Research work · 2026
Marshall B. Ketchum University - Southern California College of Optometry 2025 Commencement Address: Contribution of the Veterans Health Administration and Federal Service Optometry to Optometric Education
Hindsight: Journal of Optometry History
Abstract
This 2025 Commencement Address briefly highlights the contributions of the Veterans Health Administration, Indian Health Service and Military (Federal Service Optometry) to the Marshall B. Ketchum University - Southern California College of Optometry’s education and training programs as the profession transitioned from detecting eye disease conditions to diagnosing, treating and managing them in the 1970s and 1980s. From 2000 to 2021, the Veterans Administration expanded VA Optometric Student Externship, post-graduate Residency and Advanced Fellowship programs to better meet the optometry profession’s education and training needs as State Practice Acts continually evolved. Veterans’ access to primary eye care, diabetic tele-retinal screening as well as low vision and brain injury vision rehabilitation services were greatly enhanced.