OPTOMETRY ADMISSION INTERVIEWING PRACTICES IN CANADA AND UNITED-STATES

This study of optometry programs in Canada and the United States identified both the extent of and approach to admission interviewing as well as the reasons for its inclusion or exclusion. A written questionnaire was designed, piloted, and revised before it was sent to each of the 18 optometry programs. The 15 (83%) completed questionnaires were analyzed and discussed in terms of comparisons with similar surveys of medical and dental programs. Evidence in the psychology literature was presented about the strengths and limitations of this selection tool. Eighty percent of the optometry programs that responded provided admission interviews. Concerns about interview reliability, validity, and costs precluded its use by 20% of the responding programs. Of four variables, the interview was the third most important variable in admission decisions. Unlike medical and dental programs, optometry programs frequently used a panel format; an approach which is recommended in the psychology literature. Similar to surveys of dental and medical programs, the reliability and validity of optometry admission interviews were likely reduced by insufficient interviewer training and interview structure. A need for greater program evaluation of the optometry interview process as well as dissemination of the results was indicated.