who wish to improve and extend their clinical skills, is available. Graduate academic programs in Vision Science leading to the Master of Science degree and the Doctor of Philosophy degree are also available.