Pre-Optometry

"Doctors of optometry are independent primary healthcare providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions." (American Optometric Association)

Optometrists can specialize in contact lenses, vision therapy, sports vision, ocular disease, geriatrics, pediatrics, low vision, occupational vision, education and research.

Major Selection

As an undergraduate student, you may choose any major in preparation for attending optometry school. Optometry schools do not have a specific preference on a particular major, so you are encouraged to choose a major based on your own personal interests and strengths. What’s important is that you have completed the prerequisite courses required by the institution you are applying to.

Prerequisite Courses

Requirements may vary from school to school, so you will want to research different program requirements. In general, most optometry schools will expect applicants to have completed the following types of courses:

^{*Other courses may be required/recommended by specific programs. You are responsible for knowing the requirements for each individual program. Policies on AP, IB and community college credits vary by institution.}

Complete listing of accredited optometry schools and their admission requirements.

Admissions Test

OAT: Optometry Admission Test

The current sections of the OAT are:

• Survey of Natural Sciences (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry)
• Reading Comprehension
• Physics
• Quantitative Reasoning

Resources

• Admissions Requirements Handbook
• Optometry Career Guide
• Pre-Health Self-Assessment