Required courses
View a list of required courses for pre-professional programs in the Course Catalog
Pre-optometry
Optometrists diagnose, manage and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. During examinations, they diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. They prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses and vision therapy. They also treat patients before and after surgery. In some states, optometrists may be allowed to prescribe medication to treat disease. Optometrists use instruments, eye drops and observation to determine the health of the patient’s eyes.
Pre-optometry timeline
- Meet with a pre-professional peer advisor and your academic advisor to discuss your academic goals and plans
- Begin basic science courses (pre-calculus, general chemistry, intro biology, etc.)
- Join campus student organizations (i.e. Pre-Optometry Club, etc.)
- Get tutoring if you need it!
- Seek and begin volunteer/ community experience and continue throughout your undergraduate years
- Choose a major, if you haven't already done so
- Explore all health career options
- Start becoming familiar with requirements for optometry programs
- Seek summer internships or research experience
- Research schools in which you are interested. Utilize ASCO Member Schools and Colleges to start.
- Attend the University Professional and Graduate School Fair
- Make a list of schools you are interested in and research them thoroughly
- Find out earliest date to submit applications
- Prepare for and take the OAT (or GRE or other acceptable exam)
- Reality check: What are your chances? GPA? Activities? OAT/GRE Scores>
- Apply to schools (anytime from late spring through mid fall) Consider taking valuable electives: immunology, upper division biology, biochemistry
- Secure letters of recommendation
- Check-in with a pre-professional advisor to make sure your application is ready
- Retake OAT/GRE/etc., if necessary
- Confirm that you meet graduation requirements
- Confirm letters of recommendation or find alternates if necessary
- Complete secondary applications if necessary
- Prepare for interviews
- Confirm your commitment
- Seek honors & scholarships for graduate school
- Send appropriate people thank you notes and inform them of your success or future plans