Prerequisite coursework for optometry school varies greatly amongst programs; therefore, it is crucial to be aware of individual schools’ requirements.
For a Pre-Optometry academic planning guide, click here.
+ Mathematics
-
Most optometry schools require at least one semester of calculus.
This requirement can be met by taking:
- Math 211 OR Math 221
Most programs also require at least one semester of statistics. This course can be taken in your major department.
+ Chemistry
-
GENERAL CHEMISTRY: Choose one of these three sequences:
- Chem 103 & 104
- Chem 109 & Chem 311 or 327 or 329
- Chem 115 & 116
-
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY:
- Chem 343 Introductory Organic Chemistry
- Chem 344 Introductory Organic Chemistry Lab
- Chem 345 Intermediate Organic Chemistry
(Note: Some schools will accept one year of general and one semester organic chemistry + one semester Biochemistry with lab. Some schools do not require a second semester of advanced chemistry at all. Pay careful attention to the requirements of the schools in which you are interested when planning your schedule.)
BIOCHEMISTRY:
-
Some optometry schools require at least 1 semester of Biochemistry. This requirement can be met by taking one of the following courses:
- Biochemistry 501
- Human Biochemistry 314
- Human Biochemistry 503 & 504
- Biochemistry 507 & 508
+ Microbiology
-
Some optometry programs require courses in microbiology. This requirement can be met by taking:
- Microbiology 303-304
+ Behavioral Sciences
Most optometry programs require one semester of Psychology.
- Psychology 202
+ Biological Sciences
Choose one of these two course tracks:
-
1. General Track:
- Biology 151 & 152 Introductory Biology
-
2. BioCore Track:
- Biocore 301-302 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics lecture/lab
- Biocore 303-304 Cellular Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 323-324 Organismal Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 333 Biological Interactions
Students must apply to enroll in Biocore. For more information, visit their website.
+ Physics
-
Some optometry programs require coursework in Physics.
Choose one of these three sequences:
- Physics 103-104 (without calculus)
- Physics 201-202 (calculus-based)
- Physics 207-208 (calculus-based)
+ English
Some optometry programs require coursework in English or composition. Check individual school requirements for more information.
There are two available routes for Optometry:
O.D. ~ Doctor of Optometry
Optometry is a four-year degree culminating in a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) title. Optometrists perform annual examinations to treat any vision problems, check for abnormalities, and dispense glasses and corrective lenses.
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists must acquire a Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D. or D.O.), and receive more extensive post-graduate education and residencies. Ophthalmologists are the only eye care professionals certified to perform surgery on the eye.
Most optometry schools require applicants to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). Plan to take the test the summer before you apply. The OAT consists of four sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning.
Partial fee waivers are available and must be requested in writing.
