The MCU College of Optometry opened its doors in the year 1959 with Dr. Gamaliel Gonzalez, a pharmacist and optometrist by profession as its founder and first Dean.

In 1962, thirteen (13) students graduated from this college.

Housed in the spacious concrete-four-storey building at Mayhaligue from 1959 to 1996, the college utilized the universitys’ general facilities. Optometry clinics are provided with modern refraction and diagnostic instruments. Mechanical optics laboratory is provided with an up-to-date machinery and equipment for purportedly for the complete processing of prescription lenses and spectacles. The college strives to provide a well rounded optometric education, pursuing a continuous expansion of its academic and physical facilities.

The deanship of the college was turned over to Dr. Augusto Casaje until 1978, followed by Dr. Bernardita S. Mencias in 1978-81. Dr. Ray Garcia was appointed in 1981-1991 and was succeeded by Dr. Teresita R. Yambot up to 1994.

From 1994 to the present, Dr. Francisco B. Baetiong, Jr., with an MACT in Optometry and 1st Graduate of Master of Science in MCU, assumed the position as DEAN.

In October 1996, College of Optometry in the Manila campus was transferred to Caloocan campus where it is now housed in the second floor of the newly constructed PGT building.

The college continuously maintained its educational upliftment in support of the optometry profession in the Philippines. Modern automated equipment were acquired with the college sustaining its highly competent and intellectual faculty members namely, Dr. Edgardo C. Lamson, Dr. Teresita H. Marcaida, Dr. Lynn M. Villamejor, Dr. Christine S. Rodriguez, Dr. Caroline Ll. Ferrer, Dr. Angelito T. Baloy, Dr. Elmo L. Ado, Jr., Dr. Manuela U. Unite, Dr. Crisostomo Malabanan, Dr. Dante Noel P. Perez. Dr. Alejandro A. Caina.

It its desire to adhere to the university’s mission, viz, to develop well-rounded individual through competent instruction, the College Optometry of the Manila Central University has always maintained above average standard in its .educational operation. Considered to be one of MCU’s best assets, the college has been granted Level II 2nd re-accreditation status by the PACU-COA, the only college of optometry with such status.

Most worthy of mention is the consistency as placer and above national passing percentage of MCU’s College of Optometry in National Board Placement Ratings thus it is one of the most successful college of optometry in the country in its continuous commitment in meeting the challenges on EDUCATION.

The College of Optometry in carrying out the specific objective of the university, is involved in acquiring a sense of social awareness and concern in the country needs and development.

Presently, the college is not resting on its laurels, with its general aims of providing its students the necessary skills to become competent optometrists. The MCUs College of Optometry is still way up to foster the important role of optometry, in its relation to our changing society primarily with the concept of health care, geared toward nation-building.