Pre-Optometry

Optometry schools require at least two years of pre-optometric study. Most students accepted by an optometry school have completed three undergraduate years and a large percentage have earned baccalaureates. Minimum requirements common to all optometry schools are one-half to one year of biology or zoology and one year each of chemistry, physics, English, and mathematics. The American Optometric Association recommends that the science courses include the laboratory and that they be the courses designed for science majors and minors. Most optometry schools require that the student complete differential calculus. All optometry schools have additional requirements. It is, therefore, important that the prospective optometry student consult the pre-optometry advisor prior to registering for courses.

Note for Transfer Students: The recommended prerequisite courses have been chosen to provide students with the appropriate background to be successful in the professional curriculum. For students transferring from other institutions, the specific courses taken may vary and the equivalency of the content in those courses to meet the prerequisite requirements will be determined by the faculty of the program. 

Optometry Admission Test (OAT): This test, required by all optometry schools, is usually administered as a computerized exam offered year round. Student can register for the exam online and should plan on preparing for the exam three months before the scheduled test date.

Application to Optometry Schools: These materials should be obtained and prepared during the spring semester prior to the application process, which normally occurs during the summer. Most optometry schools use the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS). This application service can be found online.